Covid claims bushfire hero
A VETERAN firefighter who fought to protect Aireys Inlet during the darkest hours of Ash Wednesday is being honoured after his battle with coronavirus.
Former Aireys Inlet fire brigade captain Claude ‘Jack’ Richardson died in hospital last week, after a lifetime of service to the coastal community.
The 94-year-old has been remembered as a “fine gentleman” and devoted family man who was profoundly affected by the devastating impact of the 1983 blaze.
A VETERAN firefighter r who fought to protect Aireys Inlet during the darkest hours of the Ash Wednesday bushfires has been remembered as a community stalwart.
Claude ‘Jack’ Richardson n died at Werribee Mercy Hosspital on August 15 after falling ing ill with coronavirus.
The 94-year-old lived in Aireys Inlet for most of his life before moving to Geelong and more recently to the aged care home at Werribee.
The former Aireys Inlet fire brigade captain led his crew through one of the region’s worst days during the devastating Ash Wednesday blazes in 1983.
CFA member and former Anglesea captain Bill Bubb said Mr Richardson was a very active person who ran a glazing business and at one point operated the local hardware store.
“He was a very happy sort of person, he couldn't do enough for the town,” Mr Bubb said.
Life CFA member Howard Hu Hughes said Mr Richardson con convinced him to join the brigade as a 30-year-old in the 197 1970s.
Mr Hughes said the devasta tation of Ash Wednesday had a profound effect on Mr Richardson, who bore the br brunt of many emotions from lo local residents who had lost the their homes.
About 12 months after the fire fires, he resigned as captain but rem remained an active member of the brigade.
He was devoted to his late wif wife Olga and was a muchloved father and father-in-law of David, Michael, Anne and Mick.
Mr Hughes described Mr Richardson as a “fine gentlemen”.
“He was to his word — on a handshake you could make a deal,” Mr Hughes said.
“He was as good and honest a guy (as) you will ever get to meet.”
Mr Hughes said his friend was always busy but put his family first.
“But, he would’ve been first up there as the fire siren went off,” Mr Hughes said.
Cr Tony Revell paid tribute to Mr Richardson at Tuesday night’s Surf Coast council meeting.
“Jack, in his time in Aireys Inlet, was a very active member in the brigade and captain of the Aireys Inlet brigade from 1977 to 1983,” he said.
“He was indeed the captain of the brigade in the period of Ash Wednesday, and clearly these are some of the darkest days that our Surf Coast community has been through. He led and served the community very well during those days.”
Mr Richardson was farewelled at a private funeral.