Shane Warne’s children, friends mark first anniversary of his death

One year after the passing of spin king Shane Warne, his children have paid tribute to their beloved dad, saying he will forever be their “shining star”.

Shane Warne’s children have remembered their adoring dad on the first anniversary of his passing.

Brooke, Summer and Jackson each shared videos and words on social media in tribute, as did their mum and Warne’s ex-wife Simone Callahan.

Brooke wrote: “I love you Dad, I will always remember us this way, laughing & happy. 1 year today, feels like yesterday you were taken but forever since l’ve seen you. I miss your big hugs so much & you telling me everything is okay, life will never be the same without you Dad, I miss you. Forever our shining star.”

The youngest, Summer, said she loved and missed her dad every day.

“1 year ago, one of the people that I love most in the whole entire world left and went to heaven. My beautiful dad. I miss you just about every second of every day.

“I’m still trying to navigate life without you here, trying my best to live in a world without you in it.

“I miss you when I laugh and cry because you were always the one that made my laughter grow, and my tears disappear. I miss the memories we will never get to have. I hold you close within my heart, and there you shall remain, until the day that we meet again. I love you. SJ.”

Jackson posted a moving reel with the caption: “1 year ago today. Miss you mate, love Jacko.”

Callahan posted: “Remembering Shane, Always bringing Joy and Love to our children Brooke, Jackson & Summer. He just wanted to be the best Dad, We miss you, forever in our Hearts, I hope you have found comfort & Peace.”

Eddie McGuire and Shane Warne. Picture: Kylie Else

Eddie McGuire will also be thinking of his great mate Shane Warne on Saturday, as he does at the most random times.

On the first anniversary of the cricket great’s passing, McGuire has reflected on the tragedy and the ever shining light that Warne brought to the world.

“It’s still really hard to fathom because Warnie would come in and out of your life because he was overseas all the time,’’ McGuire said.

“It’s almost like you expect him to walk in at any moment.

“It’s really hit at times during the year, whether it’s something on the telly or a bit of commentary or somebody posts something about Warnie … you just remember what a light force he was of positivity and fun.

“One thing you always knew if I looked at my phone and there was a message from Warnie, I was either going to go and have one of the best nights of all time or one of the great stories of all time had just occurred. He was just such a wonderful person and we miss him.”

McGuire says he feels warm in the heart thinking of Warne and his three children, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.

“Like a lot of his friends the sense of loss is always there,’’ he said.

“You remember the great times but you lament the great times that we won’t have going forward with him. We make sure that we continue to do justice to his legacy by having a lot of fun which is what he would have loved.

“(The children) have been remarkable. Their public show of love for their father which they were prepared to share with the whole of the world was just wonderful and it made it easier for us all.”

Sam Newman, who along with McGuire was a key part of Warne’s memorial at the MCG, said he had been honoured in the right way.

Sam Newman and Shane Warne. Picture: Sam Tabone

“I was speaking to a couple of people in England who came out for the funeral and I said can you believe it, it’s a year,’’ Newman said.

“He’s been given his just recognition and he’s absolutely had a fitting tribute.

“The whole family has been amazing under something that was just so sudden and no one could prepare for. Full credit to the (children’s) parents, that’s Simone and Shane, who have instilled the DNA in them that makes them behave the way they do.”

Darren Berry who started his cricket career at Victoria alongside Warne, said it had been a difficult time.

Shane Warne and Darren Berry.

“The world lost a great cricketer but I’m still mourning the loss of one of my closest friends,’’ he said.

“We started cricket together for Victoria, we were both failed St Kilda footballers and we’d go to the games together … I really miss him and it’s been a difficult 12 months. (Saturday) will be tough.”

Tony Hachem, Warne’s great poker mate, is planning a special tribute night later this month with 23 mates — Warne’s favourite number.

Shane Warne and Tony Hachem. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

He is on the Gold Coast playing poker in memory of his dear friend.

“I still think it’s surreal,’’ Hachem said.

“We’re all hurting and there’s definitely a hole.

“We’ve only had one poker night since because it’s tough on the boys. I’ll be playing poker on Saturday, the game he loved, and hopefully I’ll do him proud.”