More than 500 people filled Johnny Ruffo’s old school hall for a celebration of his life that produced as many laughs as tears for the much-loved actor-singer who succumbed to brain cancer two weeks ago.
Pop star Guy Sebastian was among the stars who joined Ruffo’s family, friends and adoring fans at the two-hour memorial service filled with stories and anecdotes about the inspirational, talented and humble 35-year-old.
His Home And Away co-star Lynne McGranger delivered the eulogy recalling Ruffo’s sense of fun, coupled with humility, while his sweetheart and soulmate Tahnee Sims revealed his humour stayed with him to the very end, and that his “big cheeky grin had brightened even the darkest of days”.
She said the couple in the early days of the relationship, both fiercely independent and focused on their careers, used to joke that they should have met later in life.
Four years into their romance, in August 2017, the couple got the news that “made it very clear why the universe had brought them together sooner.”
“There wasn’t going to be a later,” she said.
With his career taking off and the world seemingly at his feet, Ruffo was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and underwent surgery to remove a 7cm tumour. He was just 29.
He tackled that diagnosis head-on, Ms Sims said.
Through her tears, she said they were determined to pack as much joy, love and laughter in every day that followed the diagnosis.
“I know that not everyone gets to experience that kind of love, which is why I will be forever grateful,” she said.
“John liked to say I was his guardian angel. But I think soulmates is more accurate. Everything I gave, he gave back tenfold. And more often than not he was my source of strength and courage.
“For six and a half years I watched him go through a hideous cancer diagnosis, dealing with setback after setback and still act with courage and gratitude right to the very end.
“I will miss every single thing about John ... Mostly I will miss the way he always managed to make me laugh, no matter the occasion or how inappropriate the joke ... until we meet again John, I love you.”
The order of service booklet featured photos of the couple with the heading A Forever Love and song lyrics by Lady Gaga.
A massive devotee of Michael Jackson and Michael J. Fox, the service was told number one Michael in Ruffo’s life was his older brother. The siblings had an incredibly tight bond.
“John never changed from the day he was born until the day he said goodbye. That’s why he was so special,” his brother said after recounting the mischief and fun they got up to as kids.
“You will be in our memories forever and the way you impacted on all our lives goes to show how selfless and caring you really were. I will love you forever.”
The celebration was appropriately held in the main hall at his former Balcatta High School, where he’d performed many times as a student in concerts that he’d organised.
At the end of the moving service, Ruffo’s mum Jill presented a plaque in her son’s honour to the school.
It will be installed in the school’s performing arts centre to inspire generations of current and future students to chase their dreams.
Two of his former school teachers, Sonia Sanchez and Geoff Birkett, spoke fondly of the cheeky Ruffo and his infectious enthusiasm. He was a talented footballer and was a die-hard Essendon and James Hird fanatic.
After leaving school, Ruffo became a concreter, while pouring his time and money into his music, writing songs and making demo recordings which he sent to radio stations around Perth in the hope of being discovered.
His break came when he auditioned for X Factor Australia in 2011, making the grand final and finishing third.
His magnetic charisma was evident throughout and few were surprised when he was offered a recording contract by Sony.
Within a couple of years, he made his acting debut on Home and Away and his ready charm won him more fans on Dancing with the Stars, in which he was victorious.
McGranger said Ruffo wasn’t an overnight success story.
“Those closest to him knew that he’d spent his entire life working towards that moment,” she said.
“He had a softness to him that kept him grounded, humble ... He was an empathetic and caring friend to so many as well as such an incredible fighter.”
Former Seven journalist, Mark Gibson, who MC’d the service, became firm friends with Ruffo after interviewing him several times. An emotional Gibson said his mate had that “rare indefinable charm that makes you a star.”
“The camera loved him. When he flashed that cheeky grin his star factor shone through.” He said Ruffo often had him in permanent fits of laughter.
He said Ruffo came from a wonderful family with strong values.
“For all that success and fame, Johnny always remained that boy from humble beginnings in Balcatta.”
Ruffo announced that he was in remission in 2019 before cancer tragically returned a year later. He died peacefully with his partner and family at his side.
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2023-11-25 09:00:00Z
CBMigAFodHRwczovL3RoZXdlc3QuY29tLmF1L25ld3Mvd2Evam9obm55LXJ1ZmZvLWZyb20tbGF1Z2hzLXRvLXRlYXJzLWluc2lkZS10aGUtcGVydGgtc3RhcnMtbWVtb3JpYWwtY2VsZWJyYXRpb24tb2YtbGlmZS0tYy0xMjY3OTMxONIBhAFodHRwczovL3RoZXdlc3QuY29tLmF1L25ld3Mvd2Evam9obm55LXJ1ZmZvLWZyb20tbGF1Z2hzLXRvLXRlYXJzLWluc2lkZS10aGUtcGVydGgtc3RhcnMtbWVtb3JpYWwtY2VsZWJyYXRpb24tb2YtbGlmZS0tYy0xMjY3OTMxOC5hbXA
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