Rainer Michael Ellinghaus Late of Parkville
Rainer Michael Ellinghaus died on 26 October 2023 aged 77 years.
Return to Funeral NoticeVirtual Signature Book
David McMillan — 31 January 2024
One of the great defenders. Rainer fought a most difficult case in 1981-1983 in a drugs conspiracy trial that ran 6 months with 119 witnesses. Great management & supremely tolerant of my hissy fits when things did not go my way.Rainer would take the bullet for his clients which is a rare thing in the lawyering game.I'm sure others share their friendship with Rainer in the group of the rare people with who one never quite finishes a conversation and happily picks up the thread no matter if minutes just passed or years.Condolences from London, David McMillan
Rosemary Britton — 9 December 2023
Many memories of times with Rainer. Fun times, support times, legal help times. We were always able to rely on him.
Ben Ashton — 26 November 2023
Ich hatt einen Kameraden,Einen bessern findst du nit.Die Trommel schlug zum Streite,Er ging an meiner SeiteIn seinem Schritt und Tritt.Eine Kugel kam geflogen,Gilts mir oder gilt es dir?Ihn hat es weggerissen,Er liegt mir vor den Fen,Als wrs ein Stck von mir.Will mir die Hand noch reichen,Derweil ich eben lad.Kann dir die Hand nicht geben,Bleib du im ewgen Leben,Mein guter Kamerad.
Cindy Van Es — 26 November 2023
My condolences and deepest sympathy to the Ellinghaus family. I will always remember his cheeky grin and warm hearted nature. May he rest in peace.
Jessica Bleechmore — 25 November 2023
Ive just returned home to central Vic after attending your service. The quality of eulogies, the warmth, the tears, the talk of hugs, loyal friendship and hilarious stories was all a testimony of who you were. Dear Rainer. I found it all deeply emotional. All so familiar. I have a couple of memories that stand out. One being you hired a helicopter and had me hanging out with a harnes to photograph the damage your neighbours had done to your property in Seymour. Sue them, you said. I seem to recall you got a decent payout. The 2nd is when your dear friend, my husband was dyeing. You came to care for him for a day while I visited our farm. You beautifully propped him up, gave him some beer and enormous love. Bless you. Love Jessica
Carl Ellinghaus — 25 November 2023
Rainer was a bit of a surrogate father to me and a large influence in my life. He was my introduction into the world of legal practice and his approach and values still carry me in that world today. His tireless enthusiasm for using every possible means available to fetter the unfair or unjust exercise of power was remarkable. He is for me a common referent on a what would jesus do approach to tackling problems. More importantly I never had a shadow of a doubt that he had my back. Indeed I called on his assistance on a number of occasions and his inevitably compassionate response always went well above and beyond all expectations. He will be sorely missed and his impact on the world will long continue through the people whose lives he affected. With much love, Carl.
Kirstie Shiel — 25 November 2023
Sending all our love to you and your family during this hard time. Xx
Tirto Lawira — 25 November 2023
Dear Alric, My deepest sympathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you a good positive vibe to you and your family. Sincerely,Tirto Lawira
Shruti Patel — 25 November 2023
Dear Alric,My condolences to you and family. Sending you thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,Shruti Patel
Jalil James — 24 November 2023
Like all father figure types, Rainer was the perfect archetype for a post 80s/90s dad! He had the best, wild stories to tell. He was passionate and raw, he made his stories come to life. He was kind enough to welcome me like one of his kids, when Id come over and hang with carli, Alric and his adopted son, Neal. Ill be forever grateful of him and I hope hes now in peace
Karin Kaufmann — 24 November 2023
I had the pleasure of looking after Rainer when he was a patient on the Rehab Ward at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. It was a joy to meet the immediate family and I wish you all strength and the joy of many beautiful and heartfelt memories you have of Rainer. From the other messages I have read, he was obviously an incredible human being. Peace be with you all as you traverse this difficult time. Karin, nurse, Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Henry Perlen — 24 November 2023
Dear Rainer. I always enjoyed your cheeky sense of humour and your take on things. I liked the formality of the name of your Practice, yet the informal ways you always approached your fellow professionals. We used to burn the midnight oil together. you introduced me to a number of fascinating clients that were real characters My deepest condolences to Robyn and family. Hopefully you'll introduce IT to a bunch of people in that law practice in the sky. Great memories and experiences. Henry Perlen
