'Golden heart': Shane Tuck farewelled by family in moving tribute
The family of Shane Tuck have paid their respects to the former Richmond Tigers hero in a moving ceremony on Wednesday morning.
An emotional service was held in Pakenham for Tuck, who died last week, aged 38.
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The son of Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck, Shane played 178 games for Richmond, becoming a fan favourite during a tough era for the Tigers, known for his toughness around the footy.
Tuck’s wife Katherine shared part of a letter she had written for her late husband, which was to be buried with him at the conclusion of the service.
“You had an amazing life and accomplished so much,” she said.
“You were robbed of your life in the end by the illness and what was happening in your mind.
“We know that your two biggest achievements were (son and daughter) Will and Ava, and I will keep your memory living on in their lives.
“They will know how much you loved them and how much you achieved. They will grow up into kind and beautiful people because they are a part of you.”
Shane Tuck farewelled with stirring tributes
Katherine Tuck’s tribute to Shane was followed by a stirring speech from the former Tiger’s sister Renee, who spoke of her brother’s love for his mum and dad.
“He said to me in his final days how lucky we were to have such wonderful parents, such wonderful people as our parents,” she said.
“Nothing but love all round.
“We fought Shane’s battle alongside him until the end — and I knew how much he loved me.”
Renee also read a poem to her brother as part of the service.
“A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hand sat rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.”
Since Tuck’s death last week, tributes poured in from the football world, particularly from his former coaches and teammates.
Former Tigers coach Terry Wallace said Tuck was as honest as the day was long after hearing of his former midfielder’s death.
Football's Tuck family has gathered as one to farewell 38-year-old Shane Tuck, who died last week after a long battle with mental illness.
The father of two was remembered by his own father, Michael, as a 'good boy'. @TJch9 #9News pic.twitter.com/5E9NEDsJop— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) July 28, 2020
“He was such a lovely guy. I couldn’t speak more volumes about him. He was the typical country lad,” Wallace said.
“Such a loyal guy, he couldn’t have been any more loyal to me.
“A very, very, loveable person and one of the great characters around that football club at the time.”
