By Paul Dunlop
TEARS were shed for a loved family man and largerthanlife mate as Pakenham bid farewell to murdered businessman Michael Griffey on Monday.
About 300 people gathered to pay tribute to the man known fondly as ‘Griffo’ at a simple but moving ceremony.
A homicide investigation into Mr Griffey’s death is continuing, and police have renewed their pleas for information about his murder.
Mourners packed the service room at the David W. Bull Funeral Home to remember a man who loved his family, was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of local sporting clubs and had a passion for a good time and fast cars.
Family and friends described Mr Griffey as somebody who made friends easily, treated people equally regardless of their circumstances and was always there when he was needed most.
They also heard farewell messages Mr Griffey had left for his children Kenny, Natasha and Cassy and former wife Diane during a recent health scare.
Natasha (Tash) spoke tearfully of her love for her father.
“I love you Dad, I miss you Dad, I need you in my life,” she said. “I want you there to walk Cassy and I down the aisle, I want you to hold your grandchildren. I refuse to believe you’re gone.”
Mr Griffey’s body was discovered last Monday in the garage of the family’s Ahern Road home.
Police believe the 45yearold may have been dead for three or four days before his body was found.
The results of an autopsy last week have not yet been made public.
The death in such mysterious circumstances of the wellknown and popular man has shocked the community.
Longtime mate Darren Delaland said he still could not believe Mr Griffey was gone.
“It breaks my heart to think such a great man’s life was ended so early by such a cowardly act,” he said.
Justin Van der Zalm read a eulogy from Cassy to the congregation.
She said she would miss seeing her dad’s smiling face and hearing his contagious laugh.
Mr Griffey was fondly remembered by the Pakenham Lions Junior Football Club where he was an assistant coach in the under14 grade premiership in 2001.
Team members wore their football jumpers and premiership medallions to the funeral service.
Cardinia Cricket Club players and officials wore their club colours in honour of a respected team member and supporter.
Mr Griffey’s son Kenny helped to carry the casket onto one of the tray trucks that formed the family’s plaster transport business.
The funeral cortege, which included Mr Griffey’s beloved Ford GT cars, departed for Pakenham cemetery to the strains of Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell.
>>> Letters to the family: page 7.
