Funeral for Greg Josephson, millionaire allegedly murdered by teen, held today
The wife of Greg Josephson has revealed the couple’s plans moving forward before the Brisbane millionaire’s tragic death.
QLD News
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The wife of a Brisbane multi-millionaire allegedly stabbed to death by a teen at a wild party in his own home says she will love him forever.
Greg Josephson, 58, was killed inside his Clayfield home on June 26 and found hours later during a teenage house party at the same Oriel Rd address.
In an emotional farewell attended by hundreds of mourners at St Agatha’s Catholic Church in Clayfield – just metres from the home where Mr Josephson died – his wife Tamra shared how kind hearted and beautiful her husband was.
She said when she first put her future husband’s number in her phone, she saved it as “Gregory handsome”.
“Some couples grow apart as time goes by. We weren’t like that. I loved him more each year we were together and I know he felt the same way,” she said.
“He was still my Gregory handsome.
“We had discussed how we looked forward to spending more time together just the two of us. We loved each other’s company. He was the most gentle, soft, kind-hearted, generous, calm, positive, happy, intelligent man I have ever met.
“He was a pure gentleman.
“I loved you so much and I will love you forever.”
A 15-year-old boy known to Mr Josephson has been charged with his murder after allegedly stabbing him and calling triple-0.
Mr Josephson – the co-founder of cult retail chain Universal Store – was a well-respected entrepreneur, husband and father.
Mrs Josephson said her husband was a hard worker, even after he sold the Universal Store.
“He was always on the go, always reading something, always looking for a missed opportunity,” she said.
“I thought he was busy at Universal Store but he was way busier now.
“I wonder now, if his body and mind subconsciously knew he didn’t have as much time as we thought he should, so he worked at double speed.
“On the other end, Greg was convinced he would live until he was 150 or even more.”
Mrs Josephson said her husband always worked hard and kept working on to the next project.
“After the Universal Store was sold. Greg did slow down for a little while, it was a really lovely relaxing time,” she said.
“I loved having him around more, we’d go for walks, go to the gym together, have sushi down the road. We had time to sunbake around the pool again. It was one of Greg’s and my favourite things to do.
“It was the only way Greg would relax.
“Our holidays almost always centred around sun, pools and the beach.”
Mr Josephson’s funeral was presided over by Father Anthony Mellor – the former parish priest at St Agatha’s where his children attended the school. Father Mellor is currently the Dean of St Stephen’s Cathedral.
The casket was topped with a large number of flowers and a photo of Mr Josephson. Parents Mary and Greg Josephson Sr began the family tributes by placing a white pall over their son’s casket.
“On the day of Baptism, Gregory was clothed in Christ. By his word and example, he has lived with Christian dignity,” Father Mellor said.
Mrs Josephson lit a candle to represent the presence of Christ in his life. The couple’s children then placed symbols by his coffin before words of remembrance were shared by his loved ones.
Lifetime friend Peter Ovenden, who knew Mr Josephson from the young age of 15, shared memories about their school days at the St Joseph’s College – Gregory Terrace.
“Greg was always kind and generous. He was never one to put you down to build himself up,” he said.
“And over 40 years of friendship, I never recall an angry word said to any of us.”
He said Mr Josephson was always careful with his personal presentation. Greg and Michael created something from nothing. But what he really built was a community,” he said.
“His work has impacted the lives of thousands of people, plus much to Greg’s relief, hundreds of thousands of Australia’s youth were finally dressing to a standard he could expect.”
Sister-in-law Melissa Josephson also delivered a speech on behalf of Mr Josephson’s mother, Mary.
“Gregory lived with purpose, passion, kindness and love with the support of his beautiful and amazing wife Tamra,” she said.
“Their children were the true focus of their lives.
“Gregory, we will always love, watch over and cherish your children.
“We will always love and support Tamra.”
Originally published as Funeral for Greg Josephson, millionaire allegedly murdered by teen, held today
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