Around 150 mourners have farewelled much-loved gay community member Eric Szczerba at a mixed culture and mixed language ceremony in Auckland. Many members of the gay community were among the mourners at the Purewa Cemetery in Meadowbank this afternoon, a week after Szczerba died of a heart attack while mountain-biking. The Mr Urge NZ Bear 2010’s parents’ came over from his homeland of France and as they do not speak English, much of the ceremony was conducted in his native tongue and then translated. Michael Bancroft, who presided over the funeral, also spoke partially in French. Szczerba was remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, a music lover and keen mountain biker who will be forever missed. Enya was played throughout the service, from a CD which Szczerba had given to his mother ten years ago and asked to be played at his funeral if anything ever happened to him. His partner Jason Clark read out the many tributes which have been placed on his Facebook tribute page, where he has also posted his own tribute, which reads: To my Eric..you taught me how to love and be loved. I showed you how to live life to the full like there is no tomorrow..."Just do it". Together we are one and I will continue the celebration of your life. You will always be in my heart and thoughts as my soulmate,lover and friend. France and New Zealand will be forever contected through our love . Your family is my family, my family is your family so I will always be your parent's son. Love your babe, your man your Jason xxx Money has been raised for a memorial at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park, where Szczerba died.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 3rd September 2011 - 6:22pm