Tributes for Veronique Sakr’s father Bob after his death

The father of a girl killed in the Oatlands tragedy alongside her cousins found comfort knowing he would be reunited with his ‘little princess’ in heaven before he died, his family has revealed.

The Sakr family, whose lives were shattered after Veronique was killed alongside her cousins at Oatlands, has once again been struck with grief following the death of the child’s father Bob, but they are drawing on their unyielding faith following another tragedy.

Bob Sakr died on July 15 aged 53, less than 12 months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, prompting more grief for the family including his 17-year-old son Michael who, along with his mum Veronique, watched his father buried in the same plot as his sister at Rookwood.

Veronique died aged 11 on February 1, 2020, after drunk and drugged driver Samuel Davidson mowed her and three of her Abdallah cousins Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna, 8, on the Bettington Rd footpath as they were walking to buy ice cream.

Mr Sakr’s ex-wife – Veronique’s mother Bridget – said he was at peace with dying.

“I think he did mention to quite a few people that he wasn’t really worried because he had one in heaven and one on earth in terms of his children,’’ she said.

Bob Sakr and son Michael in the background at Parramatta District Court after the sentencing of Samuel Davidson. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“He didn’t fear life after death because he was going to his parents and his daughter.

“The loss of a child, it changes you for life so I don’t think he feared what was to come because of that.

“He was a loving father, there’s no doubt about that.’’

Ms Sakr said her eldest child Michael was on a school trip in Papua New Guinea during his father’s dying weeks but he had a chance to fly home and spend the last 11 days with him.

“Every day was like saying goodbye,’’ Ms Sakr said.

“It was quite interesting when Michael said ‘Mum, there’s a difference between having to say goodbye and then again the chance to say goodbye.’’

The youngest of five children, Mr Sakr was farewelled at a funeral at St Maroun’s Maronite Cathedral at Redfern on Wednesday.

Bob Sakr kisses the coffin of his daughter Veronique Sakr at the Santa Sabina College Chapel in Strathfield on February 11, 2020. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Veronique Sakr was her father’s ‘little princess’. Picture: Facebook

Michael praised his unique father for having a special presence.

“Whether he was the loudest in the room or the quietest, he never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face,’’ he told mourners.

“Dad lived his life to the fullest, always grabbing it with both hands, highlighting the importance of making quality memories and creating experiences.

“While doing so Dad had a heart of gold and a generous spirit.’’

He said his father “touched the surface of almost every industry but nothing stuck’’.

“When it comes to Veronique and I his love for the water and a good adrenaline rush has rubbed off on us.

“In just 17 years, Lord, I can’t say there is anything I haven’t experienced with Dad, whether that be from fishing and boating through to dirt biking or camping.’’

Bridget Sakr, her now husband Craig Mackenzie, Michael Sakr and Bob Sakr survey tributes after Veronique’s death. Picture: Jane Dempster

That bond meant the family was always laughing like a group of mates on the playground.

He said his father and family had a rough ride but they continued to trust in God’s plan.

“Dad, our faith tells us that you’re looking at us from above – reunited with your mum, dad, uncles and aunties and, of course, your little princess – my sister Veronique.

“I know she welcomes you with open arms and her beautiful smile, which you claim she would have inherited from you, and together, you both lit up the skies in your reunion.’’

He told the gathering how his father often quoted the song, Cats in the Cradle, because its lyrics highlighted the importance of spending quality time with loved ones.