Newton family’s sweet final farewell to Bert

Bert Newton’s family shared a private moment of mourning as they laid the entertainment legend to rest, with the Herald Sun asked to attend the intimate ceremony following the state funeral.

It was a private moment of mourning following the state funeral of television, radio and stage legend Bert Newton.

There was grief and sadness, joy and tears, strength and support, as Bert’s wife Patti, daughter Lauren, son-in-law Matt, grandkids Sam, Eva, Lola, Perla, Monty and Alby, and colleague Pete Smith, stood solemnly beside his grave to say a final farewell.

Patti invited Herald Sun photographer David Caird to capture the intensely personal ceremony reserved only for her immediate family and closest friends.

Showbiz king Bert Newton was laid to rest in a simple plot at Springvale Cemetery on a dark and rainy Friday afternoon.

The 30 minute ceremony was described as sombre and dignified, even as the rain fell heavily on the gathered mourners.

Patti Newton, daughter Lauren, and family and friends throw roses onto Bert’s coffin at Springvale Cemetery. Picture: David Caird

The showbiz legend’s grandchildren scatter rose petals on his coffin. Picture: David Caird

Patti Newton, and daughter Lauren and her son say a final farewell. Picture: David Caird

Patti and Lauren, who have been pillars of support for each other, after Bert passed away on October 30, sobbed as his coffin, draped in an Australian flag, was lowered into the ground.

Several grandchildren tossed roses into the grave, sadly acknowledging their beloved “poppy” one more time.

“He has been such a huge part of my children’s lives,” Lauren said in a written message that was read at Newton’s state funeral hours before. “We had so many special times together, and I am so glad that he had the chance to get to know (them).”

After Bert’s coffin left the state funeral at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne, Patti and family got a police escort to Springvale for a chance to grieve alone.

“We want him remembered as a wonderful, loving, fun man who lived with us at home,” Patti said, in an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, on Thursday.

“Bert was the ultimate, really,” she said. “But, out of everything Bert did, he would want to be remembered as somebody that people knew they could rely on.”

Bert Newton is lowered to his final rest at Springvale Cemetery. Picture: David Caird

Bert Newton’s family watch on during his burial ceremony. Picture: David Caird