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Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of Werribee stalwart Alan Kendall, who lost his battle to cancer last week at age 66.
Family and friends gathered at Werribee Fire Station to farewell the CFA volunteer of 47 years.
Mr Kendall’s wife, Heather, delivered the eulogy which reflected on “50 wonderful and fantastic years” with the love of her life.
Mrs Kendall spoke lovingly of the sport fanatic she met in high school.
“It was on a school trip to Tasmania in 1965 that we became boyfriend and girlfriend – never to part,” she said.
HEATHER KENDALL FAREWELLS HER HUSBAND
“In 1970 we said our vowels ‘til death do us part’, and we meant them.”
She told of her polite, gentle and caring husband who never lost his cool and had a strong belief that family should always stick together.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Kendall’s three children was his daughter, Jodi Higgs.
Ms Higgs shared words that came to mind when thinking of her father.
“Loving, caring, supportive, passionate, humble,” she said.
“Then there’s moustache, gold tooth, cuddly, bald, and big softy.
“But the best word to describe dad is community. He spent all our lives teaching us the importance of community spirit.”
Grand-daughter Ainsley Barkby spoke fondly of her “poppy”, who she described as her hero.
“He inspired me to be a better person and to do amazing things,” she said.
“The day he died was the hardest day of my life. I consider myself privileged to be his grand-daughter.”
Wyndham Caravan Club’s Phil Garner spoke of a great friend that loved to travel the country in a caravan, and Werribee Fire Brigade Captain Michael Wells shared stories of the brigade’s longest serving secretary.
Mr Wells spoke of Mr Kendall’s contribution to the brigade in administration, fundraising, fire fighting and road crash rescue.
Brigade members then formed a guard of honour as Mr Kendall’s coffin was taken to Werribee Cemetery for the burial.
