Hundreds pay tribute to Michael Warburton at his funeral after tragic hit and run crash
An emotional Haka outside a bayside church brought tears to the eyes of almost 1000 people who farewelled hit-run victim Michael Warburton.
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An emotional Haka outside a bayside church brought tears to the eyes of almost 1000 people who rallied to farewell popular Brisbane man Michael Warburton, killed in a hit and run two weeks ago.
A huge crowed packed the Wynnum Baptist Church for Mr Warburton’s funeral on Monday, two weeks after the Hemmant man was killed when he was hit by an allegedly stolen car while riding his Vespa scooter home from the gym.
His wife, Anita, children Blake and Jessica, and his brother, Gary as well as several friends all gave touching tributes to the man known for his deep love of his family and friends as well as the Penrith Panthers.
Both Gary and Blake wore Penrith jerseys at the service.
“My father was my hero,” Blake Warburton said.
“He was and always will be the man I hope to be.
“He was the person I turned to when life threw questions at me and I had no answer.
“The man who showed me what love meant.
“The guy that shows up for his family every single day.
“There's so many things I could say about my dad but it all comes back to the love, he was a loving and caring person, who will have a place in my heart and memory until I die.”
During her speech paying tribute to her husband of 33 years, Mrs Warburton said her soulmate loved his family “unconditionally”.
“There’s just wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for any of his family,” she said.
“Michael’s next passion in his life was his beloved football team the Penrith Panthers, and oh my god, did he love his football, so much so that some days I thought that Panthers clothing was the only clothes he owned.
“He would love to catch up with the ladies (from his fitness class) for a cheeky coffee.
“Michael was an amazing husband, father, son, grandparent, friend to many, (he was) always there for everybody, and we all are going to miss him to the moon and back.”
His older brother, Gary, said his younger sibling would be remembered as a “bloody larrikin”.
“He will be remembered as cheeky … mischievous, a womaniser but not really because he loved Anita to the 10th degree but he just loved to stir.
“He’ll be remembered as a great brother, son, father and grandfather.”
Gary also thanked the community for the outpouring of support and said it was overwhelming for the family.
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Originally published as Hundreds pay tribute to Michael Warburton at his funeral after tragic hit and run crash
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