I probably didn’t realise how the new-age digital world would impact simple but important things that we normally take for granted.
What I am on about is that up until recently, my entire adult life had been helped along by a daily local newspaper that was printed and easy to get access to. I would read sport first, then letters to the editor, before flipping back to see death and funeral notices.
These days, that is really hard to do.
Recently, some people who have impacted my life and many others have passed on: Cheryl Griggs, David Carolan, Ken Neil and June Upton. So, I thought I would share my thoughts about them, in case you missed it.
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Cheryl, a local girl, daughter of a champion woodchopper and policeman, was a teacher in education but also life and sport, contributing to all parts of the community. She was not one of, but the most, positive person I have ever met.
David (or ‘Pud’, as he was fondly known) would be most remembered for the Charcoal Chookhouse at Bundilla, where he was the guru, but also for a few beers and a punt at venues around Mooloolaba. Never ever did I hear him say a bad word about anybody. He would have made a great counsellor in another life.
Ken was the definition of a successful businessman who was totally devoted to his community and Maroochydore Surf Club, and the driving force behind Maroochydore Rugby League in the early days. Ken helped so many people and organisations and, while totally laid-back, got sh*t done.
I knew of June when I was growing up on the Sunshine Coast and got to know her well in later years. She was an expert on the royals and probably should have been one herself in another life. Whether it was her charity work at Sunshine Plaza, or her comments in the media about the royal family, June was always there for people.
All these wonderful people will be sadly missed. I can only imagine what their spirits will be doing in eternity: Cheryl will be making it more positive; Pud will be roasting some chooks and starting a punters’ club; Ken will look for a good deal that he can share with others; and June will be hanging out with Queen Elizabeth.
Whatever they are doing, they will be making a difference. RIP.
Ashley Robinson is chairman of the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball, and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident.
