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MadMax, Simmo, Babybusa, BigKev, Pan, Blackzook, Ruffy and I were privileged to be in attendance on Friday at the very moving and emotional tribute to Mark Sutherland (Mark_S).
Mark Sutherland seems to have had the same effect wherever he went. Based on what we heard, he was a larger than life character, a true 'giver', a wonderful husband and step-dad and a dedicated member of the community. A man who was universally liked by all he met. Friendly, open, caring, reliable, committed and (this theme was repeated a few times) very big on elaborate practical jokes. Big macho on the outside... big softie on the inside. Always the first to lend a hand.
I feel sad that I never had the chance to meet him. There is absolutely no doubt he would have been an outstanding member of this club and we are certainly poorer for his loss.
He was piped into the chapel by a Highland bag-piper whilst his mates from the NSW Rural Fire Service formed an honour guard. The place was packed... standing room only. Most of us stood outside and listened through the open doors. Outside the chapel was parked his pristine blue Mustang as well as the fire tender upon which he served.
We had an opportunity to make ourselves known to Fiona and she was very welcoming and very thankful that we had attended on behalf of the club. Despite having suffered a terrible and tragic loss, she stayed to chat with us about what the forum had meant to Mark and share other snippets of insight into the man we never got to meet. Thank you Fiona.
For my part, I would like to say how proud I am to be a member of a club that constantly shows - in tangible ways - it's commitment and dedication to it's members. Mark may not have been with us for long.... but he will be remembered.
Special mentions to MadMax who came up from Canberra and Ruffy who came up from Gundagai. Champions both!
R.I.P Mark Sutherland (Mark_S)
Regards... Rob (Astro)