June2012_VALE_Stuart Bragg
We were all shaken by the unwelcome news that Stewie passed away on Saturday 19th May.
It is tragic.
Stewie, full of life, exuberant, effervescent. He was the Energiser bunny. A whirlwind of energy.
Stewie – the chef, the mechanic, the wheeler dealer, the Mr Fixit.
He was well known and well respected in the Dayboro community.
Some may know him for his Cheery smile and ability to liven up any event.
Some may know him for his tireless efforts with the community, his altruistic support as President of Dayboro Lions towards community help, and his generosity.
Some may know him for his skills as a mechanic with his intuitive problem solving on car troubles.
Some may know him for his enthusiasm for Celtic music.
Some may know him as the Samsonvale “Carols by the Big Tree” compere.
Some may know him for his strange English Lake-District accent.
Many will not know of his Broad spectrum of interests. His family come from a long traction engine history. He was a collector, interested in history. He had an amazing knowledge of car history. He never achieved the ownership of his favoured ’72 Rover SD1 3500 sedan.
He ran the line at the Dayboro Footy Club, and was a qualified Ref.
And there was a lot more.
But however he was known, he was always a presence.
No longer will he come round and liven up our evenings.
The intermissions at the Lions movies will not be as exciting.
He will not be here this year to introduce Santa and to lead the Christmas singing at Samsonvale.
The underpinning support for the Dayboro Lions’ community events will not be there.
Who do we call when our car breaks down?
Music, singing, and his recent attempts to master the saxophone were bubbling up, but we never got the chance to hear him.
He was always chasing dreams.
But his outward enthusiasm belied a fragile and sensitive individual.
His difficult times have ended. He has relief from the pressures of life. He didn’t bounce back this time.
He leaves a son, daughter, and was just six weeks from seeing his first grandchild.
Doesn’t seem right.
~~ Ian, Sue & the Dayboro community ~~
