Xavier Webb farewelled by loved ones at heartbreaking Gympie funeral
A sea of footy jerseys filled the Gympie chapel on Friday afternoon as the heartbroken family, friends and teammates of nine-year-old Xavier Webb said goodbye to a “cheeky” and “loved child”.
Gympie
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The Cooloola Coast Crematorium Chapel was full on Friday afternoon, as hundreds of mourners farewelled nine-year-old Goomeri boy Xavier “Dude” Webb, who died in hospital on July 19, after suffering burns to 60 per cent of his body in a petrol fire at Kilkivan.
It was sea of multi-coloured shirts inside the chapel, as young mates and family paid respect by wearing Xavier’s favourite sporting team jerseys, including the Brisbane Broncos, the Rabbitohs and his own footy team, the Murgon Mustangs.
The service began with Xavier’s teammates carrying his maroon red coffin into the chapel, in a heartbreaking tribute.
His coffin was placed at the front of the chapel behind a jersey with signatures and messages from people who attended.
The jersey was tucked in with Xavier at the conclusion of the funeral.
Xavier was described as a “cheeky boy”, who was “a loved child”.
“If you knew him, you loved him,” the celebrant said.
“He always made Mum and Dad so proud of everything he did.”
Sobbing parents and children comforted each other as a remix of Eric Clapton’s tears in heaven played, a song chosen by Xavier’s mum, Sandra Webb.
No speeches were made, but a poem written by Mrs Webb describing Xavier as “a special son” she “couldn’t replace” was read aloud by the celebrant.
“To have you as my son was the greatest gift of all,” she said.
“With an aching heart I whisper low, I love you son and miss you so.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, guests were invited to place flowers and other plants on Xavier’s coffin as a final farewell to the much loved Goomeri State School boy.
A GoFundMe raising funds for Xavier’s funeral costs has reached more than $5000.
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