In early 2009, it was announced that Michael Jackson would be making a return to the stage for the first time in years, as he had lined up a 50 night residency at London’s O2 Arena. Unfortunately, the excitement surrounding these events was to be cut short, as just months later, on June 25th to be precise, news spread that he died at his LA mansion.

The immediate public response says it all about how famous and popular a figure Michael Jackson was. Internet search engine Google received millions and millions of requests for information on him within an hour of the news breaking, and he was back at the tops of the charts (airplay and download) by the end of the week.

It did not take long for speculation and conspiracy theories to arise either. Drug addiction, murder, and even faking his own death, are rumors that surfaced, but, whatever did take place that day, it is clear now that Michael Jackson is no longer with us.

A private funeral service was held on July 7th at Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s Hall of Liberty, after which there was a public memorial service at the Staples Center in LA, which was the location that he was rehearsing for his London shows at. The public showed up in huge numbers to pay their respect, and over 30 million people also watched on TV.

Mourners remembered Michael for his talents, success, generosity and attempts to ‘Heal the World’ through launching the ‘Heal The World Foundation’ and further charity work. In 2000, he broke the Guinness World Record for his support of 39 charities (more than any other entertainer or personality), to which he donated millions.

Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and Jermaine Jackson sang tributes, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson gave eulogies, while Reverend Al Sharpton received a standing ovation when he told Jackson’s children, “There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with”.

Michael’s 11-year-old daughter, Paris, cried as she told the crowd, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine”.

Marlon Jackson spoke of his brother’s troubles, stating, “We will never, never, understand what he endured. Not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathered around, being judged, being ridiculed. How much pain can one take? Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone”.

All in all, it was a fitting way to remember such a great man, and the services to commemorate him will be long remembered.

With origins dating back to 1853, E.F. Box are one of the oldest funeral directors within the UK. They offer a range of funeral services across a variety of faiths, beliefs and ways of celebrating life.

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