Hundreds gather at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre for funeral of police officer Brenton ‘Webby’ Webb
Remembered as a ‘legend’ with a ‘magnificent smile’ who cared for his loved ones and the community, the life of police officer Brenton ‘Webby’ Webb was celebrated by hundreds in Townsville.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Remembered as a ‘legend’ with a ‘magnificent smile’ who cared for his loved ones and the community, the life of North Queensland acting inspector Brenton Keith ‘Webby’ Webb was celebrated on Wednesday with hundreds packing into the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
Respected and well known Acting Inspector Brenton Webb died after suffering a head injury in a fall while off-duty on June 20.
Inspector Webb had worked as a police officer for 35 years and served in numerous roles including the Criminal Investigations Branch, Drug Squad, Juvenile Aid Bureau and District Disaster Management.
Most recently he was the Acting Inspector within the Mount Isa District.
Mr Webb was honoured by his wife Toni, his two daughters Hannah and Georgia, his parents and two brothers.
In attendance were hundreds of former and current Queensland Police officers, including former leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Police Minister Dan Purdie.
Many also watched online via livestream.
His daughters Georgia and Hannah spoke of the man their father was, which they said was reflected on the number of people in attendance to honour him.
They remembered him as a man of humour who was ‘bold, unapologetic and always aiming for a laugh’, who loved to do karaoke with them.
“When you said you were kind of a big deal I thought you were exaggerating, but looking around today you obviously were,” Georgia said.
“In many ways I am like my father, especially when it comes to talking, but today I find myself struggling to find the right words to honour and celebrate someone so special.
“I could share stories for hours, days really.”
She spoke of their family travels and shared a pact she and her father had made to backpack across the South of France once she graduated.
“Dad I promise, we will be backpacking through the South of France soon. I know you will be with me every step of the way” she said.
“Dad, the day you died, I lost my best friend.”
Hannah said over the past week she heard many stories that showed the role her father played.
“He was a mentor, an encyclopaedia of knowledge, an advocate and a friend,” she said.
“Dad always had a seat at the table for anyone who needed it.
“You have given me the gift of many beautiful memories.”
She shared many stories of funny times together spent with him as a ‘daughter, mate and drinking buddy’.
Mr Webb’s brother Chris gave an emotional eulogy of shared memories of growing up to more recently family dinners every weekend and spoke of the man his older brother was.
“It’s strange, wasn’t that long ago Brenton and I were having a few drinks talking about giving eulogies at each other’s funerals and joked about all the ridiculous things we’d say,” he said.
“Brenton was more than just a big brother to me, he was my protector, my mentor, my teacher.
“Our bond was unbreakable from early childhood, teenagers years, adulthood, until this day.
“Brenton was dedicated to those he loved. We had so many things planned to do in the future.”
He said upon looking up the meaning of Brenton, he found the name ‘very fitting’.
“His name really said who he was. The name Brenton back in the early, early, early days, every town, every community had one,” Mr Webb said.
“They were always lawmakers, peace makers or watchmen.”
Former RSL president and manager of the Townsville Emergency Management group Wayne Preedy shared words of condolences and memories from members of the regional North Queensland councils including Palm Island, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.
Assistant Commissioner Kevin Gutteridge and colleague and friend Stephen Webber also spoke and shared stories of their times working together and the love he had for his family.
Mr Webber said Mr Webb became family to him during his time in the police force, working as partners in the drug squad starting in 2001.
“For someone who was such a larrikin, he took the job so seriously. He policed with compassion, he was never vindictive or cruel,” Mr Webber said.
“He was so professional and he always stressed about making sure he got everything right.
“One of the things he taught me was how to talk to people. Webby liked to talk.”
Mr Gutteridge said it was difficult to think of him as anything but a friend.
“My apologies but I cannot refer to you as Brenton, you will always be ‘Webby’ or ‘mate’,” he said.
“He will be in our hearts forever, he was a wonderful man.
“To the young police who are here … if you ever get stuck for advice ask yourself ‘what would Webby do?”
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy detailed Mr Webb’s illustrious career and ‘outstanding leadership’.
“Brenton left us all too soon,” he said.
Mr Chelepy posthumously awarded Mr Webb the Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal and the 35 year medal clasp, which he presented to his wife Toni.
After the service a guard of honour was formed with hundreds lining the streets, with a flyover from the POLAIR helicopter, for one final farewell.
More Coverage
Originally published as Hundreds gather at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre for funeral of police officer Brenton ‘Webby’ Webb
Great Barrier Reef Orchestra’s beloved show returns
One of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s most popular performances is returning, with famed conductor to also perform free show at NQ church.
Big man, bigger heart: NQ Cowboy champions students
Giving 110 per cent, supporting teammates, and showing gratitude was some of the advice shared by the Townsville Community Learning Centre’s recently adopted Cowboy. See who stepped up.