The parents of popular sportswriter Sam Landsberger told how their only son brightened everyone’s lives as hundreds gathered to say goodbye to the 35-year-old.
The Herald Sun’s award-winning AFL and cricket reporter was on the phone with his mother while on his way to visit a friend when he was struck by a truck driven by a 45-year-old Seaford man at the intersection of Bridge Road and Church Street in Richmond, Melbourne, on August 20.
The 35-year-old Landsberger later succumbed to his serious injuries in the Alfred Hospital.
Hundreds of friends, family and colleagues gathered at Temple Beth Israel in St. Kilda on Tuesday to say goodbye to Landsberger.
His parents, Jake and Anne, remembered their youngest child and only son as a “caring and wonderful” person who would be sorely missed.
“About 22 years ago, our family stood in this same spot in this wonderful great hall celebrating Sam’s Bar Mitzvah, and now we find ourselves in this very hall and we are absolutely devastated,” said Dr. Landsberger.
“I’ve heard so many stories that parents should never bury their children, and yet we do it.”
Dr Landsberger said his son was a passionate journalist and loved working at the Herald Sun and as a contributor to Fox Footy.
“He was a dedicated, hard-working journalist who loved his job,” he said.
“It was a pleasure to read his articles.
“He brought so much joy into our lives. He brightened every room he walked into and he brightened our entire lives.”
Dr. Landsberger said his son’s second-grade teacher called him a “diamond” and that was the perfect word to describe him.
Dr. Landsberger, a former Western Bulldogs doctor, recalled his favorite story about his son when he was 10 years old.
“Sam had vomited all over his front, his chest was bright yellow,” he said.
“I lifted him over the fence and we went into the rooms to check him out… (only to find out) he was sick because he had just eaten a giant bag of Cheezels.
“From then on, every club member called him Cheezels.
“At this moment we feel indescribable shock, but also great gratitude for what he gave us. He was a beautiful, caring young man who we will never forget and who will always be in our hearts.”
Landsberger’s mother Anne – or Annie, as he affectionately called her – said she would always cherish the time she spent with her only son.
“I had my baby and I had him for 35 years and now he’s missing,” she said.
“I have many fond memories of laughing and walking when we would go for a walk and stop for coffee, not cake.
“He was the only child in school who had such poor motor skills.
“He couldn’t kick a ball. I spent hours in the park trying to teach him how to kick.”
Mrs. Landsberger said her son would be buried with a quilt she made for him during the Covid pandemic.
“He was lying under it or on top of it, it was always on his bed or his lounge chair,” she said.
“Now I will hug him forever and be surrounded by the love of his family.”
Mrs. Landsberger was on the phone with her son when he was hit by the truck.
“I wanted that baby Sam, so I raised him and was with him until the end when he practically died on the sidewalk,” she said.
“So we were together forever.
“Hurrah, Sam, but I know you’re not gone. There will be a huge hole left in my heart.
“I have always appreciated you and I know you have appreciated me.
“Rest in peace, my dear boy, I love you.”
William Kim, Landsberger’s high school friend, said the two had many shared memories of traveling around the world together.
Mr Kim said he remembered a trip to South America during which Landsberger made it his task every evening to develop a system for voting for the Brownlow Medal for the “best on site” among the friends travelling together.
“Sam should be best man at my wedding next month and he should say some nice words about me and not the other way around,” said Mr Kim.
“How cruel and unpredictable life can be.”
Since news of his death broke, the AFL and sporting communities have shared fond memories of the man who spent his career writing about the highs and lows of each game.
“The entire AFL football community is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Sam in a tragic road traffic accident,” his online obituary said.
“As well as being a talented and respected journalist, Sam was an ardent Bulldogs fan and had close family ties through his father Jake, former long-serving Western Bulldogs Club Medical Officer and life member of the Bulldogs.
“His enthusiasm for the game and passion for his work were always evident and all who knew and worked with him will fondly remember his positive attitude and friendly nature.
“Sincere condolences to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all his extended family, friends and colleagues.”
Meanwhile, the Seaford man who was driving the truck that hit Landsberger is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19.
He was charged with refusing to provide a blood sample to police after the accident.
In addition, the man was banned from driving until his first court date.
The 45-year-old was subjected to the usual roadside alcohol and drug tests, both of which were negative.
