With Eulogies by Richard Wilkins, Andrew
Farris, Rhett Hutchence and Tina Hutchence
and a touching performance by Nick Cave
of Into My Arms, the funeral was a beautiful
and loving tribute to the man Michael
Hutchence was. “To mourn too long for
those we love is self-indulgent, but to honor
their memory with a promise to live a little
better for having known them give purpose
to their life and some reason for their death.”
Michael’s sister, Tina Hutchence, followed
her eulogy for her brother with an emotional
poem.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am
not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on rice and grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the mornings’ hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
A quiet bird’s encircled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.”
“Never Tear Us Apart” was played as the
procession left the cathedral.
As the procession exited the cathedral, the
sunny day was suddenly covered with dark
clouds as a loud clap of thunder shook the
skies. Just as quickly, the clouds dissipated,
and sunlight shone down upon the mourners.
“And they could never tear us apart…”
(Information taken from The Official
Michael Hutchence Memorial Site and Total
XS, by Rhett Hutchence)
Farris, Rhett Hutchence and Tina Hutchence
and a touching performance by Nick Cave
of Into My Arms, the funeral was a beautiful
and loving tribute to the man Michael
Hutchence was. “To mourn too long for
those we love is self-indulgent, but to honor
their memory with a promise to live a little
better for having known them give purpose
to their life and some reason for their death.”
Michael’s sister, Tina Hutchence, followed
her eulogy for her brother with an emotional
poem.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am
not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on rice and grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the mornings’ hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
A quiet bird’s encircled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.”
“Never Tear Us Apart” was played as the
procession left the cathedral.
As the procession exited the cathedral, the
sunny day was suddenly covered with dark
clouds as a loud clap of thunder shook the
skies. Just as quickly, the clouds dissipated,
and sunlight shone down upon the mourners.
“And they could never tear us apart…”
(Information taken from The Official
Michael Hutchence Memorial Site and Total
XS, by Rhett Hutchence)
| On January 22, 1998, Kelland, Rhett and other family members and close friends held a private ash ceremony on Sydney Harbor. They Created a memorial Site for Michael at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. |
One can be sure that when Andrew Farriss wrote
the lyrics to “By My Side,” he never intended
them to be the opening song at his best friend’s
funeral. But on November 27, 1997, that song
carried the weight of sadness upon it. “In the
dark of night…by my side.”
The funeral for Michael Kelland Hutchence took
place in St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney,
Australia and was led by Reverend Boak Jobbins,
Dean of Sydney. Michael’s casket was covered
with blue irises (his favorite flower) and one tiger
lily, representing his daughter.
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| Click here to view the memorial candles. |