Daily London
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and two premiers were among the hundreds of people who joined together in Perth today to farewell Labor Party strategist Tim Picton.
The 36-year-old victim of an alleged one-punch attack was remembered as a loving and loyal father with a brilliant political mind.
Picton’s wife Priya and their four-year-old daughter Charlotte led the family into the memorial service.
About 750 mourners gathered, including senior political figures.
Past and present state and federal MPs from both sides of politics, as well as business leaders were all in attendance.
Chris Picton, South Australia’s minister for health and wellbeing, was today just a brother in mourning.
“Tim could connect with everyone – from the front bar to the boardroom table, from brickies to billionaires, from premiers and prime ministers,” he said during a eulogy.
Among the special mementos given pride of place at the service were his treasured childhood toy monkey Peanut, which he’d passed on to his little girl.
“When Tim was in hospital and not doing so well, at Charlotte’s request, Peanut was placed back with him, to comfort him,” sister Johanna Picton told the congregation.
Tim, the mastermind behind Labor’s 2021 landslide victory, died on Monday, three weeks after an alleged one-punch attack in Northbridge.
“We cannot change the past, or turn back this unspeakable tragedy,” friend Robbie Williamson said at the memorial.
“What we can do is to live out our lives as best we can and as Tim would, with love and with joy.”
Following the service, Albanese revealed he’d written Tim’s daughter a letter.
“I want Charlotte when she grows up to know exactly how much her dad was loved by everyone who came into contact with him,” Albanese said.
Mourners were also asked to write down their special memories of Tim and leave them as a gift for his daughter.
