Hundreds bid final farewell to Ed Casey
HUNDREDS of family, friends and former political foes farewelled one of Queensland's most respected political figures yesterday.
Mackay
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HUNDREDS of family, friends and former political foes farewelled one of Queensland's most respected political figures yesterday.
Ed Casey was remembered for his integrity and humour, as man who never took a backwards step and for his occasional off-key renditions of Danny Boy.
The life of Edmund Denis Casey was celebrated at a Requiem Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church, South Mackay.
About 400 people, from the state's powerbrokers both past and present to grieving family and friends, turned out to give thanks.
Many, including wife Laurie and some of the couple's six children, wept as Mr Casey's grandchildren placed red roses on his coffin.
The former state Leader of the Opposition and Minister for Primary Industries was a devout Catholic and a senior figure in the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
Life-long friend Norman Reeves delivered a touching eulogy and spoke of a confident young man with a sense of decency that matured and spanned generations and political divides.
But politics played no part in yesterday's emotional send-off.
Leader of the Liberal Party Bob Quinn and former Queensland Premier and ALP leader Wayne Goss were on hand to pay their respects.
Father John Rasmussen told the congregation that integrity and empathy were two of Ed Casey's many wonderful traits.
Former ALP chief of staff and friend Malcolm McMillan remembered a fierce but benevolent political leader who served with distinction, even when his health was failing. His five sons acted as pallbearers and led the cortege to his final resting place at Mt Bassett Cemetery.
Mr Casey died on Monday at the age of 73.
He is survived by children Patrick, Terry, Francis, Jack, Brendan and Bernadette, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Originally published as Hundreds bid final farewell to Ed Casey