Original Bra Boy Ricky Taylor honoured in Maroubra
MAROUBRA is mourning one of its own after surfer and father of two Ricky Taylor died. Mr Taylor, 43 — one of the original Bra Boys — died on September 8. He leaves his wife Ash and children Kye, 11, and Brixton, 7.
Southern Courier
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MAROUBRA is mourning one of its own after surfer and father of two Ricky Taylor died.
Mr Taylor, 43 — one of the original Bra Boys — died on September 8. He leaves his wife Ash and children Kye, 11, and Brixton, 7.
More than 600 friends and family spilt out of the South Chapel at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park at his funeral on Friday.
His friends carried the coffin as Mrs Taylor and his boys walked in front with his surfboard. Following the service there was a mass paddle-out at Maroubra Beach.
Rabbitohs star and friend John Sutton attended, along with surfing stars such as Mark Matthews. The Rabbitohs wore black armbands in their preliminary final on Saturday against the Roosters.
“Maroubra is like a family,” Mrs Taylor said. “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I’ve had restaurants donate meals, local churches drop off groceries and everyone helping in whatever way they can.
“The boys have lost their dad but they’ve gained 400 uncles and I’ve gained 400 brothers.”
Mr Taylor, Maroubra born and bred, had been surfing from his early years.
After finishing school he became an apprentice electrician and became known as a top tradesman.
He was also a Rabbitohs fanatic and marched with the thousands of others to get the Bunnies reinstated into the NRL in 2000.
“They have been his true love since the day he was born,” Bunnies convert Mrs Taylor said. “His boys play as well.”
Mr Taylor’s other passion was music and, in particular, punk rock. A talented bass player, he performed in many bands and even worked as a roadie.
He met his wife, of Canada, through their shared love of music on MySpace 14 years ago. They hit it off instantly and he travelled to her homeland to do a snow season.
“We’ve been together since and have two kids and a lifetime of memories,” she said.
They started their life together in Canada before returning to Sydney in 2011.
She fell in love with Maroubra and said the community was something special.
“When someone passes away, you’ve got your family and friends. But here it is, the whole community,” she said.
“People may hear negative things about the Bra Boys but they are all about family, brotherhood and looking after each other.”
Friends set up an online fundraising page in the days after Mr Taylor’s death.
Last night the total raised was $40,000.
Mr Taylor suffered from depression for most of his life and sought professional help.
“He fought really hard,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Nobody expected this.”
She called on the government to make it easier for people to get help.
“You are paying $300 a session and have to decide if you pay for your health or rent. It shouldn’t be like that,” she said.
To donate to Mr Taylor’s fund go to au.gofundme.com/ricky-taylor.
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