 |
| 28 November 2002 |
| 28 November 2002 Colourful Goodbye To Billy The Daily Telegraph MORE than 1000 mourners crammed into St Joseph's Church, Tweed Heads, to celebrate the life of the popular footballer and little brother of Big Brother reality TV show star Jess Hardy. Billy, 20, was the only one of eight Southport Sharks players who didn't come home from their trip to Bali. After a search lasting a month, Billy's remains were finally identified using DNA and brought home last week. Jess, her mother Christine and Billy's girlfriend Sky Futcher dressed colourfully for the service, a tribute reflecting Billy's vibrant personality. Billy's Sharks' clubmates, of course, turned out in force, wearing their club shirts with pride � and dark sunglasses to hide their tears. His father Bill Hardy told the congregation: "I shouldn't be standing here today. It's a day that every parent dreads." He made his final goodbye with the words: "Don't forget to shine your shoes". 28 November 2002 Little Brother Is Farewelled The Herald Sun The heartache of the Bali terrorist tragedy was felt again yesterday when more than 1000 people celebrated the life of bomb victim Billy Hardy. There was standing room only inside the St Joseph's Catholic Church in his home town of Tweed Heads. Family, friends, teammates, co-workers and injured survivors of the nightclub bombings were among those who paid their respects to the popular 20-year-old, nicknamed the "Operator". His father, Bill, described the tragedy that took his son as "a barbarous crime against humanity and the Australian way of life". "How do you explain what a wonderful son is?" Mr.Hardy asked. "He was my hero, his mother's pride and joy, his sister's best friend and little brother's idol." Billy was in Bali on an end of the season football trip with eihgt of his teammates from Southport Sharks. He was the only Shark not to make it home. His remains were identified a week ago. One of the most moving movements of the service came as a video was played showing Billy as a child growing into an adult. It included clips from the TV show Big Brother that starred his sister Jessica. "It's not really a goodbye because he will always be with us," Jessica said. "Whenever I am going to fall into a slump, I just have to think of his gorgeous smile." |