3:23 PM Tue 13 Apr 2010 GMT
More than 1000 people turned in the New England city of Tamworth last Monday to farewell Brian McCosker, tragically lost when his powerboat overturned at high speed on the Manning River, at Taree the previous week.
Mourners included close family and friends, fellow powerboat racers, members of the Taree Aquatic Club and many officials of the Australian Power Boat Association. Tamworth's Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church was filled to capacity, with many mourners gathered outside for the service.
Those who presented eulogies all called on people to celebrate the powerboat champion's life and achievements. His cousin, Greg McCosker, told the gathering that Brian was 'an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. He was a man who was, and still is, larger than life.' He then added that, 'He was also a wonderful father, grandfather and husband, and a man with the need for speed.'
There was barely a dry eye when Brian's daughter, Angela Smith, sprinkled Holy Water on the casket before it left the church for a private cremation ceremony.
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Section of the big crowd on the banks of the Manning River, Taree, for the Taree Aquatic Club’s Easter Classic. Little did they know they’d be witnesses to tragedy. - McCosker farewell - Wayne Johnstone
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A coronial inquiry will be held into the two tragic accidents that claimed the lives of Brian, 61, and fellow racer Dave Bryant, 48, of Mesa, Arizona. Police from the Manning-Great Lakes Local Area Command attended each accident and will be assisting in preparing a detailed report for the coronial inquest.
The men were killed driving similar boats at high speed on the Manning River during the Taree Aquatic Club's Easter Classic, Brian on Saturday, and Dave on Sunday. Rescue crews got to both men quickly following each accident and both were rushed to the nearby Manning Base Hospital, but neither could be revived.
Rumours, although unconfirmed, suggest both accidents may have been caused by engine problems.
No date has as yet been set for the coronial inquiry.
by Bob Wonders
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Macquarie Island, TAS
