Barry Humphries’ family honour comedic legend at private Camberwell memorial

Family and friends of comedic legend Barry Humphries have celebrated his extraordinary life with a private memorial in Camberwell.

Melbourne friends and family of the comedic genius Barry Humphries have celebrated his extraordinary life with a private memorial in Camberwell.

Around 1500 guests were invited to “An afternoon of music and memories celebrating the life of Barry Humphries” at Camberwell Grammar on Sunday, August 27.

Steve Vizard as master of ceremonies introduced a roll call of those close to Humphries who shared stories of his remarkable career. Dozens of private family photos were shown in a series of video rolls.

Speakers included Geoffrey Rush and Peter Rowsthorn along with a video of Humphries performing with cabaret artist Meow Meow.

Humphries as Dame Edna Everage during VRC Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.

Elizabeth Spender and Barry Humphries. Picture: Joe Maher

His daughter Tessa Humphries spoke and recited the poem Wattle Park Blues written by her father.

His Melbourne-based sister Barbara and brother Christopher were among the gathering.

Mark and Nichaud Fitzgibbon sang several songs that had been of significance to Humphries. Their father Smacka (Graham) Fitzgibbon had been best friends with Humphries in their early days and recorded the music for the film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie.

Professor Anne Pender, who wrote the biography of Humphries called ‘One Man Show’ spoke as did Associate Professor Tony Moore from Monash University and Professor Peter Tregear from Melbourne University.

Emeritus Rabbi Dr John S Levi, one of Humphries’ oldest school friends, also addressed the assembled crowd.

Barry Humphries passed away in Sydney in April. Picture; Claudio Raschella

The Camberwell Grammar String Quartet played.

Humphries passed away in Sydney in April aged 89 and he was farewelled at a private funeral in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales.

Humphries was born in Kew in 1939 and grew up in Camberwell. He attended Camberwell Grammar before moving to Melbourne Grammar and then going on to study at Melbourne University.

Guests toasted Humphries life with lamingtons, scones and tea after the proceedings.

“I am so glad the family had a sense of celebration and commemoration and closure, it was beautiful,” Vizard said.

“It was a celebration of a giant of a man in the best possible way.”