Friends, family farewell and celebrate WA shark attack victim Ben Linden

Ben Linden

Friends of shark attack victim Ben Linden, inset, at Brighton Beach in Perth this morning. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Source: PerthNow




BEN Linden was baptised in water. He lived in the water and today he was farewelled and celebrated in the water.


About 300 people turned out today to take part in a “paddle out” gathering at Brighton Beach in Perth this morning for a young man fondly remembered as “Big Red” by his close mates.

Among the crowd at the beach this morning to farewell and celebrate WA’s latest shark attack victim were dozens of Mr Linden’s friends and family, his band mates, his surfing mates, his godfather Reverend John Hewitson, his elder sister Kelli and his girlfriend Alana Noakes.

Ben Linden memorial

Friends and family of Ben Linden set out for a paddle at Brighton Beach. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Source: Supplied




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BEN LINDEN PADDLE






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Those who gathered on the pristine sandy beach under a picturesque blue sky this morning were able to sign a surfboard and write messages on it before it was brought into the water.

Soon afterwards up to 100 surfers jumped onto their boards and ventured into the cool waters to form a ceremonial ring as a bagpiper played Waltzing Matilda on top of the sand dunes.

It was a fitting and emotional farewell ceremony for Mr Linden, 24, who tragically became WA’s fifth fatal shark attack victim in just 10 months when he was attacked at Wedge Island, north of Perth two weeks ago.

Ben Linden memorial

Family and friends of shark attack victim Ben Linden during a special memorial service for the surfer at Brighton Beach in Perth this morning. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Source: Supplied




A talented musician and cabinetmaker by trade, he was taken by a 4m white pointer just 200m from shore about 9am on July 14.

Revd Hewitson said he was amazed at today’s turnout for his beloved godchild.

“Many people have been touched by this tragedy,” he said.

Ben Linden memorial

Family and friends of Ben Linden surround his girlfriend and godfather at Brighton Beach in Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Source: Supplied




“Today in Ben’s life and death we celebrate that love conquers death, life conquers fear, peace transforms terror and that through Ben’s life we are challenged to stay stoked and to live and love abundantly.”

Ms Noakes said she had lost her soulmate and her best friend.

“Two weeks ago I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my rock, my inspiration,” Ms Noakes told the crowd.

Ben Linden memorial

Friends and family of Ben Linden celebrated the surfer’s life at Brighton Beach in Perth this morning. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Source: Supplied




“But I am so grateful to have spent the last eight years creating memories and savouring every moment of being with Ben.

“I am honoured to have grown up with him and most of all to have been loved by him.

“It is because of this that I am the luckiest person in the world.”

Ben Linden memorial

Flowers are swept out to sea during a memorial service for shark attack victim Ben Linden at Brighton Beach in Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Source: Supplied




Mr Linden’s sister Kelli also read a poem at today’s gathering.

In part it read: “You were frothing from the day you were born I reckon…riding the waves is going to be more lonely now.”

A letter written by one of Mr Linden’s best mates, Peter Tuckey, who was unable to be at today’s gathering, was also read out: “We never know when our clock is going to stop ticking,” the letter read.

“But if we did, we would live life to the fullest and Big Red was a living flagship of this statement.

“Let the sweet sounds of the ocean be your tune forever brother.”

Gallery: ”Paddle out” for Ben Linden

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