11/06/2014
NEWS STORY
Three-time world champion Sir Jack Brabham was laid to rest today in a State Funeral on the Gold Coast as flags on government buildings around Australia flew at half-mast in his honour.
The funeral had been delayed so grandsons Matthew and Sam could fulfil racing commitments, leaving son Geoff to explain that "Dad would have got out of his coffin and kick their arses if they missed a couple races for him."
"Jack was very much the example which was followed by his three racing sons Geoff, Gary and David," Andrew Cannon said as he read the eulogy. "Each of them went on to win championship races in their own right. Jack was fit to burst at their successes. He genuinely loved his three sons.
"His grandsons Matt and Sam have made their mark at international level. As proud Australians they follow the path Pop had led.
"On the track, boy did Black Jack, the most competitive of all Australian sportsmen, mean business. But out of the car all of us who knew him are grateful for having known him. He was one of the nicest, best and most engaging friends that one could ever have."
There were lighter moments during the service, none more so than a story shared by Geoff about his father's battle with cancer.
"Someone had told dad a magnetic field would help slow his prostate cancer," he recalled. "So dad goes out and in typical fashion, gets an industrial strength magnet, which is about 50mm by 35mm in size and keeps it in his undies.
"Low and behold the cancer count actually goes down. So dad gets all excited and decides to get two of these magnets.
"Unfortunately these magnets are so strong that no one could possibly keep them apart when they get close together, let alone an 87-year-old man. You could tow a car with these damn things.
"Anyway, you don’t have to use your imagination to think what happens next. They slam together with some of his, how can I say, more delicate parts squashed in between them.
"All I can say is that it was incredibly difficult to get two pairs of multi-grips on two industrial strength magnets when you’re laughing and dad is rolling around in agony.
"He was a legend and a giant, not only in motor racing but in all Australian sport," declared Geoff. "He lived an incredible life and I don’t believe you could ask for more.
"I could say rest in peace but I know he’s up there trying to talk someone into building something so they can race against each other."
Earlier in the week the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), with whom Brabham joked he was always in trouble, announced it would name the Australian Grand Prix winner’s trophy in his honour.
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Mat Coch