Veteran journalist Mike Willesee farewelled at Sydney funeral

Distinguished journalist Mike Willesee is being farewelled at a funeral service at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.

Mike Willesee is farewelled in Sydney.

Mike Willesee is farewelled in Sydney. Source: AAP

Mourners have gathered in Sydney to farewell veteran journalist Mike Willesee, a week after he lost a battle with throat cancer.

The former Four Corners and A Current Affair host, who died last Friday aged 76, began working for the ABC before moving on to the Nine and Seven networks.


A funeral attendant carries a picture of Micke Willesee following his Requiem Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.
A funeral attendant carries a picture of Micke Willesee following his Requiem Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. Source: AAP


Family and friends, including former television colleagues Tracey Grimshaw, Peter Meakin and David Leckie joined hundreds of people arriving at St Mary's Cathedral for the distinguished reporter's funeral on Friday morning. 

Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher is overseeing the requiem mass for Mr Willesee.

The casket for Mike Willesee is carried into St Mary's Cathedral for his Requiem Funeral Mass in Sydney, Friday, March 8, 2019. Mike Willesee passed away last week after a long battle with throat cancer. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING
The casket for Mike Willesee is carried into St Mary's Cathedral. Source: AAP


Mr Willesee's brother told mourners he was a great brother "who always tried to give me a leg up."

"He had a tender heart and incredible generosity toward anyone in need."






His son Michael Jnr delivered the eulogy, describing his father as an "intensely private" person, who lived with the contradiction of being a public figure.

But he said the television personality loved telling stories, especially at bedtime, and often about himself. 

Mike Willesee Jnr. (right) following the Requiem Funeral Mass for his father Mike Willesee at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.
Mike Willesee Jnr. (right) following the Requiem Funeral Mass for his father Mike Willesee at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. Source: AAP


The Sydney Swans have honoured its former president, club patron and life member at a sports dinner this week. 

Mr Willesee was inducted onto the Sydney Swans Heritage List in 2015, and with other life members, provided enormous financial support to the club.

The son of ALP Senator Donald Willesee, he was known for his uncompromising interview style and willingness to push the envelope.

The much-respected television personality was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016.

The two daughters of Mike Willesee, his son Mike Jnr. and brother Terry Willesee.
The two daughters of Mike Willesee, his son Mike Jnr. and brother Terry Willesee. Source: AAP



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