The crowd of around 750 people who gathered to farewell political strategist Tim Picton included a Prime Minister, Premiers and billionaires but it felt like a family affair.
The 36-year-old’s wife and daughter, parents, nieces and nephew entered holding precious photo memories, an Adelaide Crows scarf and a toy monkey, named Peanut.
The monkey was a present from Mr Picton’s grandmother to him, and passed onto daughter Charlotte at birth.
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She turned four while Mr Picton was in a coma..
“And when Tim was in hospital and not doing so well, at Charlotte’s request Peanut was placed back with him to comfort him,” sister Jo Picton said.
Mr Picton died last week, three weeks after a single punch knocked him unconscious outside a Northbridge night-spot. Credit: Unknown/Bowra & O’Dea
“The comfort and empathy Tim gave to others is a beautiful trait that is mirrored in his gorgeous girl”.
Mr Picton died three weeks after a single punch knocked him unconscious outside a Northbridge night-spot.
“I never imagined that we wouldn’t grow old together,” Jo said.
“This loss feels impossible to comprehend, and even though I am in tremendous pain, I’m also so grateful for what we had. I got to be loved by Tim. I got to love Tim. What an absolute privilege.”
Mr Picton grew up in Adelaide, moved to Melbourne and then Perth.
He was a Mineral Resources executive, former WA Labor secretary and previously worked for former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Current and former State and Federal Ministers attended, including Trades Minister Don Farrell and Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth, former Treasurer Ben Wyatt and Alannah MacTiernan.
Political rivals were there too, including WA Senator Michaelia Cash and Liberal Leader Basil Zempilas.
But though the River View Room inside Optus Stadium was packed with some of Australia’s most powerful people, it was an intimate affair as those who knew him best remembered a love of politics, but a love of family most of all.
Siblings Jo and Chris, who is South Australia’s Health Minister, both recalled how much Tim loved Christmas and that grandmother nanny’s pudding always had extra brandy.
“Part of his last text message in our family group was hope everyone had a great Christmas. Mum, you’d be so proud. I poured like a quarter of a bottle of brandy on the pudding last night,” Mr Picton laughed.
Tim Picton was described as “incredibly smart” and “incredibly independent” as a child.
As an adult, he made political history with record-breaking election results in WA in 2021 and 2022.
WA Labor secretary Mark Reed said he wanted to create a “stronger WA” for their kids.
“This senseless end deprived us all,” he said.
Friend David Cann said Mr Picton had made the impossible possible.
“This party, our Labor movement, is dedicated to making everyone’s lives better. Tim was the epitome of that idea,” he said.
Chris Picton said it wasn’t a particular cause that drove his younger brother to politics, it was people.
Tim’s brother Chris Picton speaking at his memorial service. Credit: Alex Verhagen/SoCo Studio
“If you build that connection, you win, and only when you win can you make a difference,” he said.
Friendships continued across state borders and time zones.
“He turned to Abbotsford into little Adelaide. He made the brown house on Charles Street, a home for all,” best mate Andrew Anson said.
“To Fiona, Michael, Jo, Chris and the whole family, thank you for sharing Tim with us.
“He loved you, and he knew he was loved by you. You made a man who improved the lives of a huge number of people. He made the world a better place.”
Every speaker made a heartfelt pledge to Charlotte.
Tim Picton was described as ‘incredibly smart’ as a child. Credit: Unknown/Bowra & O’Dea
“We will make sure that you feel safe in this world and loved and thriving,” Chris Picton said.
“Your dad was extraordinary, and his love for you does not end.
“To Tim, I love you. I’ve always been proud of you. We will be there for your girls.”
The order of service included a blank note to leave a message for Charlotte to read as she grows up without her father.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Perth with a letter he’d already written.
Anthony Albanese also paid his respects. Credit: Unknown/Bowra & O’Dea
“I want Charlotte, when she grows up, to know exactly how much her dad was loved by everyone who came into contact with him,” he said.
“Professionally, he got things done. The outstanding victory of Mark McGowan, and then the victory of additional seats here in the 2022 federal election. Tim was the architect of that.
“He led the Labor Party here with dignity, with intellect and with vision, and he then went on to be making a very successful career in the private sector.
“But on a personal level, he was always so full of life. And I want Charlotte, when she grows up, to really be proud of what a great Australian her dad was.”
Michelle Roberts arrives. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian
Mr Albanese described Tim Picton as “full of joy” and “full of life”, while WA Premier Roger Cook said he was an “incredible warrior” for Labor.
“We’re all trying to make sense of the hopeless, ridiculous, horrible way in which he lost his life,” he said.
“We know the physical violence, but there’s an emotional violence that comes when someone loses their life in this way.
“We must continue to do everything we can to make sure that we keep people safe.”
Wife Priya read a poem, Funeral Blues, from one of her favourite movies, Four Weddings and a Funeral, that she said Tim took to heart.
It was a satirical farewell to a vanquished political rival.
“I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong,” Ms Brown read.
“Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood, for nothing now can ever come to any good.”
Priya was described as his perfect match.
“He met his equal from the moment their romance began,” brother Chris said. “Tim adored her”.
And Charlotte was already a match for him too.
”Charlotte Patel Picton Brown, Tim wanted her nickname to be Charlie Brown. He was so committed to that idea, he got a Charlie Brown tattoo,” Chris said.
“Just one problem, Charlotte taking on her father’s strong will was having none of it. She would not be called Charlie.”
One photo of Charlotte in his arms, during a “tense” phone call while wearing a 1997 Adelaide Crows shirt was fitting.
“High stakes national politics, total devotion as a Dad, absolute loyalty to his footy club and a unique fashion style,” Chris said.
Happy memories, but it was impossible to ignore the tragic circumstances of his death.
Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, has been charged with grievous bodily harm over Mr Picton’s death.
He’s currently behind bars.
“It pains me to no end that no matter how hard we championed him, when the tables were turned in the last few weeks, we could not protect him,” sister Jo said.
“It is devastating to know I will never receive another ‘Timbo’ hug.”
Mates remembered a natural leader who made everyone he met feel important.
“We’ll miss the friend who would grab you by the back of the neck, grab your face with both hands, give you big cuddles and a kiss on the cheek and ask you how you are,” Robbie Williamson said.
“And he’d care about the answer.”
He said Mr Picton loved good wine and good people.
“He’ll drink bad wine, but he won’t stand for bad people,” Mr Williamson said.
“He loved to win, and he loved Perth.”
And no matter how busy work was, he was always home for Charlotte’s bed-time.
“He was always there for her whenever she needed him, just like he was for all of us.”
