Vic: Pratt funeral begins =5

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2009
Vic: Pratt funeral begins =5

As mourners gathered outside the synagogue, former prime minister John Howard told
reporters that Mr Pratt was a remarkable man who exemplified the immigrant story.

"He combined all the positive elements that migrants successfully gave so much to our
country," Mr Howard said.

"He became in many ways the example of things regarded as Australian - sport, success,
family and commitment.

"He exemplified the migrant success story."

Trucking tycoon Lindsay Fox said he was proud to call Mr Pratt a friend.

"A man is a very fortunate person who can call Dick Pratt a friend - I am a fortunate person."

Hundreds gathered outside the synagogue after the funeral procession left with Mr Pratt's
coffin to the cemetery in Lyndhurst.

Ordinary people rubbed shoulders with captains of industry such as Mr Fox and former
Macquarie Bank chief executive Allan Moss, sporting identities such as Carlton captain
Chris Judd, and politicians such as Peter Costello, Victorian Premier John Brumby and
former New South Wales premier Bob Carr.

AAP jxt/szp/gfr/goc/

KEYWORD: PRATT FUNERAL UPDATE 5 MELBOURNE (REOPENS)

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