Tributes flow for beloved Buchner
THE Warwick community is mourning the loss of Graham Buchner OAM, a Rose City icon who is remembered for his endless dedication to making his town a better place.
Graham died in hospital on Tuesday due to illness, aged 81. He was a respected businessman at the helm of Warwick Freighters and AgServices for 46 years, before stepping down in 2010 to volunteer his time to more than a dozen community organisations.
Whether it was on his rideon mower slashing the lawns
along highways into town or raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and Cancer Council, it was his tireless service to the Warwick community that earned Graham the respect of every one of his fellow residents.
Campaigning alongside Graham for more than a decade as part of the Warwick and District Road Safety Group, David Kemp described the local legend as a “gentle giant”.
“We’ve worked very closely together over the years, he’s like a second father to me,” Mr Kemp said.
“He’s just a big fella with a
heart of gold, and he was so passionate. I hope I can follow in his footsteps in a way.
“He always let everyone have their say first and never remarked on anyone’s comment, he was always there to listen. He will be missed so dearly.”
Mr Kemp said he would push to see the new Eight Mile overpass dubbed Graham Buchner Way in recognition of his friend’s fierce advocacy for the project.
He said one of his favourite memories was the day he and 11 other business identities pitched into purchase Graham a new top-notch
mower, which he joked might have been the first time he saw the big man shed a tear.
Also fondly remembering the occasion was former Warwick mayor Ron Bellingham, who said seeing Graham out slashing the highways at 1am one morning was a true testament to his dedication.
“He’s very respected, but also a passionate volunteer within the community. He always had that trait and always contributed to anything and everything on in the community,” Mr Bellingham said.
“He was a great character and his contribution to the community was just immense,
and most people would never know the extent he supported the community.
“There’s not many people around like him. He was a unique character, and it was just a privilege to know him.”
Graham received an Order of Australia medal in 2005 for his efforts in road safety and tourism, was awarded Southern Downs Citizen of the Year in 2017, and was a life member of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce.
Friends and family are invited to attend Graham’s funeral at the Warwick Funerals Chapel on Tuesday, October 7 from 11am.