In Tallinn, the memorial service for Michael Park was held yesterday (20 June). Subaru World Rally Team co-driver Phil Mills was on hand to take part in the service, which was extremely emotional for all involved. World Rally Radio's Becs Williams spoke to Mills to find out what 'Beef' would have thought of the service.
Phil, you were not only a colleague to Michael, but you were one of his great friends?
Phil Mills (PM): Absolutely yes, and I think that's one of the reasons we all miss him so much. We had a very similar life outside of the sport, and obviously we met in our jobs in the sport as well. We spent an awful lot of time together.
It's great for him to be commemorated today in Estonia, not in his native country, but the people there have really taken him into their hearts.
PM: It's extraordinary. We're here in the middle of Tallinn remembering 'Beef' as we all call him and 7,000 people have turned out in the stadium this evening to see. They've put on a small show. A big monument was unveiled today by the Prime Minister of Estonia on the seafront in Tallinn - quite a moving ceremony. It's extraordinary, but very nice at the same time.
What was the atmosphere like there today?
PM: It was a mixture I suppose. It was a very moving ceremony. It was also a celebration of his life as well, and a tribute to him with the memorial that they have erected on the seafront, which is going to be there forever. It's a beautiful thing. A mixture of reflection and remembrance I suppose.
'Beef' was a very modest person, as we all know. What would he have thought of all this today?
PM: That's a good question. Somebody else just thought about that. I suppose he would have been a little embarrassed by it all. He would have said: 'Come on guys, there is a football match on tonight. Let's all have a beer and go down to the pub,' is something he could have said. But his family is here, and it's quite touching on times.
You had a bit of a karting display this afternoon. Have you been taking part in that?
PM: That's where we are right now as we are doing this interview. We've just done some warm-up laps and most of the actual champions have managed to make fools of themselves. The racing is starting now in a few moments.
As you said there is a football match tonight. He would have been in the thick of that, watching England play Sweden.
PM: Absolutely. Even if the final of the karting was due to start at the same time as the football, he would have been sitting in front of the TV with a beer on the side - a dedicated football fan. That's exactly what he would have been doing.
Tomado de:
http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNe ... 79,00.html
Parks falleción el setiembre 2005