Bakery legend farewelled
A GIANT of the baking industry has been fondly celebrated in an enormous outpouring of emotion from across the region at the loss of a man credited with putting the tiny town of Babinda on the map.
On Wednesday Michael McAlloon died peacefully after a short cancer battle at Babinda Hospital, the same place he was born in 1966.
He was 55 years old. Known as a no-nonsense hard worker, the Babinda Bakery owner for the past 12 years strived for perfection in every area of his life.
Famous for producing the best cream buns in the region, accolades, thanks and appreciation certificates line the walls of the Munro St business – a testament to the respect and gratitude the community had for the Babinda stalwart.
Loved across the state for the goods produced in his Babinda ovens, Mr McAlloon was able to entice customers from far and wide and queues for pastries and pies often stretched out the shop door and around the corner.
Bakery connoisseur Shaun Pyne from Pyney’s Pie Reviews said it had been a privilege to have met and spent time with Mr McAlloon recently.
“He is so well-respected and so well-known. He’s just a beautiful man, it’s just not fair,” he said.
“I will forever cherish the time I got to spend with this wonderful man and for that I’m truly grateful.
“He has created a beautiful legacy, people lined up day after day, they are queued out the door for the cream buns that are the best I’ve ever had.
It was with a heavy heart that Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller acknowledged the loss.
“It’s a very sad day for the communities of Babinda and Gordonvale, he was much-loved and well-respected and a great family man,” he said.
“(He) was a great sponsor of the community by employment of young people and making available apprenticeships and was a very giving sponsor of schools and community organisations. After taking over the bakery he has really put Babinda on the tourist map.”