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The ashes ceremony
On 22nd January while fans gathered in the Hard Rock Cafes in
various cities of the world or linked together on the Internet,
Rhett, Mandy, other close relatives, Andrew and Shelley Farriss,
Tim Farriss, Kirk Pengilly and Garry and Jodie Beers were arriving
at Kell and Susie's Sydney apartment. After drinks and re-introductions
to Erana, and some final planning with the minister, the party
made their way down to the harbour side jetty where they were
joined by others including Jimmy Barnes and his wife Jane, Jenny
Morris, Michele Bennett, Richard Lowenstein, Kell's sister Iris
Croy Magee, Michael's cousin from England, Sonya Hutchence, Paul
Ellis, Greg Perano (Michael's close friend), INXS tour manager
David Edwards, Paul Horton, Andrew Young, Gary Grant, Tony Woodall
(Michael's personal security man), long-time friend Hiraani (whose
name Tiger bears) and John Clapham. Fishermen arriving at the
jetty could hardly have realized the significance of the gathering
before them as sun-glassed mourners, unnoticed, quietly boarded
the vessel that would carry Michael's ashes to a final resting
place.
Kell was not sure where to locate the boat to carry out the service
but as they solemnly headed off out of Rose Bay he saw that the
wind was fairly brisk and as they passed the point of the Vaucluse
Peninsula, he asked the skipper to turn right and go into the
lee of the hills away from the wind and there luckily he spotted
a mooring right opposite Milk Beach near to where Michael had
once considered purchasing a house. He loved Australia and particularly
the beauty of Sydney Harbour. The Pastor called the group to
the bow of the boat. Rhett held Michael's ashes in a beautifully
fashioned wooden urn, made from the same timber as Michael's
casket. There was an awkwardness in the silence as the mourners
gradually made their way out from the vessel's cabin.
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