DES HANRAHAN - RIDDEN ON
(Member No 31370)

The funeral Service for our mate Des was held at noon on Friday 17 June 2005 at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Nelson Bay.

Well over 500 mourners attended the service to bid their final farewell to a great mate and friend of so many. People came from all over Australia and one couple came back from their holiday in Italy, such was the esteem in which this man was held. In excess of thirty Ulyssians arrived on bikes and many others came in cars.

Des’s three sons, Desi, Pete and Jon spoke beautifully on behalf of themselves, their mum Jenny, Des’s mother (who is 90 years old), Des’s sisters and also other family members.

Eulogies were also given by one of Des’s mates, Neal Maxwell, who portrayed Des as a loveable rogue and spoke of many of Des’s exploits. This brought many laughs to the congregation.

Ulyssian Paul Knox spoke on behalf of the Port Stephens Group. A short time prior to his death, Des had asked Ulyssian Ronda Grant to write a poem for him on his 60th birthday. Tragically, Des never made it. So, at the request of the family Ronda did write a poem for Des and she read it at the service, again this brought many chuckles. Ken Grant later read the Biker’s Prayer.

After the service, at the request of the family, over thirty Ulyssians on their bikes escorted the hearse and family cars from the church to Salt Ash for Des’s last ride. John Way was the ride leader. At Salt Ash the bikes formed two rows as a guard of honour and the hearse was escorted between the bikes by Ross Lister, enabling us to bid our final farewell to Des. The hearse and family then continued on to Beresfield for a private cremation.

The wake at Salamander Shores Hotel/Motel went on forever. We certainly learnt a lot of interesting and funny things about Des from his old mates in Dubbo. Some Ulyssians later gathered for dinner and drinks in the Crows Nest Room at Nelson Bay Bowling Club.

Rest in peace, Des.