Tim Klingender memorial: extraordinary moment heckler interrupts burial of boating accident victim in Watsons Bay

A barefoot heckler has bizarrely interrupted a memorial for an international art dealer who died after a boat crash off Sydney Harbor – he interrupted proceedings by shouting swear words at security guards.

Keen fisherman Tim Klingender, 59, was found dead near Watsons Bay on July 21, naked but for his socks. The body of his friend who was also on board – tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay, 51 – was found about a week later.

Mr Klingender was remembered on Friday at a Bondi Pavillion ‘celebration of life’ service attended by a Who’s Who of the city’s fashion industry, including kaftan queen Camilla Franks and designer Nikki Campbell.

But the lofty service — which was decorated with flowers and featured free-flowing champagne and violets — came to an abrupt halt during speeches when an itinerant heckler unleashed a profanity-laden diatribe against guards.

Eastern Suburbs security guard Tux Akindoyeni was quick to remove the barefoot woman and escort her away from the service — after previous attempts by mourners.

Friends consoled widow Skye McCardle (second from left) during the first-class service, which was packed with a Who’s Who of Sydney’s fashion elite

Mr. Klingender’s heartbroken wife, Skye McCardle, arrived at her late husband’s memorial service looking solemn and dejected as friends comforted and held her close.

Among the hundreds who joined her to pay their respects were artist Damon Downey and his glamorous partner Georgia Gorman and top fashion personality Camilla Freeman.

Hospitality figure Maurice Terzini was there, along with artist Stephen Ormandy, socialite Manon Youdale, interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley and hospitality entrepreneur Peter Metzner.

The memorial heard speeches from friends and family recounting the full life of the passionate outdoorsman.

Mr. Klingender’s brother, Jon Jon, led the service with a tearful tribute to his brother known as “Ace,” “Timmy,” and “Timmy dog.”

His sister Jessica said her brother passed away at the top of his game and had “everything he wanted” in life.

She recalled being bitten by a catfish and stepping on a starfish during his fishing adventures, when he had “some of his happiest times.”

Guardian to the stars Tux Akindoyeni escorted the unruly individual away from the “celebration of life”

Fashion designer Nikki Campbell was one of the big names in attendance

Former publishing magnate Deke Miskin was in attendance

There was laughter, applause and also tears for the beloved art dealer

Mr Klingender had joined his friend Andrew Findlay on July 20 on the 7.85m Brig Eagle inflatable fishing boat for a fishing expedition.

The pair, not wearing a life jacket, were thrown overboard after their boat was hit by five-metre waves and smashed against the rocks at The Gap off Watsons Bay.

Klingender’s body was swept onto the rocks near a small overturned ship around 10 a.m. the same day.

Findlay’s body was recovered off the east coast of Sydney a week after a boating accident.

Since Mr Klingender was found dead last month, tributes have continued to pour in from across the country as loved ones struggle to come to terms with his sudden passing.

“I’m so grateful for the time we all spent with you in New York Tim recently,” said close friend and fellow art dealer D’lan Davidson.

“We laughed together, we drank way too much, but most importantly, we were there together for one thing for sure: supporting each other for the benefit of what we all believe in: the great art of this great nation. I’ll see you in heaven.’

Mr Klingender was a respected pioneer in the Australian Indigenous art trade. He established a native art department at Sotheby’s, one of the world’s most prolific fine arts brokers.