Emotional Service For One Of Life's Diamonds Remembered With Love

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday October 22, 2008

By PAUL MAGUIRE

BRENDAN "Woody" Allwood, a young Maitland man who was electrocuted while rescuing his boss from a workplace accident last week, was farewelled by 1500 people at a funeral on the city's rugby ground yesterday.

The 23-year-old apprentice plumber was working under a Rutherford home on Tuesday with his employer and mate Aaron Watt, who received a severe electrical shock while cutting galvanised pipe.

Mr Allwood pulled Mr Watt free but received a fatal blow himself and died shortly afterwards in Maitland Hospital.

In an emotional few words during yesterday's service, Mr Watt described Woody as part of his family.

"He reminded me so much of myself it's not funny," he said.

Woody showed him what it was like to have a teenage son, including late-night calls from police, requests for pay advances and excuses on Monday mornings, Mr Watt said.

The pair met at Marcellin Park, where yesterday's service was held, and went on to train, play for the Maitland Rugby Union Club and socialise there.

During the service, led by Luke Apthorpe and Family Funeral Directors celebrant Colleen Gale, Mr Allwood was described as one of life's diamonds.

She said that in tributes his family received, Mr Allwood was spoken of as a hero, a fun-loving larrikin who lived life to the full, and a vivacious and spontaneous individual who was the life of parties and made an indelible impression as he always had time for other people.

Yesterday's service began with drizzling rain falling on a grey hearse parked on the football pitch alongside a white marquee, lit by candles at the head of Mr Allwood's silver coloured coffin.

Soft flute sounds preceded the playing of pop music as flowers were laid near the coffin.

Ms Gale said Mr Allwood's unexpected death and relatively short time on Earth demonstrated how fragile life could be and should remind everyone to walk gently together and be mindful of the gift of those around us and the memories we share.

Thoughts from Mr Allwood's mother, Jo, were read by her sister Christine Hodge.

She recalled him as "an angel and little devil" who celebrated life with a beautiful smile, played all sorts of sport, loved his cousins and lived a life that would be treasured by many.

Ms Gale then read a poem written by Mr Allwood's girlfriend, Kate Mitchell, which told of her unending love.

His best mate, Michael "Speedy" Lea, remembered a special person whose actions always spoke louder than words.

Mr Allwood had an absolute love for his mother Jo, girlfriend Kate and sister Loryn, he said.

He loved simple things in life, was handy to have around during trivia competitions, protected and did anything he could for mates, was never wrong in an argument and gave himself the nickname of Gigl after confidently declaring "God I'm good looking", Mr Lea said.

Loryn said Brendan big-brothered her all her life, and when he hugged her she was in the safest place in the world.

"I hope I make you as proud as you make me," Loryn said.

Jo, Kate and Loryn laid red roses on the coffin as more than 100 of Mr Allwood's mates formed a guard of honour from the marquee to the hearse and released black and white balloons.

Rain stopped during the service and a gentle, cool breeze blew as the hearse did a final lap of the field.

Everyone applauded as the hearse carried Mr Allwood's body across the try line, under the goalposts and off the field for the last time.

Post your tributes

theherald.com.au

MY BRENDAN

I am you, You are me.

I am what you are, You are what I am.

I believe what you believe, You believe what

I believe.

I feel what you feel, You feel what I feel.

I love what you love, You love what I love.

You have what I have, I have what you have.

I miss what you miss, You miss what I miss.

I hold what you hold, You hold what I hold.

I dream what you dream, You dream what I

dream.

I am you, You are me.

I am what you are, You are what I am.

You are my life, my world, my greatest love.

You are the epitome of

my days, my months,

my years.

You are the basis of my

being, my presence,

my every action.

You are everything I

want, I need, I have.

You are my forever,

You are my complete source of adoration.

I will feel for you as I do today for as long as

this life leads me.

I love you Brendan Allwood.

I have, I will, I do.

This poem was written by Brendan Allwoods girlfriend Kate

Mitchell and read during his funeral by celebrant Colleen Gale.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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