The "great joy" Private Robert Poate gave his parents and sister and his "high moral and ethical standards" have been recognised at his funeral at Canberra Grammar School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 800 people honoured a committed soldier and optimistic young man who was murdered in Afghanistan just over two weeks ago.
The service, a mix of school tradition and military honors, gave thanks for the life of Private Poate, a prayer also acknowledging his "good sportmanship", "great sense of humor and his dedication and commitment to his chosen occupation as a professional soldier in the Australian Defence Force".
Eight young men in sombre suits, some with red-rimmed eyes, friends of Private Poate's from his Grammar days, carried his coffin into the Chapel of Christ the King, which was full of mourners. Others sat outside under blossom trees and a big gum.
The coffin was adorned with a slouch hat, the Australian flag and white flowers.
Large screens broadcast the service to the crowd outside, also showing photographs of Private Poate, including one in which he was giving the thumbs up, reflecting his optimistic nature.
The sounds of the schoolyard were silenced as the service started, the congregation including the chief mourner, Deputy-Chief of Army, Major-General Angus Campbell, and Vice-Chief of the Defence Force, Air-Marshal Mark Binskin.
The coffin was carried past a guard of honour of soldiers from the 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, the unit with whom Private Poate was serving when he was killed by a rogue Afghan soldier at their base in Oruzgan Province on August 29.
Eulogies are being given by Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Jennings, Commanding Officer, the Royal Australian Regiment; Tristan Yard, representing Private Poate's mates from 6RAR; his old Grammar housemaster Peter Wilkins; Jack Waters, representing his school friends; and Private Poate's father, Hugh.
The terrible loss suffered by Private Poate's family was also recognised.
"We pray for Robert's family and friends, remembering especially Hugh, Janny and Nicola, whose sense of loss is so keen. when we cannot understand the things that happen and are weighed down by grief and loneliness, uphold us in your love."
Students from Grammar formed a guard of honour as Private Poate's coffin was carried by gun carriage from the service.
His family asked for no flowers but donations instead to be made to Legacy.
The Last Post and Australian anthem ended the funeral, along with a gun salute.
The Australian and school flags at Grammar were at half-mast, a tangible honour to a man, killed at just 23, who once roamed the school grounds, hopeful of a bright future.
