Robert Christopher Robbie Hudd funeral: Friends, family farewell Plenty Rd Bundoora fatal crash driver

Family and friends saw off in style the man killed in a Bundoora car crash, complete with motorbikes, rap music and plenty of tears.

Tearful tributes, gangster rap, and a motorcycle convoy featured in a fitting send off for a “one-of-a-kind” 28-year-old beloved for his loyalty, irrepressible energy, and sense of adventure.

Robert Christopher Hudd, 28, was killed in a single-vehicle car crash on Plenty Rd, Bundoora on June 16 — just days after posting on social media about his hopes of a “fresh start” in Western Australia.

Hundreds of mourners squeezed into a Fawkner Memorial Park chapel on Friday heard how Mr Hudd was “the life of the party” but was there for those he loved “through thick and thin”.

Robert Christopher aka Robbie Hudd (February 8, 1994-June 16 2022). Picture: Facebook

Born in Sunbury and schooled in Craigieburn and Niddrie, Mr Hudd was in his younger years a junior army cadet who enjoyed sports including athletics, tennis and AFL.

Teenage obsessions with skateboarding and BMX evolved into a love of cars and bush and beach expeditions in adulthood.

He “lived on the edge” and aspired to one day climb to Everest Base Camp.

But he had a softer side, including a love of poetry, such as the Berton Braley poem ‘Opportunity’ containing the line: “The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet … Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted, The chances have just begun”.

Mr Hudd was the loving son of parents Dawn and Chris, a younger brother to sisters Emily and Livinia, a partner to Jessica Valastro, an uncle, and a “brother from another mother” to many.

Robbie Hudd, pictured in his younger years, was described as a ‘beautiful boy’ who made some bad decisions. Picture: Kirra Grimes

In a ceremony soundtracked by Tupac’s ‘Unconditional Love’, and Russ’ ‘Missin You Crazy’, tributes mentioned Mr Hudd’s difficulty sitting still for too long, and his ability to “light up a room with his big smile and goofy laugh”.

“You were the one person I could count on no matter what,” Mr Hudd’s honorary niece Shanae said.

“You were loved by so many, and loved back even harder,” sister Emily Hudd said.

Hundreds of mourners paid their respects at Robbie Hudd’s July 1 funeral service. Picture: Kirra Grimes

“Bad life choices” had caused tensions within the family in the past, had seen Mr Hudd serve time in jail, and ultimately caused his tragic, premature death, the mourners heard.

Robbie Hudd. Picture: Facebook

On the day he died, Mr Hudd was “driving too fast” was not wearing a seatbelt, and was “too tired to be doing anything”, including driving.

His family wanted this to serve as a lesson to others to always wear a seatbelt and “only drive when fit to do so”.

It was standing room only at Robbie Hudd’s funeral at Cordell Chapel on Friday, July 1. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Police are preparing a report on Mr Hudd’s death for the Coroner.