Actor Mark Priestley farewelled in Perth

(AAP) All Saints cast members were among 400 mourners who gathered in Perth for an emotional church service to farewell popular actor Mark Priestley.

The troubled star, who played nurse Dan Goldman in the long-running Seven Network
drama, took his own life last week following a battle with depression.
Mark's father Richard delivered the eulogy at the Holy Family Catholic Church at
Como, in Perth's south, on Thursday.
He was joined by Mark's mother Judy, his brother Tim, sister Joanne and Australian
stage and screen actors to celebrate the actor's short but remarkable life.
"It was a really respectful, honorable service today and it was a great opportunity
for the family, in particular, to grieve the way that they wanted to, and the way
that they needed to," All Saints acting colleague Will Traval told the Seven
Network.
"It's just a great honour to be here and be among good friends of mine."
Seven program director Ray Wardrop said Priestley had a big heart, attending three
charity telethons in Perth.
"He was always eager to help and his favourite part was visiting the children at
Princess Margaret Hospital. We loved him and respected him for all he did," Wardrop
told News Limited.
Family and friends later attended a private cremation at Karrakatta cemetery.
Priestley, 32, had worked in varied roles, including comedy and drama.
He had his first break when he appeared in The Farm in 2000 before landing a role in
the mini-series Changi.
He also appeared in dramas The Secret Life of Us and Blue Heelers.
He joined the cast of All Saints in 2004, playing the easy-going nurse Goldman.
Born in Perth, Priestley moved to Sydney in 1997 to study acting at NIDA.
He also had theatre roles including in the Sydney Theatre Company's Major Barbara in
2003.