The talented reporter, 35, was hit and killed by a truck in Richmond on August 20. Among the crowd were many of Sam’s colleagues and other media industry figures, including Caroline Wilson and Damian Barratt. Former Bulldogs player Scott West and current captain Marcus Bontempelli were also present.
Addressing those gathered, Cantor Michel Laloum asked solemnly: “Is there a greater sorrow than this?”. “No one should have to bury a child,” he said. Reflecting on Sam’s passion for journalism, cheeky nature and love for the Western Bulldogs, his father Dr Jake Landsberger paid tribute to his “caring and wonderful son”.
“Approximately 22 years ago, our families stood in this same spot, in this great big hall, celebrating Sam’s bar mitzvah,” he said. “Now we find ourselves in this same room in utter and complete devastation.” He teared up as he recalled the outpouring of well wishes since his son’s death.
“Anne and I are totally lost for words at the tributes ...
since his passing, but then, should we be at all surprised? He was an incredible and loving journalist and person,” Dr Landsberger said. “He was an utterly amazing wordsmith, his articles were a joy to read. “But far more important than that, he was a caring, wonderful son to us and a caring, wonderful brother to his sisters, Sarah and Jess – he brought so much joy into our lives.
“We’ve seen messages of how he lit up a room when he walked in. “Well, he lit up our lives.” Dr L.