Ahead of his son’s memorial at Melbourne’s MCG, Shane Warne’s father told Seven news, “A lot of people are going to get a lot of joy.”
He was the first speaker of the night and his incredibly moving eulogy spoke of a life well lived.
“Friday the 4 of march 2022 darkest day in our families life it was a day that our son Shane Keith Warne was tragically and suddenly taken of us,” the proud father began. “Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable.
He continued to talk highly of his son’s spirit, “They were two of his all-time favourites, as I’m sure they are for many of you here tonight. What Shane achieved was unimaginable but for his mother and I it was the things Shane did and the things he did away from the cricket field we will hold up as his finest achievements.
“He was a person that would make everybody feel very special.”
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“He was a doting father who loved and adored his children. He was a loving and caring son and brother. He was a sports hero who happily handed out autographs and stood for photos, sometimes for hours on end. It was a-a man who would be prince or pauper and give you same undivided attention – warmth and respect.
“He was a person that would make everybody feel very special. What the world didn’t always see that Shane spent a lot of his time helping kids, especially sick and underprivileged kids. It was always about putting smiles back on young people’s faces. Kids loved him and he loved kids. This was never more evident than when he visited King Lake in Victoria after many lives were lost and the town had been devastated by bushfires back in February 2009. Shane appreciated how horrific the situation was.”
Keith recounted the incredible way Shane supported the community around him: “He was hoping his visit would help lift the community spirit. On one of many occasions he and his footballer cricket mates took a load of sports equipment to the region and spent the day playing all sorts of sports with the children and the families.
Shane’s dad speaking at his memorial.
(Image: Seven)“Brightening up their lives just a little bit in those dark days. This was Shane. Leading with infectious energy, his giving spirit and that beaming smile. He somehow could always manage to make someone stay that little bit better. Even in the most of times. — dire of times.
“I remember I picked Shane up at Melbourne Airport when he arrived home after an extensive overseas test series. He asked me, ‘What’s been happening, Dad?’ As soon as I mentioned a little boy who had terminal cancer had been hanging on, hoping to meet Shane, he had me contact the father and see if it was ok for him to pop in and say ‘hello’.
“We got the OK and went directly to the boy’s home. Shane stayed until the lad was starting to fall asleep which was a good two hours later. Then I drove Shane home to see his own children. This is who he was.
“This summed up Shane’s character as a man who took great responsibility in using his profile and privilege to bring good into the lives of people less fortunate than himself. We are grateful the world loved our son as we did and thankfully touched so many lives in so many ways.
He concluded his speech, “Of course people will remember Shane in their own way but for us it will be his unconditional love for family and friends. His generosity and loyalty which knew no bounds. And a joy he brought to so many people along the way who will forever bring us in Shane’s typical humble manner, Shane said of himself, ‘I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket.’
“Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son. Rest in peace, mate. Love you, Mum and Dad.”
When Keith was 40 years old, he decided to take up cricket for the first time and it was all because of his son Shane.
Keith took it upon himself to support Shane’s growing love for the game by taking him to the East Sandringham Boys Cricket Club.
At the time, he couldn’t have known how integral those days would become for his son’s future, but it served as a bonding opportunity he looked forward to.
“Looking to a future without Shane is inconceivable.”
(Image: Getty)It’s likely the King of Spin remembered those times on the pitch fondly, but since his untimely passing on March 4 2022, those memories will live on through Keith and his mother, Brigette.
A few days after hearing the news no parent deserves to wake up to, the couple released a heartbreaking statement.
“The night of the 4th of March 2022 is when a never-ending nightmare began for our family, for that is the date we lost our much loved and admired son, father, brother and uncle, Shane Keith Warne’ a tragedy we will never come to terms with.
“To find words to adequately express our sadness is an impossible task for us and looking to a future without Shane is inconceivable, hopefully the mountain of happy memories we all have will help us cope with our ongoing grief,” they detailed.
They continued to thank Melbourne’s Premiere Dan Andrews, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Sports Minister Martin Pakula for offering a state memorial service for their son.
Shane posing with his parents at a charity event.
(Image: Instagram)“Over the past few days Shane has been honoured with the family being offered a state memorial for Shane by Premier Dan Andrews which the family have gratefully accepted.
“The Premier and Minister for Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula have also advised that the Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be renamed the S.K Warne Stand. We sincerely offer our thanks to the state government and the MCG trust for this honour.
“We would also like to acknowledge the support of Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his kind words both personally and on behalf of the country, as everyone knows Shane was an extremely proud Victorian and Australian,” they shared.
Finally, they acknowledged the heartfelt condolences sent from friends, fans, and family.
“Brigitte and I are most grateful for the many messages of love and support received over the past few days and thank one and all for their kind words of comfort.
“We also wish to acknowledge and thank those members of the media who are honouring our request to respect our family’s privacy and who will continue to do so.”
Shane didn’t post on Instagram about his parents often, but it was clear their bond was special when he did.
One Father’s Day, he shared a picture with his dad and wrote, “Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there, hope you all had breakfast in bed & are being spoilt. Thankyou to my father for always being there & for the guidance, support & love over all these years, you’re the best ! 👍❤️.”
While Shane is famous for revolutionising spin in cricket, his charity work made him a true legend in the eyes of Australians, including his parents.
A few years ago, they attended an event with Shane raising funds for seriously ill and underprivileged children.
He posted a picture with Keith and Brigette from the event’s red carpet and gushed, “Here’s a pic with my beautiful parents.”
For more on Shane Warne and his legacy, check out the following stories
Here’s how you can watch Shane Warne’s state memorial service around Australia
He was the ultimate cricket legend, but to his three kids Shane Warne was just Dad
“So similar in so many ways”: Shane Warne’s close bond with his eldest daughter Brooke
“I want him to be really proud of me”: How Jackson Warne stepped out of dad Shane Warne’s shadow
Here is how you can watch Shane Warne’s documentary ‘Shane’ for insight into his iconic story
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