Cudlee Creek bushfire: Tributes to Charleston victim Ron Selth
A 69-year-old man who tragically died in the Cudlee Creek bushfire has been remembered by his family as a loving and generous man with a unique and unforgettable character.
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When Ron Selth gave a hug, he definitely meant it.
The 69-year-old, who tragically died in the Cudlee Creek bushfire, has been remembered by his family as a loving and generous man who had a unique hugging style.
“He will be remembered for his incredible – sometimes injury-causing – hugs and will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends,” Mr Selth’s family said in a statement.
“Some people give firm hugs – I don’t know what’s beyond firm, but that’s what Dad occasionally delivered.
“When he gave a hug, he meant it.”
The family told The Advertiser Mr Selth had “an incredible passion for life and was young at heart, manifested by frequent wrestles and horsey-rides with his grandchildren”.
“Ron was a loving, optimistic and generous man, who valued his relationships with family and friends more than anything else,” they said.
“He built a highly successful engineering business that contributed to the design of thousands of buildings in SA, mainly in the Adelaide Hills, and is often described as having a unique and unforgettable character.
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Mr Selth’s body was found at his Charleston property in the aftermath of the bushfire.
Authorities announced on Saturday the blaze had sadly claimed a life.
Mr Selth is survived by his partner Suzy, his children Johanna, Luke and Jasmine and their partners Lachlan, Jo and Scott, and his six grandchildren, all of whom adored their Grandpa.
The Cudlee Creek fire has now burned more than 25,000ha across the Adelaide Hills. It remains uncontrolled, along with two blazes that have burned more than 9500ha at Menzies and Duncan on Kangaroo Island.
