BUTCHER RECALLED AS A TRUE GENTLEMAN
A STALWART of the Far North meat industry has been remembered as a “true gentleman”.
Friends and family gathered on Friday morning for the funeral of a pillar of the Cairns butcher community, John Donaghy, who was remembered as a friendly soul.
Mr Donaghy was born in Atherton in 1944 and lived in Millaa Millaa until he was 11, before moving to Cairns. He was a consistent part of the community, especially in the agricultural field, having been raised in a dairy family.
Mr Donaghy’s son-in-law, Brent Fraser, said in his eulogy Mr Donaghy was “wellrespected, hardworking and loved by all”.
“He was happiest at his farm, and if he showed you a picture, it was of his cattle, his property or his family,” Mr Fraser said.
“He loved the butcher shop and I know I always left in a better mood than when I went in. (He was) always welcoming people with a ‘Hey mate’ or ‘Hi darl’, and the kids always got a slice of ham or a cheerio.”
Mr Fraser spoke of his awe at the firm handshake Mr Donaghy had greeted him with upon meeting.
“I remember the first time I met John … I was on the other side of the garden bed and he reached over to shake my hand and pulled me through the garden,” he said.
Mr Fraser ended the eulogy with one of Mr Donaghy’s favourite sayings.
“In John’s words: every day is a good one and today was one of the best.”