Mourners fill chapel as family and friends pay tribute to ‘protective big brother’

For Simon Gorecki’s friends and family, it was as if his life had flashed before their eyes.

A touching video tribute to the tragic 47-year-old – who was killed at a house in Canterbury in March – reduced many to tears as they packed Barham crematorium for his funeral.

So full was the chapel that dozens of mourners were forced to stand for the service, which was led by members of Simon’s family.

It coincided with the threemonth anniversary of the day he was stabbed to death along with friend Natasha SadlerEllis at a house in Dickens Avenue on the Poets Estate.

His youngest sister Alice Turner said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us, friends and family included, almost unbelievably so in its impact and how we will continue to live our lives from here on in.

“But with this in mind I feel like that out of everything that has happened this is an opportunity for us to take on a little bit of Simon’s attitude to life.

“I may sound like a hippy – but Simon was a bit of a hippy so I don’t mind that so much – but I think this kind of situation should remind us all that life is precious and we should take stock of what we have and be thankful for that rather than bitter for all the things we may not have and long for – things that just ultimately aren’t important.

“We should all try and adopt Simon’s approach to life and just concentrate on the people in our lives that we love and be as happy as we can be – let go of things and material possessions and just enjoy each day as a gift because it can so easily end.”

Simon’s brother Rory Devlin added: “Simon was a very protective big brother.

“He was an optimist and a believer and he was my brother, my friend. He will never be far from me and never be forgotten.”

Simon also leaves behind another brother and sister, Adam and Elizabeth, and his mother Sally Devlin.

She said: “Simon, I want you to know – I want to tell you – that everyone here today – and other loved ones who are not here today, will be together with you again one day – when our mornings come around.

“Your parents, your siblings, children, cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles – and your much-loved friends. We will be together again – one day. Simon – heaven waits.

Simon’s father Marek Gorecki had travelled from Indonesia to be at his son’s funeral.

The video shown to mourners also contained photos from Simon’s childhood up to his most recent days.

Tara Ballard read out a tribute on behalf of her husband Dean, Simon’s best friend.

“I still can’t believe you’ve gone. I have so many funny memories of you – the best is

Simon, aged eight, with his brother Adam, aged six; Simon aged 20 and right; Simon two years ago