By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM AND KATH GANNAWAY
FITTINGLY, the family of Eli Marnock lit sparklers at his funeral on Saturday to remember the little boy who lit up the lives of so many.
Hundreds gathered at the Discovery Church in Mount Evelyn to farewell Eli, who died two weeks ago when a tree fell on the room where he was sleeping at the family’s The Patch home.
Yet the tragic circumstances of his death were not the focus as his family was joined by hundreds of friends, members of the Patch community and emergency services personnel to say a final goodbye.
One by one, father Stefan, mother Suzie and siblings Jackie, Jesse, Blake and Nicola shared their memories of a cheeky little boy who loved giggles, cuddles and above all, his family.
A coffin decorated green with characters from “Dinosaur Train” and surrounded by Tonka trucks were stark reminders of a young and innocent life lost.
Supported by each other and showing remarkable poise, Eli’s parents were first to share memories of the two years they spent with their precious little boy.
Stefan Marnock remembered Eli for his big beautiful eyes, smile and infectious laughter.
He said he had a knack of making his way into everyone’s lives and hearts, especially his brothers and sisters, and how he became his grand-dad’s little shadow.
Suzie spoke of buying Eli a water pistol, saying that “no-one was safe from his aim.“
“But then came that cheeky smile, and once again, he got away with it,“ she said.
A lover of the outdoors, Eli first went camping at only six days old and frequently splashed and played in puddles in the backyard.
A theme throughout the service was Eli’s easygoing personality and love for his family.
Celebrant Janice Tait told those gathered he was “the best baby of all, the cruisiest kid”, while Stefan Marnock said that “if all babies were like Eli, you’d have 10”.
Bravely, Eli’s oldest sister, Jackie, spoke of the special connection shared between sister and brother.
She told of his skill in spotting the McDonald’s golden arches, and the way he was always the one to ask, because “Mum couldn’t say no to Eli”.
The bond between the two siblings was clear.
Jackie was first to hear “I love you” from Eli and shared cheeky memories like Eli sneaking sips of her Pepsi or taking food from everyone’s plates.
“Eli my gorgeous boy, no words can describe my endless love for you. You’ll always be my favourite,” she said.
“Darling boy, two years was nowhere near enough. It’s just not fair.
“If life was measured by love, you would have lived forever.”
In what was a heart-wrenching expression of grief, Jackie then picked Nicola up for her final goodbye to her little brother and best buddy.
“I wish we lived in the city so we wouldn’t have to die.
“And I wish Eli had stayed alive.
“This is for Eli,” she said, holding up a picture she had drawn.
Stefan Marnock spoke on behalf of Eli’s brothers, Blake and Jesse.
Jesse shared special memories of going out into the garden with Eli to pick two cumquats, one to eat and one to throw. Blake told Eli – “I will miss you forever”.
Those gathered then viewed a touching collection of photos, capturing Eli’s day-to-day adventures and milestones such as his first haircut and Christmas as well as photos of him enjoying time with his family.
Named Eli Ian after his “grandfather in heaven,“ Eli’s grandparents Sue, John and Glenys along with the rest of his family said it brought comfort that the two were now together.
After the service, those present released balloons into the sunny blue skies in memory of Eli – the little boy who brought a sparkle to their lives.
