Vale Graeme Morrison

The service was held on 5 February at Le Pine’s, Werribee — just along the road from Graeme’s care home, where he had lived for the last 17 months.

Eleven choristers were joined by Graeme’s great friends, recently retired Graham Hickman and Victor Gago, as they opened proceedings with the poignant Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood, led by Faleiry Koczkar. Faleiry then spoke about Graeme’s enthusiastic contribution to the choir.

The front pews were filled by his large family — three children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren — and by his companion of many years, Dee. Reflecting Graeme’s wide circle of friends and club associations, the chapel was overflowing, with some mourners standing in the foyer.

The celebrant read out a significant part of Graeme’s potted history, which had been shared with the choir family back in 2018. Presciently, he had prefaced it with the words: “My profile – gladness and sadness – that’s life.”

He had first begun singing publicly at his in-laws’ care home, and kept it up for 25 years. He travelled extensively with VicWelsh, getting his first passport at the age of 74 for the 2012 tour.

His family spoke lovingly of his kindness, friendship, encouragement, and steadfast commitment. He was always the first to get up and dance, full of energy and a zest for life. A passionate sportsman, Graeme was a cricketer, footballer, golfer, and an avid punter — known for reading the form guide religiously. His substantial wins were generously shared with the entire family.

Graeme worked as a shop fitter and had the rare ability to make just about anything out of wood. Every family member owns at least one piece of his handmade furniture — a lasting and tangible memory of his craftsmanship.

A touching photomontage played to Imagine and It’s a Wonderful World. And as the casket was led out, mourners were treated to a recording of Graeme himself, confidently singing The Bachelors’ 1966 hit Walk with Faith in Your Heart.

Outside, in a heartfelt tribute, the funeral director donned a Western Bulldogs scarf and, to the accompaniment of the club’s anthem, led the hearse and family past the nearby care home for a final farewell.