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Murdered cop Matt Ratana has been remembered as a “great ball of energy” at his funeral, with the Haka performed in a moving tribute to the rugby fan.
Sergeant Ratana died after being shot by a handcuffed suspect at the Croydon Custody Center in south London in the early hours of September 25.
His funeral took place in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, on Wednesday, which was attended in person by a limited number of family, friends and close colleagues due to coronavirus restrictions.
Sergeant Ratana ‘made the most of every minute’
His partner Su Bushby said he had made his life ‘richer and more fun’
However, the 54-year-old memorial was broadcast live around the world so that supporters, including loved ones in their native of New Zealand as well as in the UK, they could join the service.
After the ceremony, former All Blacks captain Zinzan Brooke led the Haka out of the chapel, along with members of the London-based New Zealand cultural group Ngati Ranana.
Sergeant Ratana’s partner, Su Bushby, said he had “made the most of every minute” of his life.
Read at the service on her behalf by her friend Lorraine Dray, Mrs. Bushby’s tribute read: “In whatever situation or room she walked into, her presence would always be felt. Like a great ball of energy.
“They took you too soon, your gym, rugby and the police will help your legacy, your kindness and your spirit continue.
“You have touched the lives of so many people, we will truly miss you. My life has been richer and more fun to meet you and I feel blessed that you were in my life.”
He also remembered the “big contagious smile” from his partner.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick also attended the ceremony.
The service was attended in person by a limited number of family and friends due to coronavirus restrictions.
Ms. Bushby’s tribute continued: “I’m not saying goodbye for now, sweetie, but we’ll see you someday.
“Matt, my partner, my friend, my confidant and my soulmate. You will always be in my heart and soul. I miss you. I love you.”
Sergeant Ratana’s coffin was covered in the Met’s ceremonial cloth, which is used for a death in the service, with his police cap placed on top.
Along with the flowers, there was also a traditional Maori fighting weapon called a grouper, which the chief of a tribe would hand over to his son. He was sent out of respect by the New Zealand Police, where he worked from 2003 to 2008.
The coffin was in front of a photograph of the officer in his East Grinstead rugby jersey, with a fern, symbol of New Zealand’s national identity, on the side.
On the other side was a table with a tribute photo of his son, Luke, that read: “Dad, until we meet again, Aroha nui (much love) Luke”, with photos that included a fern, along with the medals police officer.
Sergeant Ratana from New Zealand was a huge rugby fan
During the service, a tribute was also read on behalf of family members in New Zealand, including Sergeant Ratana’s brother James, his sister Jessica and his stepmother Dianne, by Met Police Detective Detective Neil Perkin.
They said: “The nature of Matt’s death has been a heartbreaking experience for his family and friends here in New Zealand and around the world.
Magnified by the distance and by the epidemic we all face, which has prevented any of us from traveling today in your service.
Bushby has promised his partner’s spirit will ‘live on’
“However, we are comforted to know that he is with people who love him as much as we do, and that his remains will return home, to his final resting place with his ancestors.”
DC Perkin also read a tribute from Luke, also a cop, who said he was proud to see how many lives his father had touched.
“My dad Matthew was certainly larger than life and a man loved by so many people,” she said.
“It is deeply moving to see the tributes paid to him and the great love and support from friends, family, co-workers, the rugby community and the people of the UK and beyond.”
Premier League teams paid tribute to the police officer, an enthusiastic sportsman, after his death
The flowers in the chapel included a wreath from Home Secretary Priti Patel, which read: “In memory and remembrance of dear Matt, for his selfless sacrifice, courage and service.”
Sergeant Ratana’s friend from the East Grinstead Rugby Club, Rylan Morlen, recalled that his last words to the officer had been, “Be safe, friend.”
He added: “Bye for now. I’m sure our paths will cross again one day, and when they do we will talk about rugby again.”
