Tears for a champ: Emotional farewell for tragic Inpex worker, Carl Delaney

A “RAZOR sharp wit” and a passion for all things Manchester United were two of the memories shared at Carl Delaney’s funeral

Carl Delaney’s son Dominic (facing camera) at his father’s funeral in Darwin on Friday. Picture: MICHAEL FRANCHI

A “RAZOR sharp wit” and a passion for all things Manchester United were two of the memories shared at Carl Delaney’s funeral.

Farewelled in front of hundreds, who all dressed in red and white (United’s colours), Mr Delaney was remembered for being a fantastic friend, wonderful father and loving husband.

Mr Delaney was killed while working on the Inpex site last week, when he fell into the perlite insulation dust he was installing.

His wife, Terry, sons Ross and Dominic, and friend Jim Peach spoke at the funeral.

Dominic Delaney carries a ‘Dad’ flower bed at the funeral of Carl Delaney. Pictures: MICHAEL FRANCHI

“Some people have travelled a long way, and some from around the corner, and it is a testament to the man he was that so many people are here today,” Terry said during her eulogy.

“He wasn’t perfect, we weren’t the perfect couple but we were perfect for each other and our bickering has been keeping people entertained for years.

“More than anything, he was a family man and was proud of his boys and the men that they have become.

Carl Delaney PICTURE: Facebook

Carl Delaney’s son Ross and friend Jim Peach. Pictures: MICHAEL FRANCHI

“He was passionate, generous and could be a royal pain in the ass, but more than anything, he loved, and was loved by everyone he came into contact with.”

Son Dominic said he was glad he got the chance to work with his father.

“I will always remember the first day I started on site with him,” he said.

“He came into the crib room with the biggest smile on his face, I could see in his eyes how proud he was that day.

“Looking back, I’ve got some great memories with my dad, but the more I think about it, it’s the small ones I treasure the most — just sitting on the balcony with a whiskey in hand, talking rubbish till the early hours.

“He was one of the kindest, most caring men I’ll ever meet. He’d do anything to help somebody else and was at his happiest if the people around him were happy.”

Mr Delaney’s eldest son, Ross, also spoke at the funeral, telling his story.

“He taught me how to be a man, how to treat people with respect and warmth, and the value of working hard,” he said. “My dad called me every single day, and never hung up the phone without telling me he loved me.

“I’ve been told my whole life how much I’m like my dad and as a kid, it’s the last thing you want to hear. But standing here today, I hope that one day, I’ll be half the man that he was.”

The celebrations continued on at Hotel Darwin last night, with friends and family having travelled from England, New Zealand and Queensland.