Vic: Pratt funeral begins = 3

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2009
Vic: Pratt funeral begins = 3

Pratt's daughter Heloise Waislitz read from a letter she said her father would never
get to read, saying of all the "wonderful childhood memories she cherished", one was sight,
the other sound.

"At your 70th birthday I told you about my abiding visual memory. I said that when
I was 10 I thought you looked like Rock Hudson," Ms Waislitz said, prompting laughter
from mourners.

"I know that sounds corny but it's true - I remembered how you came into the room ready
to go out, wearing your dinner suit, black tie and all. It may be more than 35 years ago,
dad, but to me you really did look like a film star and I was starstruck - I guess I still
am.

"The other great memory is even stronger: it's the sound of you and me singing together.

That also began when I was about 10 years old, singing together at parties, at countless
Visy events and at family celebrations.

"Since then, hundreds of times singing together."

Ms Waislitz said her father had also taught her how to carry on when times got tough
and added, as chairman of the Pratt Foundation, she hoped she could carry his qualities
forward.

"What a wonderful legacy you've created," she said.

"It's reflected in the millions of lives you have touched, and ... as a man who loved
his fellow Australians, who was proud of being Jewish, who cared about humanity, who gave
generously and who taught me and my family how to give with joy and purpose.

"This letter from me to you is from daughter to father, just to say thank you for being
the most caring wonderful father who always wanted the best for his children and who encouraged
and drew the best out of all of us and for being a loving grandfather to all your grandchildren
and taking such pride in each of them."

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