Family asks locals to ‘raise a glass’ to remember Burrum Heads identity Kevin Rundle

The family of a Queensland man, who died after a horror house fire, have asked the small coastal community where he lived and was loved to ‘raise a glass’ in his honour.

A 72-year-old man, who passed away in hospital after locals had saved him from a house fire, has been remembered as a lover of fishing, gardening and his local community.

Kevin Rundle, 72, was pulled from his home at Burrum Heads after it caught fire on August 3.

He remained in a critical condition at Hervey Bay hospital for three days but sadly passed away in the early hours of Friday, August 6.

Kevin had moved to Burrum Heads for his love of fishing.

His daughter, Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, said Burrum Heads’ reputation as a fisherman’s “paradise” drew him to the area.

“He had great friends who shared so many hours fishing,” Sharyn told the Chronicle.

Kevin with his two children, Nick Rundle and Sharyn Rundle-Thiele

Sharyn and her brother Nick Rundle thanked the community members who “jumped to help” on the day of the fire.

“To the many heroes who worked tirelessly at Hervey Bay Hospital being champions for our family; Nick and I wish to thank you for making it possible to be able to make saying goodbye to our Dad in person happen,” Sharyn said.

“Together you have helped a family at our greatest moment of need and you all remind us why Dad chose to live in Burrum Heads for the past 20+ years.”

Kevin with his daughter Sharyn Rundle -Thiele.

The father-of-two “loved a laugh and he loved to have a bit of fun.”

Kevin’s family asked those who knew him to “take a quiet moment at 5pm” Monday evening and raise a glass in his memory.

“We ask you to enjoy family and friends and what is always most important – being together with those you love,” Sharyn said.

Katrina Fowler, a former neighbour of Kevin, told the Chronicle he would be missed.

“He was very loved by the community,” Katrina told the Chronicle.