The Sunshine Coast community is mourning the loss of Colin James Erbacher, a much-loved member of one of the region’s best-known families.
Mr Erbacher’s passing was announced on Monday in a heartfelt statement shared on the Erbachers Fruit and Vegetables social media accounts, prompting an outpouring of condolences from customers, friends, former staff and the wider community.
The memoriam shared Mr Erbacher had died following a “long and difficult battle with cancer”.
“As we take time to grieve and support one another, there may be some temporary changes to trading hours,” it read.
“We appreciate the overwhelming support, understanding and kindness shown to our family and staff.”
The family has since confirmed the long-standing Sunshine Coast business remains open following a brief closure, with updates to be communicated in due course.
Mr Erbacher was a part-owner of Erbachers Fruit and Vegetables and part of the third generation helping lead the iconic family-run business, which has served locals since 1945.
Outside the business, he was also known across regional Queensland as a talented and competitive whip-cracker, winning competitions in places including Goomeri, Winton and Maleny.
The Erbacher family story stretches back generations, beginning when Eric and Thelma Erbacher purchased farmland at Diddillibah in 1945 and began selling produce from a stall beneath the family home. That small operation later grew into one of the Coast’s most recognisable family businesses.
Colin and his brother Kelvin purchased a share in the business in 2006, continuing the family legacy alongside more than 20 family members involved across generations.
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Tributes shared online reflected the deep impact Mr Erbacher had on customers and staff alike.
Among more than 220 comments on Facebook, Greg Doherty wrote that Mr Erbacher “always made time to connect with everyone no matter how busy he was”.
Former employee Jayde Brew described the news as “absolutely devastating”.
“Colin was wonderful to work for, I always look back on my time as an employee there with great fondness,” she wrote.
Nadine Whittome remembered him as “always so friendly and helpful”.
“It didn’t matter if it was a quiet day or the rush of Christmas Eve. He always was kind, knowledgeable and took pride in his work,” she wrote.
Karen Wallace said he was “such a great boss and friend to so many”.
Others described him as “much beloved by the community”, “always smiling and up for a chat” and “taken far too young”.
Mr Erbacher is survived by his wife Lyndal and their three young children, Matilda, Mack and Lawson.
SCN has reached out to Erbachers, and a staff member has said the family would not be making any further statements at this time.
