And they came together to farewell Ike Ihaia ROBIN
Tue, 14 Feb 2012
The 13 February 2012 will be remembered as the day we farewelled Ike Ihaia ROBIN in Toowoomba.
His friends, his mates some came by plane, some by car and many more came by bike, they came by any means they could to farewell Ike.
Ike's service was conducted at Burstow's Chapel in Ruthven St at Toowoomba and as you would guess there was not a spare seat with some attendees having to stand.
The service commenced with the "Lord's Prayer", followed by the Eulogy, read by 'Munga'
This was followed by a Mouri song led by Ike's brother and included several other family members to call the spirits to be taken home?? a very moving song.
There was a photographic display playing on the overhead screen which we all watched while reflecting on past lives.
Jimmy Canuto, Normie Rowe and members of 3 Cav who served in SVN were then asked to perform the songs 'Black Beret' and 'Little Tin Soldier', both songs stirring a lot of emotion from within the congregation.
Kym then read a piece that Ike had chosen a few days ago when he knew the time was near, it was a David Harkins poem titled 'You can shed tears'
The congregation again stood and Ike's brother Kenny then accompanied by other family members delivered the Lord’s Prayer in Mouri.
Ike's coffin was then carried from the Chapel amid Mouri words and song to the waiting bike equipped with casket carriage. It was at that moment that the skies opened and we received a typical Queensland summer storm.
When all was in readiness and amid the thunderous noise of many bikes the crowd was brought to attention and Ike was saluted by the many Black Hats as the procession of bikes filed past as it made its way to the cemetery on 'one last ride for Ike'
The Queensland shower continued as the local RSL representative read Ike's service details and following the Last Post and the Ode Ike's casket was lowered into the ground and all were invited to place a poppy on the casket below.
A wake was held at the local sports club where many of the days attendees sought shelter from the weather and over a quiet drink caught up with mates they had not seen for half a lifetime, many stories were told over a quiet drink.
It is a pity this gathering did not happen a while ago when Ike could have enjoyed the company of his brothers as they gathered and shared a story as it should not take the loss of such a great man to bring a Black Hat family together.
RIP Ike
Lest we forget
