TRIBUTES FOR MATE

TEARS FOR STAB VICTIM

“DREAMTIME, little brother.”

The family and friends of Marcus Blair, killed at an Earlville house on Tuesday, are reeling at the loss of the “fun loving, fearless” man.

Michael Gala-Hodges grew up with Mr Blair in Maryborough and is “shattered” at the death of the man he considered his brother.

“He was just gone,” Mr Gala-Hodges said.

“I didn’t know what to do, I broke down in tears,” he said.

He first heard of Mr Blair’s death after missing 36 calls from his friend’s older sister Tasha.

“Both of us just stared at each other, just shocked,” Mr Gala-Hodges said.

“He was gone, we would never see him again,” he said.

Speaking from his residence near Hervey Bay, Mr GalaHodges said Mr Blair regularly travelled between Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and Cairns, where his partner lived.

The talented footy player and artist has been best remembered as a kind-hearted, generous man who would not hesitate to help others.

“He was a serious man, someone you would not like to mess with if you got on his bad side,” Mr Gala-Hodges said.

The two Maryborough men grew up together – at 12 the young Michael moved in with Marcus’ family.

“We ran the streets together, were in lockup together,” Mr Gala Hodges said.

“He always had my back, always showed respect and was loyal.

“He was one of the most kind, big hearted men I’ve ever met.

“If you needed to talk or help he would be there.”

Mr Blair had made his way to a Downing Street residence on Tuesday night, but details of what happened at the address are still unknown to Mr

Blair’s grieving family.

“There was a group of people there and that is where the fight broke out,” Mr GalaHodges said.

“We have heard stories – everyone has been quiet about it until we hear what has actually happened,” Mr GalaHodges said.

“Marcus will be sadly missed and will never be forgotten,” Mr Gala Hodges said.

“He will always be in our hearts and with us in spirit.”

Police have alleged Mr Blair was stabbed in the chest after an altercation at the property and was driven to Cairns Hospital, where he died.

Police further allege four children were in the house at the time.

Earlville man Joseph Raymond Thimble, 27, has been charged with Mr Blair’s murder.

His case was mentioned briefly in the Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday.

He did not appear in court and the case was adjourned until April 1.