Ben Tournier funeral: Tones and I farewells Frankston Bombers footballer in tearful Arts Centre service
Chart topping Melbourne musician Tones and I has this afternoon joined hundreds in farewelling Frankston Bombers footballer Ben Tournier.
South East
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A “larger than life” Frankston footballer who was killed in a freak car accident on the Mornington Peninsula has been remembered as a devoted friend who brightened every room he walked into.
More than 600 mourners — including an emotional Tones and I, the chart-topping Melbourne musician also known as Toni Watson — packed the Frankston Arts Centre on Tuesday to farewell Ben Tournier, 29, who died when his car lost control on the Nepean Hwy about 12.15am on Australia Day.
It’s believed the Frankston Bombers player was driving home after socialising with teammates in Frankston when his car struck two light poles and rolled near Weber Dr.
Tones and I’s recent hit Fly Away accompanied a heartbreaking video montage of her “best friend and brother’s” life.
“It’s time to celebrate a great man … the most beautiful and caring man,” the devastated Dance Monkey singer posted on Instagram.
In a tearful speech Mr Tournier’s cousin Tim Cannon said Mr Tournier had in the weeks before his death been excited to take him to the artist’s concerts.
“Ben was lucky enough to have a friend like Toni Watson. Someone that looked after him at every turn, but (he) never asked for it,” Mr Cannon said.
“He too helped her out so much … it just goes to show you the type of person that he was.
“You meant so much to him Tones, and I want to thank you for everything you did for him.”
More tributes were made by Mr Tournier’s family, friends and teammates, with mother Fiona Tournier remembering her “loving” son who was a special friend to everyone he met.
“Benny was a young man who lived his life to the absolute fullest … he meant a lot to everyone he met at work and play,” Ms Tournier said.
“You brightened every room you walked into. Thank you for bringing so much joy, fun and happiness to our lives … please look after us all from above.”
Mr Tournier’s teammates detailed the avid traveller’s trips around the world and family getaways to Merimbula, where he was always the “life of the party” and the first to the dancefloor.
Mr Tournier played with the Frankston Bombers for more than a decade and was a regular member of the senior side before playing in the reserves in recent seasons.
He loved his club and keeping fit, going to the gym most days.
On January 27 Frankston Bombers president Jason Smith told the Herald Sun Mr Tournier was hugely popular among the club.
“He was tough, fun-loving and a larger than life character around the club that lifted everyone’s spirits,’’ Mr Smith said.
“As a club we will be able to support … this isn’t a situation that will last for a week, it’s a situation that will last for a lifetime.
“But we’ve got good people in the background.’’