Fed: Packer farewelled amid tributes and song

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2006
Fed: Packer farewelled amid tributes and song

KERRY PACKER'S son JAMES has told a packed memorial service .. his father lived well
.. worked hard .. and loved with all his heart.

JAMES was joined by almost two thousand people .. including some of the biggest names
in Australian politics .. business .. sport and entertainment .. to farewell Mr PACKER
at the Opera House.

In a moving speech dedicated to his father's great strength and intelligence .. JAMES
said he's lost a mentor and a friend.

JAMES .. who's taken control of his father's 11 billion dollar media and gaming company
Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd .. said his father was a born leader who radiated strength.

He could be a tough operator and a very hard negotiator .. but he never compromised
his integrity and his judgment never let him down.







The service also heard a reading of the sombre RUDYARD KIPLING poem If .. by Oscar
winner RUSSELL CROWE on behalf of Mr PACKER'S only daughter GRETEL.

The service was also peppered with moments of joviality .. as pictures of Mr PACKER
flashed on the stage the auditorium broke into a rousing rendition of the cricket anthem
.. Come on Aussie come on.

The prime minister and CROWE joined the choir and flag-waving schoolchildren in song
.. while American actor TOM CRUISE clapped and grinned.

And afterwards .. master of ceremonies ALAN JONES declared .. KP would have loved that.

AAP RTV tr/was/jv/bart

KEYWORD: PACKER SERVICE (SYDNEY)

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