Timaru farewells Bali bomb victim

More than 1500 people farewelled cherished family member and friend Mark Parker at a service in Timaru yesterday.

Mr Parker died in the October 12 Bali bomb explosions.

His photograph kept watch over mourners while his favourite music drifted through the Community Trust Sports Centre. It was a fitting venue for the sports-mad former Timaru Boys' High School student.

His love of cricket was transferred to the service, with a special "batting order" announced for those standing to speak.

Former All Blacks captain Anton Oliver, who met Mr Parker while at Otago University, said the 27-year-old had a special insight into his friends.

He said Mr Parker zeroed in on their characteristics, giving them special nicknames, which had stuck.

Other sportsmen at the service were Stephen Fleming, Shayne O'Connor, Simon Maling, Paul Wiseman and Tony Brown.

Timaru Mayor Wynne Raymond said Mr Parker's death had affected the entire South Canterbury community.

His body arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday.

His father Murray, mother Verna, sisters Sarah and Katherine and brother Tim carried the coffin into the sports centre.

Christchurch vicar Mike Hawke opened the service with a brief account of Mr Parker's last days.

Parker family spokesman and Mr Parker's uncle, John Parker, said it was important people knew how and where his nephew died.

Mr Parker was not inside the nightclub at the time of the blasts. Instead he and three friends were on their way to dinner.

They had stepped from a taxi onto the street when they were caught in the middle of the two bombs.

"The friend that was following Mark was killed, the third and fourth were injured, but survived," John Parker said.

Mr Parker was one of the first people transported to the local Kuta hospital, where he died a short time later.

He was remembered for his love of sleep and Sky TV, and his musical talents. He once played in a school band called Wild Honey.

A good all-rounder, who shared a passion for most sports including tennis and golf, Mr Parker was returning to New Zealand from London to play cricket for Wellington's Onslow Club.

During the 90-minute service, a prayer was read by his parents and older sister Sarah and younger brother Tim both read poems.

Described as fun-loving, the Parker family were also applauded for holding a public memorial service.

Mr Hawke said the family needed to be acknowledged because they easily could have "closed ranks" and kept the public away.

The service was wound up in true Mark Parker style, with the giving of his favourite sweet, Minties.

Mr Parker had loved watching the "moments like these" ads.

After the service, the public was invited to a local bar where Mr Parker had worked, to share memories and celebrate his life.

- NZPA

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