The send off was mental. I don't think me - or anyone else there - have ever seen anything like it.
Dave's Wishes
Dave was a fairly spiritual person, but he hated organised religion and institutions. The control aspect was something he really didn't like. Also, the idea that you can only worship god in a building, and you need to speak with particular people who can talk to god on your behalf.
He very much believed that it was everywhere, and all around you. That you could appreciate it in all aspects of your life.
The Funeral
A bunch of us met up by the river across the road from the funeral home, and we had a drink and a chat.
By time 12 o'clock game, there were a good 20 of us there talking, and upon crossing the road we saw that a good gathering of well over 100 people were there already.
Upon walking in, I wasn't expecting to be singing, clapping, and laughing, but within the first few minutes of the ceremony starting, everyone was.
Opening up with Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll - one of Dave's favourite songs - the mood was set. It was hard for everyone to hear it, but we all wore brave faces, and moved along to the music, singing some of the lyrics.
The MC of the day really done a great job of talking about Dave, sharing some stories, and he had everyone there in stiches talking and describing some of Dave's antics.
I was the next one up, and while I had written down my speech, I kind of winged it, and told some stories that I didn't intend on. People were laughing, and after finishing up I was told to grab a can, of which there were a few up on his coffin.
Everyone who was speaking had a drink, and I'm fairly sure a few in the crowd were having one too.
I was delighted that my dad was able to get up and speak, which I didn't think he'd be able to. He held strong and fair play to him for being able to do it. He has been inconsolable for the last week.
At the end of the service Dave's first ever song, I Met My Pet On The Internet played, and it was hard to be happy while hearing it, but we all sang along, and he would have loved to have been there for one last sing with us.
The main MC handed my dad a joint and said we'd be sparking them up as we walk Dave to the hearse. One last smoke with him. I stopped smoking a few years ago now, but occasionally have the odd blast.
I had about four drags of this while carrying the coffin, and had no idea that it was a blunt - pure one - until about 10 minutes later as I stood in the courtyard and realised that I was wrecked.
Walking up the hill to the pub, my vision went misty, and my hearing got messed up, as well as a bad case of cotton mouth.
It was only 2 hours later that I started to feel normal again.
We stayed in the pub until closing, so about 12-14 hours of drinking. Kaleb was there until about 4:30, and Aimee ended up taking him home, but up until that point he was running around and brightened a bunch of peoples day. He was very social.
Everyone who was there said that the service was exactly how they'd like to be sent off, because it was a happy celebration and session, as opposed to kneeling, praying and crying.
We done right by him, and can all hold our heads high and know that we sent him off exactly how he would have wanted it.