Michael Piagno remembered after shock farm accident

The partner of a real estate agent and tobacco farmer who passed away in a shock accident has told her story about the man she loved.

A MUCH loved Mareeba man has been remembered for his strong generous character after a shock accident last week.

Mareeba real estate agent and tobacco farmer Michael Piagno, 74, was killed in a farming accident on Sunday, January 16.

His partner Vivienne Pinchbek said it was an absolute shock.

“I still can’t believe we have lost him,” she said.

Vivienne Pinchbeck and Michael Piagno. Picture: Andrea Falvo

“He was actually weed spraying on the farm where he lived and it was just an accident, the Kubota gator (utility vehicle) went over an embankment.

“I wasn’t there when it happened but I did find him. It was a real shock to lose him like that.”

Ms Pinchbek said they had been together for six years and were engaged but had yet to get married.

“We have lots of nice memories. We were going to make a lot more so it is awful. He was quite a strong character, a volatile Italian but very generous at heart and would do anything for the people he loved and friends,” she said.

Michael Piagno died in a shock accident on January 16. Picture: Supplied.

“You certainly knew where you stood with him. There were no grey areas with Michael.”

Mr Piagno was remembered for his love of fishing, boats, gardening and cooking.

“He was a nice man. We used to go away in the caravan, we used to go away in his tinnie and he used to do a lot of Italian cooking, she said.”

Ms Pinchbek said he was so generous that he even had a love for a stray cat that came in one day.

“He loved his cat. He had a stray cat that adopted him, came up from the river and followed him,” she said.

Mr Piagno would have turned 75 on February 18.

Originally published as Michael Piagno remembered after shock farm accident