For all those who couldn't be there in person, here is a description of Jacko's funeral, by Brisbane folkie and current Champion Moreton Bay Bush Band member, Ian Drynan :


Hello to all –
It was a privilege for Ruth and me to attend Jacko's funeral at Nimbin on Thursday.   He was laid to rest in idyllic surroundings on a beautiful sunny afternoon with his beloved rainforest hills in the background and cattle grazing in lush green pastures adjacent to the cemetery.
Around Jacko's open coffin positioned under a shady tree (with an accordion and a cricket bat alongside) we enjoyed beautiful music and song in the open air, plus many verbal tributes by those present including his son Kieran and daughter Kate, and an inspiring eulogy by his brother Denis interspersed with his own poetry, some verses composed specially in honour of Jacko.   Many photographs depicting the various facets of Jacko's life were spread around for those present to enjoy and reflect upon.
Denis led us through much of the Kevans family history in Sydney and Canberra – not all rosy by any means – with touches of pathos and of humour that typified Jacko's whole life in many respects.    Denis also recalled Jacko's musical development during the sixties in Canberra, bringing back wonderful memories of "The Monaro Boys" – rough and ready as we were but of which I was proud to be a part!

The coffin was then covered and carried a short distance to the prepared grave accompanied by a lone fiddler. Prior to that we sang "The Parting Glass" ……..a glass filled with many tears on Thursday in the sunshine and the gathering afternoon shadows at Nimbin cemetery.      
It was a most moving send-off.    I also should mention that there was a great session at the Tuntable Falls Community Hall following the funeral.    Unfortunately I had to leave while the music was in full flight and drive back to Brisbane.    Bugger !!       Jacko would have been in his element……………………

    Ian Drynan



Cheers! R-J