Tributes flow for community champion after sudden death
Family of Chris Vella humbled by support and tributes after sudden death of beloved businessman
Regional news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Regional news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Mackay community is mourning the sudden death of a local legend, with social media flooded with tributes for businessman Chris Vella.
Mr Vella was the beloved owner of Vella's Foodstore, which he owned and operated with wife Kim for more than 26 years.
He died suddenly on Tuesday morning and a community service has been planned for Wednesday, September 23, so that residents, customers and friends can share their memories of Mr Vella.
Vella's Foodstore has been closed for the interim until after the funeral, details for which are yet to be confirmed.
Mrs Vella said she, her children Rebecca and Mitchell and their extended family, had been humbled by the support from the community since Mr Vella's passing.
"Chris's passing has come as a very sudden and unexpected event for all of us and we would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support," an emotional post on the store's social media page read.
"The messages we have received have been touching and it is humbling to know you all loved Chris as much as we did."
The esteem and high regard in which Mr Vella was held by the Mackay and wider community was evident in the comments and memories shared on social media.
"Chris and Kim Vella have been very important supporters for Our Superhero Boys from the very beginning," the not-for-profit organisation, which raises awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, shared.
"Holding car washes, bake sales, carpark sales, sausage sizzles and organising raffles was how our charity started.
"The Vellas are just good people and we will be forever grateful.
"Like so many people in the Mackay community, the passing of Chris has hit us very hard."
Residents have shared their memories of Mr Vella who, by all accounts was a man who always had time for others, and a reputation for honesty and compassion.
"Chris's cheeky and happy nature will be deeply missed," one wrote.
"Our community has lost such a caring, honest gentleman who will be greatly missed by so many," wrote another.
"He was a lovely man who always had a ready smile for everyone who walked into his store. He will be sadly missed," was another tribute.
Mirani MP Stephen Andrew described Mr Vella as a "happy go lucky fella" who knew how to run a business and was willing to give anyone a go.
"Chris Vella is no doubt one of the greatest men I have ever met," Mr Andrew said.
"A person who extended credit to the most vulnerable but treated everyone with importance and his own brand of respect."
The Vella family is yet to finalise funeral plans and has rallied by each other's side in support during the difficult time.
But Mrs Vella told the Daily Mercury the community was invited to celebrate her husband's life.
"We do not have specific information about the funeral at present but understand that due to COVID restrictions, limitations are placed on the number of people allowed in attendance," she said.
"We also know that the Ooralea, Cuttersfield and wider community want to show their support and we would like to celebrate Chris's life with you.
Subscriber benefits:
Your daily dose of Harry Bruce cartoons
Five ways to get more from your digital subscription
WATCH: Your guide to reading the Daily Mercury online
Your questions about the new Daily Mercury format answered
How to make the most of your Mercury subscription
Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed
We're still here: How to contact your journalists
"With this in mind, we will release information about how to attend the funeral online and stream the service when these details are finalised."
Mrs Vella said the store's re-opening would be posted on the Vella's Foodstore Facebook page when details were confirmed.
The community celebration will be held in the Vella's Foodstore car park from 4pm on Wednesday, September 23.
"To be COVID compliant, we ask those wishing to attend please be mindful of social distancing requirements including the need to sign in and use hand sanitiser available on entry," the community notice read.
Originally published as Tributes flow for community champion after sudden death