Tributes flow for Rosewood community legend Arnold George Rieck

His love of a woman may have brought him to Rosewood in the ’50s, but it will be a different passion legendary horticulturalist and teacher Arnold Rieck will be remembered for.

Arnold Rieck.

Ipswich is in mourning following the death of community legend Arnold George Rieck whose heart and mind inspired generations of students, community members, and budding environmentalists.

The former mathematics teacher and lifelong horticulturalist passed away in bed at the Rosewood nursing home Cabanda Care on Thursday, November 10 — a few months after his 90th birthday.

Community members and politicians took to social media in an outpouring of grief after his wife Joyce Rieck invited people to attend a service in Arnold’s memory.

Sonya Perkins said Arnold was a man who had two willing hands and a heart of gold.

“[He was] a kind man who has left a legacy of his life’s work and knowledge of native plants he has passed on to many in Rosewood,” she said.

“I am truly blessed to have known Arnold. The love between Arnold and Joyce is inspirational.”

Arnold and Joyce Rieck. Photo: Rob Williams / The Queensland Times

It may have been a great love that drew the self-proclaimed “Brisbane import” to Rosewood in 1958, but Arnold Rieck’s passion and memory will live on forever in the small country town which he helped shape for the better.

Alongside his wife, Arnold spent endless hours replanting native plants to bring back once cleared and barren bushland to its former glory — including a special restoration project Mason’s Gully.

At the restoration site in the heart of Rosewood, standing proud alongside native Rosewood species is a walkway sign “Arnold Rieck Walk”.

Arnold Rieck at Mason’s Gully.

Arnold also ensured local species were not lost to time and deforestation with the creation of the Rosewood Scrub Arboretum — a museum of living trees at Peace Park.

Not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, the horticulturalist was one of many residents who challenged OGL’s plans to mine coal between Rosewood and Mount Mort.

Ursula Monsiegneur said in his founding role as the president of the Rosewood and District Protection Organisation, Arnold made Rosewood a better place to live.

“He will be missed by all of us who are passionate about the people, environment, and flora and fauna of this region,” she said.

“A passionate teacher, advocate, and community member ably supported by his wife Joyce who is an equally inspirational member of the community.

“Only a few of us will ever know what the two of you have contributed to the community, but those of us who do will always appreciate your efforts and the effects of these will carry forward to generations to come.”

Paul Kennedy (right) and Arnold Rieck of the Rosewood and District Protection Organisation when they submitted a declaration to close 11 local roads to mining vehicles. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland Times

Whether he was forging ahead in the environmental sector or teaching maths in front of a blackboard at Rosewood State High School or Mt Walker State School — Mr Rieck inspired people to live their best life.

Former student Michelle Williams said Mr Rieck was an influential man in her life.

“When I wanted to go to university and study maths he persuaded my parents to let me,” she said.

“I owe him so so much.

“I eventually became a maths teacher too and tried to instil a love of maths in my students … through his examples.

“[Arnold] I am sorry we cleared so much Rosewood Wattle off our farm and gully in the ‘60s and ‘70s, that you eventually planted back.

“I plant them everywhere now.”

Franck Berthaux echoed Ms Williams’s sentiment.

“One of the best high school teachers and scout leaders for he has left a positive mark on me that resulted in my adult life focusing on helping others,” he said.

Rob Burton said, “Arnold had a huge and important positive impact on my life for which I will be forever grateful – I told him as much on many occasions.”

Cheryl Dowell said, “Arnold was such a wonderful man who was always a joy to talk to and will be sadly missed”.
“Although I will say imagine the gardens in heaven now.”