Beloved Neighbor Alan Dare Says Heroic Goodbye

The funeral director, Gailene Salomon, read what Alan’s daughter had written about him.

Loading

“He was a giant who got things done, what really mattered. A caring ear, a helping hand, a heart of gold, a voice of reason,” she said.

“Stable as a rock, he was always there. People like him are a rare and precious find. They don’t boast or boast, they pick up the slack…they cool down, they don’t hold grudges, they unleash potential.

“They show up, not show off.”

Grief-stricken family and friends are still coming to terms with the permanent loss of such a dependable and selfless person. Some mourned, some cried, some sobbed.

Loading

Friends speak affectionately about Dare’s love for his wife of 26 years Kelly, tinkering with cars, especially Fords, and his favorite ritual of waking up with a Dare iced coffee to watch the Thunderbirds. Did.

The same humble man was commended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week after “going to help Australia by doing great things” and was posthumously awarded the Queensland Police Medal for Valor.

The Wieambilla and Tara communities are mourning their neighbor and friend, and a GoFundMe call has raised $95,452, surpassing the original goal of $25,000.

Dare’s best friend, Max, who has known him for 37 years, can’t hold back his tears and is looking for words to honor the man he nicknames Rambo.

“He was just a good friend. He helped me in many things…but when I needed a hand…he was always there for me.” I did,” Max sobbed.

“He showed up all the time.”

Engaging answers to tough questions delivered to your inbox every week. Sign up here to get the new Explainer newsletter.