RIP to Daniel Morecombe

[Jim Goose]

One of QLDs most followed and public cases finally has an important chapter close...


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-0...rcombe/4414088

The funeral to farewell teenager Daniel Morcombe is underway on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

The 13-year-old disappeared nine years ago today while waiting for a bus to go Christmas shopping.

His remains were found last year in bushland in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Today his family, friends and the community are saying goodbye at Siena Catholic College at Sippy Downs, which is Daniel's old school.

The Morcombes asked people not to be sad or angry today but to celebrate their son's life.

Parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe placed Daniel's unopened Christmas presents from nine years ago on his coffin.

In his eulogy, his brother Dean Morcombe, spoke of the close bond Daniel had with his twin Bradley.

He highlighted his brother's love of cakes, bikes and animals.

Bruce Morcombe paid tribute to all those who helped in the search for his son, describing him as a quiet, unassuming little boy.

"He was not an attention-seeker yet because of his sparkling eyes and beaming smile he is someone everyone took into their hearts," he said.
People gather for Daniel Morcombe's funeral. Photo: People gather for Daniel Morcombe's funeral. (ABC News: Bruce Atkinson)

About 2,000 people, many wearing red, are at the service and have spilled out of the church and are watching on a big screen.

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart says today's service gives the Morcombe family some closure.

"I think the whole of Queensland joins with us in the sympathies to the Morcombe family particularly today, nine years to the day that Daniel went missing," he said.
Tributes sit at the memorial for Daniel Morcombe at the Kiel Mountain Road overpass. Photo: Tributes and olive trees, symbolising peace, sit at the memorial for Daniel Morcombe at the Kiel Mountain Road overpass. (ABC News: Bruce Atkinson)

Father Joe Duffy says there will be a requiem mass and a procession with a guard of honour.

"There'll be a guard of honour that's at least 150 metres long and I think that's something that a lot of people will want to take part in," he said.

Father Duffy says he hopes it will bring closure for the family.

"The most important thing about this funeral is for his brothers, his parents and grandparents and the immediate family - that they have a time of prayer and closure," he said.
The plaque on the memorial for Daniel Morcombe at the Kiel Mountain Road overpass. Photo: The plaque on the memorial for Daniel Morcombe at the Kiel Mountain Road overpass. (ABC News: Bruce Atkinson)

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says the thoughts of all Australians are with Daniel Morcombe's family today.

Mr Newman is attending the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Canberra, but says he wishes he could be with the family.

"They have been amazing people through this terrible ordeal - they've shown incredible stoicism," he said.

"They've also become inspirational in terms of their quest to warn everybody in Australia about child safety issues and I certainly pay tribute to them today as well."

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has offered his condolences.

"We've all been there beside them, supporting them through what has been a very tumultuous nine years," he said.
Timeline: Daniel Morcombe

Look back at key developments in the case

A committal hearing for the man accused of murdering Daniel will resume in February.

Brett Peter Cowan, 43, has been charged with Daniel's abduction and murder.

Forty-five witnesses have testified at the hearing over the past fortnight in Brisbane.