Carl Webb remembered by loved ones for his big heart and courage as former NRL star laid to rest in Queensland: ‘All men die, but not all men can truly live’
The local football team formed a guard of honour, his best friend gave a speech for the ages and the people of Dalby turned out in force to say goodbye to their favorite son Carl Webb, who tragically lost his battle with MND.
The 42-year-old was laid to rest after a four-year battle with motor neurone disease, which ultimately left him in a wheelchair and unable to perform basic functions.
It was a terrible and undignified way for the former Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels NRL star, who was known for his aggression – especially when representing his beloved Queensland Maroons.
The small Queensland town where Webb was born and raised, a promising Golden Gloves boxing champion who would reach the pinnacle of rugby league, ensured his legacy will never be forgotten.
Former Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, Parramatta Eels and Queensland and Australian representative Carl Webb has been laid to rest after losing his battle with MND
Rugby league club Dalby Diehards formed a guard of honor for Webb as the service left the church in his hometown.
Pallbearers take Webb to his final resting place after a moving and moving funeral service
Local footy team the Dalby Diehards formed a guard of honor as Webb was escorted to his final resting place by his pallbearers.
Locals, friends and family from far and wide filled the room and spilled out as Israel Kamakawiwo’le’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow played over the loudspeaker.
The service began with a moving Welcome to Country delivered by Toby Adams.
“Be thankful and grateful for this country and this country’s ancestors, not only for being here today, but more importantly for caring for Carl’s body as he makes his way safely to Sky Country,” said he.
Webb’s uncle Ken Riddifold was the first of the speakers and he shared stories about his cousin’s competitive nature that developed at a very young age.
“In first grade he was so determined to win a foot race, he leaned so far forward to cross the finish line that he fell over… he won the race,” he said.
“At the age of 39, he was diagnosed with ALS, realizing that many others were affected like him,” he said.
“He felt the need to create a foundation to raise awareness and funding, with various functions and events.”
Carl Webb’s best friend Damon Keating said his partner was always keen to get the most out of his life
Keating said Webb never complained about having ALS, not once until the end
Webb’s best friend Damon Keating was with the former NRL star until the end and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room after his speech.
“Carl’s two passions in his early 20s were football and a good time,” he said.
“I remember I had just come back from England in the 2004 off-season. Carl had enjoyed the benefits of being part of the Broncos 2000 premiership squad and making his Origin debut in 2001.
‘He was not in shape and was not in the first grade, this was due to the extra effort he put into his second passion: having fun.
‘There is no better statement than that only the good people die young. All people die, but not all people can truly live,” he added.
‘Carl loved the saying ‘living too busy’ and I have never heard him complain once in the five years since his diagnosis.’
Webb’s partner and the mother of his third child broke down as they read her eulogy, while a friend took over the reading.
“We have taught each other patience, acceptance and strength, and we have overcome and dealt with more in our short time together than most people do in a lifetime,” her eulogy read.
“As much as I never wanted to let you go, I would do it again.”
Webb at his best for Queensland was known not only for his rushing but also for his trademark defence
Webb helped Johnathan Thurston bring credibility to the North Queensland Cowboys after years of poor results
Webb was backed by some of the biggest names in the league, including Shane Webke and Gorden Tallis
Tributes from Webb’s daughters were also read.
Hunter Webb said when she thought about her father, she remembered how strong he was.
“Not because of the football you played or the boxing, but because of the courage you had to fight a terrible disease,” she said.
“I remember every night before you went to bed, you would tell us a story about us when we were toddlers, and how even though you had this disease, you were exactly the same man inside.
‘As you got weaker and older, this didn’t change. My father taught me that a man’s spirit does not die when faced with an incurable disease or a deadly virus, but only when he is forgotten.
“So I ask that my father not be forgotten, but rather remembered.”
Brooklyn Webb said her father was the strongest man she knew.
“I had seen him fall and he didn’t seem bothered at all, and he wasn’t crying,” she said.
“I still see my father in the sunset, in the high winds and the rain, and I always know that he will be with me, always looking down on me and helping me every step of the way.”