Tony Benneworth’s life “did not go unnoticed”.
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On Friday more than 800 people filled Launceston’s Church of Apostles to remember a man who was “larger than life”.
Here, Father Richard Ross shared an impassioned message for boat users to always wear a lifejacket, in the hope that Tony’s death would serve a purpose.
The 67-year-old, known to his friends as ‘Benny’, drowned while on a fishing trip at Ansons Bay in the state’s North-East on Saturday.
The incident also claimed the life of 73-year-old Tony Long of Youngtown.
Father Ross described the deaths as “cruel, unfair, painful and meaningless”, but said it was a story that needed to be to be shared.
“To name the elephant in the room, if someone, somewhere, dons a working lifejacket, because of the story of this week, and it saves a life – we may not hear that story – but Tony and Tony’s death will have saved a life,” he said.
“So we need to tell that story, as painful and as hard as it is.
“Because we hope that it makes a difference.”
Mr Benneworth was remembered as a man who had a “profound impact” on the Northern Tasmanian community.
His niece Lisa Benneworth, described him as a “gentleman” and a “true sportsman” who along with all of his passions, was first and foremost a family man.
“It is challenging to express the state of shock and despair we have been in since hearing the news,” she said.
“His personality resonated with so many people.
“It is evident by the sheer number of people in this church today what a deep sense of community there is in Launceston.
“The amount of people whose lives he touched cannot be underestimated.”
While there were many tears, Friday’s service also brought laughs as friends and family reflected on a life that was “lived to the fullest”.
Ms Benneworth spoke of the many “good yarns” shared over a glass of red wine with a man who had “personality in spades”.
Speaking about Linda – his wife of 30 years – Ms Benneworth said they were “always side by side to support each other”.
In a touching tribute, members of the various clubs and associations Mr Benneworth was affiliated with were asked to place symbols on his coffin.
They included a cricket bat, a motorcycle helmet and a club shirt from his beloved Trevallyn Bowls and Community Club.
Former Speaker of the House Graeme Page, placed a Tasmanian a flag signifying Mr Benneworth’s “remarkable” political career.
Speaking after the service, he said the Benneworth family had been overwhelmed with support since Saturday.
“He was just one heck of a guy,” he said.
“The family has been supported unbelievably since the tragic circumstances.
“They have had tributes from all over Australia.
“The family just cannot believe the man touched so many lives.
“If someone went down, he was the first one to pick them up.
“If you met Tony for a few moments, you were his friend, and he is going to be missed.”
At the conclusion of the service, members of the Riverside Cricket Club and Trevallyn Bowls and Community Club, formed a guard of honour outside the church.
Riverside past president Peter Scott said it was an honour to show what Mr Benneworth meant to the club, on what was a very emotional day.
“The service was excellent and really summed up the man,” he said.
“We really want to celebrate a life well had, but very sad for the same token.
“We feel like a big chunk of us has been ripped out.
“He is the only player who has played in all four of our premierships.
“He was the catalyst and the person who drove that successful culture that was engendered back in those days.
“He was an innovator and a real man with a plan.
“He really drove change and didn’t just accept things for being the way that they are.
“He had the ability to motivate people and get things done.
“We have all learned so much from Tony.
“He has been a leader and what he has taught myself and other members of our community, that will be his legacy.
“To always challenge and try and improve things for the better.”
The funeral for Tony Long will be held on Monday at the Franklin Grove Centre, Youngtown, at 10.30am.