Gatton community mourns local artist
HE was known for his vibrant murals, his music and his involvement in the community.
Now, those who knew him mourn the loss of Gatton artist and father of six Daniel Mackley, who died on December 30.
His stepmother Terrianne Mackley first met Daniel as a bubbly two-year-old and watched him grow into a “an all around lovely” man with a penchant for painting.
“He shared his knowledge about his Aboriginal culture,” Ms Mackley said.
“And he would help anybody who asked for help - even if they didn’t ask for help, he would help anyway.”
For his father’s 49th birthday, Daniel composed a special painting.
“Just watching Daniel’s face while his dad was opening the present … he was so proud,” Ms Mackley said.
During his lifetime, Daniel’s artwork has made its way across the world.
“He used to give his paintings away to people when he worked with them,” Ms Mackley said.
“He’s got paintings all over the world - he’s so proud of the fact he has done that and the fact his name is not just in Australia, it’s everywhere.”
Throughout the Lockyer Valley, Daniel’s art adds a splash of vibrancy to the region.
He has volunteered at schools in Gatton and Grantham, sharing his knowledge and skills with students.
“He was generous to a fault - he would give the shirt off his back to anybody,” Ms Mackley said.
Daniel’s sister-in-law Debra Baxter said Daniel talked about his art all the time and said her daughter cherished a boomerang she had decorated with Daniel’s help.
The family has launched a GoFundMe to pay for a memorial to be installed at Gatton Cemetery.
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