‘Kindness and spirit’ of slain policeman Matt Ratana remembered at funeral
MOVING tributes have been paid to shot policeman Matt Ratana by his family, friends and colleagues at his funeral service.
The memorial for the 54-year-old at a chapel in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex, was attended in person yesterday by a limited number of his family, friends and close colleagues due to coronavirus restrictions.
But the event was live-streamed around the world so well-wishers, including loved ones in Sergeant Ratana’s native New Zealand as well as in the UK, could join the service.
His coffin was covered in the Met’s ceremonial drape, which is used for a death in service, with his police cap placed on top.
Along with flowers, there was also a traditional Maori fighting weapon called a mere, which the chief of a tribe would hand down to his son, sent as a sign of respect from New Zealand police, where he worked from 2003 to 2008.
The coffin stood in front of a photograph of the officer wearing his East Grinstead rugby shirt, with a fern tree, a symbol of New Zealand national identity, to one side.
At the other side was a table with a photo tribute from his son Luke, which read, “Dad, Till we meet again, Aroha nui (much love) Luke”, with pictures including a fern, along with the officer’s police medals.
A tribute from his partner Su Bushby was read at the service on her behalf by friend Lorraine Dray.
She said: “Matt made the most of every minute of his precious 54 years.
“In any situation or room he walked into, his presence would always be felt. Like a big ball of energy.
“You were taken far too soon, your gym, rugby and policing family will help your legacy, your kindness and your spirit live on. You have touched so many people’s lives, you will be truly missed.”
Sgt Ratana was shot by a handcuffed suspect at Croydon Custody Centre in south London on September 25.