Remembering Richard Pratt

 

DALIA SABLE

BUSINESSMAN, philanthropist, visionary, art enthusiast, sportsman, environmentalist, innovator and family man.¬†These many facets of Richard Pratt were celebrated at his state memorial service at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall last Sunday.¬†Thousands of people, from all walks of life and with many and varied interests turned out for the dignified service, where Premier John Brumby reflected on Pratt’s energy, enthusiasm and “zest for life”.

Brumby called Pratt the “quintessential Australian success story”, saying that not only was Pratt “great in ability and achievement”, but also “great in generosity”, having donated more than $200 million in his lifetime.¬†Rabbi Levi Wolff, who conducted the funeral service in April, recited Psalm 23 in Hebrew and English, and notable Australians from various aspects of Pratt’s endeavours spoke of his contribution.

Chairman of BHP Billiton and confidante Don Argus spoke of Pratt’s business achievements and called him a visionary.¬†”We are all given the opportunity to achieve while on this earth and I can only marvel at what you have contributed to your family, the community and the development of Australia’s corporate, sporting and artistic life,” he said, reflecting on a letter he sent to Pratt before he passed away.¬†”If you were standing beside me today I would say ‘well done mate’.”

Chief executive officer of the AFL Andrew Demetriou spoke of Pratt’s passion for Australian Rules football as a former player, a life-long supporter and a former club president.¬†Speaking of the Peres Peace Team, Demetriou said Pratt recognised “the potential of using the game he loved as a catalyst for bringing these young men together”.¬†

“He understood the simple power of a single act and he also understood the capacity for sport to make a difference and to make people smile, to give them an opportunity to be happy. That was the power of Richard Pratt.”¬†A slideshow to a reworked biographical version of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, one of Pratt’s favourites, was played, followed by son Anthony Pratt thanking all involved to conclude the formalities.

Following the formal service, guests were invited back to Visy Park for an open day, which was attended by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Pratt, 74, died in April from prostate cancer.