The grieving father of four children shot by their grandfather in a murder-suicide embraced family and friends at the first of two funerals for the youngsters, which mourners described as a "wonderful tribute".
Two services were held in the West Australian town of Bunbury on Wednesday, highlighting the division between the Cockman and Miles families after the tragedy at Forever Dreaming Farm, 100 kilometres away in Osmington, on May 11.
About 150 people gathered for the first funeral at Bunbury's Crematorium Chapel for Katrina Miles, 35, and her children - daughter Taye, 13, and sons Rylan, 12, Arye, 10, and eight-year-old Kadyn Cockman.
Katrina's estranged partner and father of her children, Aaron Cockman, warmly embraced fellow mourners and appeared to stay close to his father Philip during the first service, which included young families with bouquets of flowers.
But he didn't return to the chapel later in the day to join the estimated crowd of 400 at the second service for the entire family, including Katrina's parents, shooter Peter, 61, and Cynda, 58.
Dozens of children were among the mourners, some crying as they left the chapel, while others playfully picked flowers from the nearby park.
One woman told AAP it had been a "beautiful service" while another said "they did a really lovely job".
At the second service, Mr Miles' son, Neil, gave one of the eulogies and songs were played including These Days by Powderfinger and Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.
One woman, who did not want to be named, told AAP she attended both funerals.
"It just seems surreal to go in there and see seven coffins. It's just awful," she said.
The woman said Katrina used to share a bus to school with one of her daughters when they were younger but she had not seen her in several years.
"She was a very dedicated mum," she said.
"Cynda was also very much community-based, she loved helping out. She was the type who loved to have a cuppa with you."
Another woman said the second funeral was "a lovely, positive service" while a man who attended both memorials described them as sensitive.
Taryn Miller travelled from Margaret River for the second service and told AAP the eulogy for the children described the games they played.
"They just seemed so happy and involved with life, and they seemed very intelligent and aware," she said.
"What a great mother Katrina was.
"It's just such a terrible, tragic and sad thing, and I think it makes everyone think about their own family."
Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Pamela Townshend also attended both services in a personal capacity and said they were an important part of the healing process.
"We know there will be a much longer road ahead for many," she said in a statement.
"This continues to be a devastating loss and pain continues to be felt by the wider community."
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