Musician friends of the late Neil Burnie had a simple plan for his ocean burial: to honour him with a song.

The execution proved problematic.

“The water was very rough; some people got seasick,” said Ronnie Lopes. “It was very emotional and we couldn’t get close enough [to the lead boat] and so it didn’t happen. There was a big thing at BUEI after, but [we] weren’t up to going.”

The group performed the song at a Christmas party at Mr Lopes’ business, Pet Care and Party Plus, but Dr Burnie’s wife Katrin wasn’t able to attend.

Mr Lopes, Harold Pimental and Mark Sousa decided the only solution was to record and sell copies of the song. The money would then be given to a charity established in memory of the noted veterinarian and ocean activist, the Neil Burnie Foundation.

“Basically what happened is that Mark and I were involved in a Christmas concert at Mt St Agnes,” Mr Lopes explained. “We were in the alumni band and thought for the Christmas concert we would do this song called Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen. Mark told his wife Cathy and she came up with great lyrics and during our rehearsals, Neil Burnie passed away.”

Dr Burnie died last November 11 after he ran into difficulties while diving at Horseshoe Bay. The keen musician was known for his impromptu saxophone performances.

All three men claimed a connection — Mr Sousa regularly serviced the veterinarian’s cars at his business, Cardoza’s Garage; Dr Burnie cared for Mr Pimental’s pets; Mr Lopes had a long history with Endsmeet, Dr Burnie’s practice.

Mrs Sousa changed the lyrics and Hallelujah: A Tribute to Neil Burnie, was born.

“Harold said that since we didn’t get to do the song at the funeral, why not do it at the Christmas party,” said Mr Lopes. As only a few people heard them perform, Mr Pimental then suggested they record the song and give the money to the charity.

About nine people worked together to make the recording happen under the name, Friends of Neil Burnie.

Mr Pimental plays bass guitar on the song, Mr Lopes plays drums and sings lead vocals and Mr Sousa plays acoustic guitar and sings lead vocals.

Their background vocalists were six “very brave young ladies” from the Mt St Agnes school choir — Norma Nielsen, Patricia Gieringer, Karen Marsh, Sandra Abraham, Jackie Tailford and Melanie Claude.

Mr Sousa, Mr Lopes and Mr Pimental paid for the time at Just Platinum Recording Studios and the expertise of producer, John Woolridge, out of their own pockets.

“We decided if we do it let’s do it right,” said Mr Lopes.

They had four rehearsals and completed the recording on the third take.

“We kept it very simple,” Mr Lopes explained. “We recorded it originally to give to Katrin so she could hear what we’d done. Since then it’s been played on the radio and the response has been really great.”

Hallelujah: A Tribute to Neil Burnie, is available for $10 from Mr Lopes, Mr Sousa and Mr Pimental and also from Music Box. All monies raised will be given to the Neil Burnie Foundation.