Glenn & Jeanette Warry — 24 November 2023
Rainer - we fondly remember from our earlier years.- Always, your warm welcomes with BIG hugs and a big smile - this continued right up to our recent last visit- How you took great interest and pride in our initial catch-ups at Cardigan St & subsequent courting - you considered yourself a partner with Robyn in matchmaking. Thankyou ! weve been together 37 years now! - Several home cooked dinners / lunches - the importance of food as you always ensured that we were well fed! - Always, lively conversations/debates with lots of swearing as you emphasised your point of view!- For Jeanette - as a younger woman in mid 20s, you always sought to build my self worth & confidence - especially after a bit of a rocky period in my life & then later, when I became pregnant with our first child Mitchell. Some great memories Glenn & Jeanette Warry
Pamela Cohen — 19 November 2023
Dearest Rainer, you were a true friend, one of the warmest, most engaging and endearing people Ive ever known . And the best giver of hugs! Your deep and abiding sense of justice, your dogged pursuit in defending the needy will never be forgotten. Your smile lit up a room. I gave my beloved son Leonard Cohen your name as his middle name ; how lovely a respectful memory that is for us. I send love and condolences to Robyn and all your family for their sad loss of such a wonderful human being. Pammy XO
Lilja Family — 12 November 2023
Dear RainerTo have been part of your world for a short time was our reward. The love and generosity you and Robyn have shown us over these years, especially the girls, has cemented such wonderful and enduring memories.Be at peace now and have a scrumpy for me!Love Nanda Michelle Erin and Alan
Petra Augstein — 9 November 2023
Lieber Rainer, ich kann nicht glauben, dass Du nicht mehr da bist. Du bist ein Teil von unserem Leben. Wir werden nie vergessen, wie grozgig Du uns vor 25 Jahren geholfen hast. Du bist eine groartige Seele, ein bedingungsloser Freund und warmherziger Mensch. Du bleibst lebendig in unseren Herzen. Ich vermisse Dich sehr. Ruhe ich Frieden lieber Freund.Dear Robyn, dear Carli and dear Alric! We are so sorry for your loss. We were in shock and could not believe that Rainer is gone so quick. He was a part of our life. He was a rock and supportive in difficult times. He gave love to all the friends of his kids and had an open heart. Rainer was friendly and had a straight forward way of helping people. I can still see him inviting us to share a picknick with his beloved family. After this we became friends for a life. Dear Rainer, by this you made us one of the biggest presents in our life. Thank you for inviting us to your house so many times. Dear Robyn, dear Carli and dear Alric, thank you very much for taking care of Rainer with respect and love. We are grateful for the time we had with him. We wish you strength for the coming time and are with you in our thoughts.Rainer will stay alive in our hearts. Your Petra with Frank, Ellen, Kirsten, Paul and Carl
Tina Manos and family — 8 November 2023
To Robyn and family,Sorry for the loss of Rainer who was a great person to be around. He will surely be missed.Regards,Tina Manos and family
Slav Civcic — 6 November 2023
Miss you mate.SAKITAN - TEAM. One love, the world was alwayssmiling when you were around.
Wilbur Wilde — 4 November 2023
What a lawyer.One of life's Protons, always positive.Incisive, funny and interested.A case-closed Classic.Vale Rainer Ellinghaus.
Susan Rogers — 3 November 2023
Rainer You are a lion of a man and have been a wonderful friend & defender. Thank you for being you and for everything. With love Susan Anusha Mattheus
Jonathan Ellinghaus — 3 November 2023
Echo Axel's words. Heart of gold, witty, had a smile on his face (most of the time) and loved those closest to him, unconditionally. Was great with kids and had one of the strongest hugs I have ever come across. His generosity was incredible, especially at Christmas time. And I will never ever forget the time and effort he spent on helping me with a very difficult and painful moment in my life many years ago. We all loved Rainer dearly and he will be sorely missed. Heart-felt condolences to Carli, Alric and Robyn (the heroes in keeping Rainer alive for the past 4 years). Lots of love and tears, Jonathan (and Lily and Billie)
Axel Imming — 2 November 2023
Dear Uncle Rainer,I will always keep you in mind as a funny, positive, warm-hearted guy, sometimes a child that lived life to the max; yet also a seeker, sometimes a finder; - and as a tireless fighter for justice.It was a great honor to have known you. I will keep you in my heart.From Munich with love Axel and family