Tributes flow for father of four after tragic house fire at Boogan, south of Innisfail

A father-of-four has been remembered as a “loveable cowboy” after he died in a house fire south of Innisfail. Read the tributes.

A father-of-four who previously worked for the Department of Transport and Main Roads has been remembered as a “loveable cowboy” after he died in a house fire south of Innisfail.

Wayne Toms, 55, died at his home on Boogan road at Boogan around 8pm on Thursday.

His sister-in-law Lois Toms, who had known Mr Toms for approximately 20 years, said it was “very surreal” and hard to believe for the family.

Mr Toms was born in New South Wales, moved to Katherine and then eventually made his way to Cairns.

But most of his family lived far away.

“Most of them are in NSW or down the Gold Coast, so his mother was coming up for a visit this week, now it’s not under good circumstances,” she said.

“She is a bit shattered at the moment.”

Mr Toms had two older brothers and a younger sister but he always had time for his siblings.

“They had their moments,” she said.

“Not always brotherly love, but they were always there for each other when they needed each other.”

Mr Toms was known for his humour and his love for the outdoors, and over time his day-to-day outfit became iconic.

The house fire which claimed Mr Toms’ life. Photo Courtesy Paul Piccolo.

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“He used to wear a hat and would always wear jeans,” she said.

The owner of the house he was living in, Steve Garrad, said Mr Toms was a very good tenant of around 17 years.

“He was a loveable scoundrel. He was a very much an earthy country boy, you could mistake him for a cowboy, the way he talked and his mannerisms,” he said.

“I was very happy to have him there.” he said.

A Queensland Police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances around the fire.

Originally published as Tributes flow for father of four after tragic house fire at Boogan, south of Innisfail