‘My arms will always be reaching for them’

A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving was held to honour Perth siblings and MH17 victims Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin and their grandfather Nick Norris.

"THE only thing worse than the hell beyond hell we are going through is the horrific thought that our family may have never existed."

These were the heartbreaking words from Anthony Maslin who today, along with his wife Rin Norris and their families, said goodbye to their three "perfect souls" and guiding light, father Nick Norris.

Mr Norris and his grandchildren Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin, 12, 10 and 8, were on board flight MH17 when it was shot down over Ukraine two weeks ago.

Today, hundreds of guests gathered at Scotch College to celebrate the lives of the three children and Mr Norris.

Rin Norris and Anthony Maslin pay tribute to their children Mo, Evie and Otis. Picture: Nine News Source: Supplied

Mr Maslin, or "Mas" as he is known to his friends, told those at the private service that despite his unbearable loss, he would choose the "short time" he had with them "over any normal long lasting life."

"Our three children are unblemished, innocent and perfect souls. They are our whole world," he added.

Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin. Source: Supplied

For nearly two hours, guests heard cherished anecdotes of "Mo-man", "Otie" and "Evie" and wise old Nick whose "neglectful" parenting style instilled a sense of independence among his four children.

A heartbroken Rin, who tried to remain composed as best she could, read out the exact amount of time she had the "honour" of being Mr Norris' daughter and the mum to her beloved children. It was 41 years, three months and two days as the daughter of Mr Norris, 12 years, two months and one day as the mother of "Mo-man".

She was the mother of her "princess and sweet pea" Evie for 10 years and two months exactly, while for eight years, one month and 13 days where she had the "phenomenal fortune" at being the mother of "Otie" "Otie-Bob", "Timmy" and "Doug".

A family photo of Anthony Maslin and Rin Norris, with their children Otis, Mo and Evie. Source: Supplied

She spoke of how they taught her more about life than she could have ever imagined and relished at being able to comfort them in their time of need by giving them cuddles.

Sobbing uncontrollably, she then told guests how she screamed for her children when she learned she had lost them forever and how she can't bear the thought she can never touch them again.

"When their innocent bodies were shot out of the sky I stretched my arms as high as I could and screamed for them," she said.

Rin Norris and Anthony Maslin arrive at the memorial service at Scotch College. Picture: Will Russell Source: News Limited

"Now I see them only in my head. I can't touch them, I can't feel their warmth, I can't imagine the memories of their bodies close to mine and the love in my heart will always be open for them.

"My arms will always be reaching for them."

Throughout the service images from precious family moments were shown on big projector screens while music, which was a big part of the Maslin household, played in the background.

And after each time Mr Maslin finished describing his children, a song which aptly fit their personalities was played.

Friends and relatives attend a memorial service at Scotch College for the Maslin family and their grandfather. Children wear the guernsey of the Scarborough Junior Football Club, which Mo Maslin played for. Picture: Will Russell. Source: News Limited

Back in Black and Buffalo Soldier for the mischievous Otis, whose free spirit and inquisitive nature led him too see beauty in the most mundane things.

I Want You Back and Took the Children the Away for the "effortlessly cool" Mo, whose "old soul" and uncanny intelligence made him popular with anyone he met.

Evie and Goodnight Sweetheart for the loveable Evie, whose gentle soul, "sunny" personality and never give up attitude, brought their family together.

The memorial service honoured siblings Otis, Mo and Evie Maslin, which reflected their distinct personalities. Source: Supplied

"Evie was the glue that held us together. Simply she was the heart of our family," Mr Maslin told guests as he explained why it was harder for him to talk about his daughter than his two boys.

"She was the first one to me a hug in the morning. Evie was the first one to give anyone a hug," he said.

Mr Maslin also spoke of his eldest son Mo's obsession for researching their family tree and how his heart breaks at the thought that the Maslin line will now end with him.

"Unfortunately as far as we are aware Mo and Otis were the last in the Maslin family. I am hoping we are wrong."

Nick Norris, killed on MH17 with his three grandchildren. Source: Supplied

Ms Norris' brother Brack then spoke of their father describing him as "great man" who was "awesome" in his eyes.

He said his dad was his mentor, his friend as well as a good "sounding board" for all of life's dilemmas and he was always surprised by how much time he gave them all despite forging several successful careers in his lifetime.

Quoting a line from from The Lord of the Rings about what each of us does with the time we have, Mr Norris said his father did more than most, yet always made time for those he loved.

"My dad did a lot with the time given to him," he said. "But Nick (dad) was always a family man."

A picture on the front of the order of service at the memorial to Perth MH17 victims Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin and their grandfather Nick Norris. Source: News Limited

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