Cairns Central stabbing: Tributes for ‘loving, loyal’ father Michael John Eaton
The family of a slain father-of-five have spoken about their devastation at his shocking death as they begin to pick up the pieces of a life “taken too young.” LEAVE A TRIBUTE
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THE family of slain father-of-five Michael John Eaton have spoken about their devastation at his shocking death as they begin to pick up the pieces of a life “taken too young.”
Mr Eaton is being remembered as a “cheeky character” and a “true fighter” after it was revealed he was recovering from a severe stroke that left him paralysed on the right side of his body.
The 51-year-old Cairns man had fought his way back to being able to walk and talk again, and used his regular visits to the Cairns Central shopping centre as part of his recovery and to connect with the community.
He was killed on Wednesday morning in the most callous of ways, when a stranger is alleged to have cut his throat from behind without warning or motive.
Mr Eaton grew up in Holloways Beach and was well known across the city.
He had a passion for his dogs, Holden Commodore, his beloved Harley Davidson, books and “of course, tattoos”, according to his ex-wife, who preferred to remain anonymous.
They were married for 15 years, divorcing just last week, but were cordial and on good terms.
“He also enjoyed gardening, which he was particularly good at,” she said.
But his true loves were his five adult kids, who spoke adoringly of their father in a joint statement to News Corp.
Mr Eaton, better known as Mick to people who knew him, had “a cheeky character about him, he loved to laugh and joke around.”
His daughter, Sami Odell, said her family had been shaken “in an unimaginable way”.
“The heartache we feel is the price we pay to have had you in our lives and with every pain of loss tells a story of love,” she said.
“You may have been a headache at best but you were our handful to keep. Taken from our lives in an unimaginable way but cannot be taken from our hearts.
“Rest easy until we can laugh together again.”
Mr Eaton found comfort at Cairns Central, the very place he was allegedly murdered.
Ms Odell’s sisters said their dad enjoyed “being around society and making new friends with the community.”
“He enjoyed meeting new people and talking, he would welcome all talks with anyone and everyone around the Community,” the statement said.
They spoke of his determination “to get himself back walking and talking” following his stroke.
“Michael was a funny, loving, loyal person to all who knew him and the community,” they said.
“He was taken too young under tragic circumstances. He will be missed and will not be forgotten.
“May he rest in peace.”
Mr Eaton is survived by his loving parents, older sister, younger brother, five children and a granddaughter.
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Originally published as Cairns Central stabbing: Tributes for ‘loving, loyal’ father Michael John Eaton
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