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Funeral held at Brolga Theatre for Maryborough’s John Meyers

From the heartbreaking loss of his children to his dedication to building a military museum in their memory, those who attended John Meyers’ funeral could not help but be touched and inspired. Here is what was said:

Some spoke through tears while sharing their memories, while others shared hilarious anecdotes of the times they had spent together, but all described the lasting impact John Meyers had on their lives.

The much-loved businessman and founder of the Maryborough Colonial and Military Museum was farewelled in an emotional ceremony attended by hundreds of people at the Brolga Theatre on Friday, September 9, 2022.

Those who paid tribute spoke of Mr Meyers’ enduring love for his wife of 60 years Else, and for their children, Karen and Geoffrey.

Mourners gathered at John Meyers' funeral at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.
Mourners gathered at John Meyers' funeral at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.

Karen and Geoffrey died in a car crash on the Bruce Highway in November, 1982, but the love the couple felt for their children drove them in everything they did.

With his school friend Garry Dale, Mr Meyers established the Dale and Meyers Sawmill, selling his share and stepping down from the business in 2003.

When the museum was opened in 2005, it was in memory of his children.

Mr Meyers died after a long battle with cancer a week ago, but not before leaving behind a video for his loved ones, which was played at his funeral service.

In that video he addressed those gathered, saying that he and Else had enjoyed “a great life”, except for the loss of their children.

One of those who spoke during the service was Les Williams.

Joining the Australian Army Reserve in 1968 in Toowoomba while working with the Main Roads Department, Mr Meyers spent several years climbing the ranks to Warrant Officer and teaching new cadets the storied history of Australia’s military - Mr Williams was one of those cadets.

John Meyers - Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.
John Meyers - Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.

He met Mr Meyers’ daughter, Karen, and they became an item.

“I’d have to say she was my first love,” Mr Williams said.

He would survive the crash that claimed the lives of Karen and her brother.

In the years that followed the tragedy, as he married and welcomed children of his own, the Meyers remained a part of his life and he thought of them as his second family.

Also sharing their memories of Mr Meyers were former Fraser Coast mayor Chris Loft, Tim Britten, Howard Zelenka, Martin Simons, Greig Bolderrow and Steve Webb.

Mourners gathered at John Meyers' funeral at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.
Mourners gathered at John Meyers' funeral at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.

Mr Webb, a former police officer, spoke of how he’d met Mr Meyers when he was registering historical weapons for the military museum.

Mr Meyers invited him to come and look at the museum and a friendship between the two followed.

Mr Webb spent years as an officer in the forensic crash unit and told Mr Meyers on the day he died that he would be reunited with his children.

Mourners gathered at John Meyers' funeral at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.
Mourners gathered at John Meyers' funeral at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.

Some of Mr Meyers’ favourite songs were played during the service, songs which also fit in with his mission at the museum, including Onward Christian Soldiers, Spirit of the Anzacs and The Unbearable Price of War.

A poppy ceremony was held at the end of the service, with loved ones placing the flowers on his coffin before a bagpipe played as his coffin was wheeled out of the theatre.

After the ceremony, Mr Meyers was interred at Gympie Lawn Cemetery, where his children are also buried.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/funeral-held-at-brolga-theatre-for-maryboroughs-john-meyers/news-story/2e07b1c64e6d199c74de035055339179