Moving tributes for loving dad

Jimmy Brunswick’s daughter Sandie, comforted by two friends, reads Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here during the funeral service at Sanctuary Park Church of Christ in Nambour.

Brett Wortman

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Tribute to crash victim Jimmy Brunswick

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JIMMY Brunswick was the type of bloke who “left footprints on your heart”.

The last time Carol Brunswick saw her husband, he played their special song.

He reached out his hand, and told her she was his sweetheart, as he always did.

Yesterday, tears flowed as the lyrics “be with you through all seasons, I'll always hear you when you call” filled the Church of Christ at Nambour.

The 55-year-old Woombye father of six and grandfather of four was a passenger in a four-wheel drive that lost traction and overturned at Curragh Mine, near Blackwater, on Tuesday, August 31.

He survived the crash but later died in hospital from a heart attack.

Though his farewell was tinged with sadness, it was also a celebration of his cherished life.

His friends, family and work colleagues wore black T-shirts with the message “ride on you crazy diamond”, a nod to Jimmy's favourite saying.

In the background of the service was his beloved Triumph motorbike and his tool belt.

On the outside he was a strong, rugged man, but underneath that rough exterior, he was gentle, tender and kind. Carol said Jimmy was a hero to their children.

“They have the most admiration for their father,” she said.

“He rarely watched TV and in 20 years I never saw him read a book but he was so full of knowledge.”

Carol said she was so lucky to have met her soul mate.

“Not many people get to experience the love we shared,” she said.

“He always said half of me is with you, half of you is with me.”

The couple's daughter, Sandie, had planned to play a song on her guitar but was overcome with emotion. With family by her side, the year 12 student read out Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here.

With arms wrapped around each other, Jimmy's best mates and brothers shared their stories.

A colleague from Curragh Mine said on the morning of Jimmy's death he had asked for Wednesday off to ride his bike.

“I said yes mate, you've been working hard but sadly, he never got the chance,” he said.