Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has described Andrew Symonds’ private funeral home in Townsville as “just beautiful” and a fitting tribute to his former teammate, who died at the age of 46 in a tragic car accident in Townsville. earlier this month.
Around 250 friends, family and sporting legends from Australia and all over the glove traveled to Townsville’s Riverway Stadium for private service, which was followed by a public monument at 2.30pm AEST which will be broadcast live to Kayo.
“The service was just beautiful. All in all, it was full of sadness, but just wonderful, beautiful memories of a guy who gave so much of himself to so many people unconditionally,” Gilchrist told the media after the service. .
Andrew Symonds Memorial at Townsville Riverway Stadium. Adam Gilchrist speaks after private service. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp Australia
The service included speeches by Symond’s mother, Barbara, her sister Louise, and their children, Chloe and Will. The two children arrived at the service carrying the Akubras so loved by Symonds, and Gilchrist told reporters an emotional moment he shared with young Will.
“I just met Will and he said, ‘I’m a doorman now.'” I’m sorry, Roy.
Andrew Symonds Memorial at Townsville Riverway Stadium. Adam Gilchrist speaks after private service. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp Australia
“We’ve all talked a lot about Roy, we’ve shared so many stories, and there’s hardly been any talk of cricket,” Gilchrist added.
“He was just a pure heart, he found his way in trouble like anyone else … (and) loyal beyond belief.”
At the private monument, a cricket bat, a fishing rod, a crab pot and a series of hats were placed next to Symonds’ wooden coffin.
Friend and teammate Matthew Hayden sent an emotional tribute from India, a song he wrote and performed on guitar.
Andrew Symonds Memorial at Townsville Riverway Stadium. Private service. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp AustraliaBrad Hogg and Ian Healy. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp Australia, West Indian legend Brian Lara. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp AustraliaShane Watson. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp Australia
According to Robbert Craddock of the Courier Mail, an emotional poem was also recited that Andrew Symonds first heard in his voice message in a locker room.
Queensland Bulls iconic captain Jimmy Maher praised.
Matthew Mott, a close friend and coach, later told the media: “What I get out of this is the amount of fishing trips that went backwards because we were all too busy and stuff like that … (m ‘ I’d love to see this opportunity, go out there and do it again. “
“It’s a sad time, but I think it was a great service and it celebrated what was a well lived life.”
Former goalkeeper Ian Healy will lead the public ceremony in the afternoon, while former teammates Darren Lehmann, Matthew Mott and Jimmy Maher are expected to speak.
Former Australian test captain Ricky Ponting arrived alongside his wife Rianna Cantor and legendary goalkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
Queensland rugby league icon Darren Lockyer also attended, as did Gorden Tallis.
Other former Australian teammates and cricket stars Shane Watson, Ian Healy, Glen McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz and Mitchell Johnson traveled to North Queensland to say goodbye to Symonds, who died in a one-vehicle accident outside of Townsville.
“That’s a way of saying thank you and goodbye,” Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said.
“An event like this provides many people with the closing of Andrew’s life and what happened.
“It’s an absolute tragedy that has happened, and we’ve lost a true Northern ambassador and a real larrikin.”
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Andrew Symonds Memorial at Townsville Riverway Stadium. Mark Waugh and Mitch Johnson. Image: Evan MorganFont: News Corp Australia