Mackay business stalwart dies aged 78

Businessman Colin Searle farewelled with balloons, laughter and songs

Col and his wife Liz.

THE celebration of the life of Colin Albert Searle included home-town delicacies such as pies and peas from Mackay.

More than 100 people including many from Mackay attended the service and celebration in Brisbane for Col, a prominent businessman, who died on August 13 at the age of 78.

Daughter Julie Savage said although it was the saddest day of her life saying farewell to an amazing father, she was truly blessed to be part of so many beautiful moments.

".. seeing the strength my mum showed throughout the entire day, hearing the breathtaking solo my husband sang, feeling the support of so many special friends who came along, hearing such a poignant eulogy, hearing my children and nieces and nephews speak publicly about their grandpa, hearing 100 people belt out Sweet Caroline in a chapel, releasing coloured balloons to send our love up to heaven, doing high kicks to New York New Yorkin a circle with 20 others, eating nostalgic meat pies from Mackay, and so many more.

"Despite such a huge and irreplaceable loss, I am so lucky to have such thoughtful family and friends around me and for a father who taught me to always look for the positives.”

Col's entire family, including wife Liz, sons Stephen, David, Jason, Martin, Robert and daughter Julie Savage were at the celebration along with all 14 grandchildren - Jordan, Samantha, Annaleisse, Jasmine, Emily, Olivia, Thomas, Cooper, William, Lucy, Luke, Sarah, Ruby, and Emma.

HAPPY MEMORIES: Colourful balloons about to be released at the celebration of the life of Col Searle.

Sons Robert and Jason "tag-teamed” a eulogy for their father at a service at Centenary Memorial Gardens in Sumner, Brisbane. Suzie Venn was the celebrant.

Jason said apart from being a loving father to his family, his father was also a busy man.

"He was president of our primary school, Saint Francis Xavier, president of our secondary school, St Patricks College, and also president of the Mackay Table Tennis Association for many years.

"At nights and the weekends Dad and Mum would drive us to the hall, he would also drive us to Townsville or Rocky or wherever the boys were playing.”

Son Martin went on to become one of Australia's best players, winning the Australian U15 boys singles title in 1986.

Colin was made a life member of Mackay Table Tennis for his work as president, which included construction of extensions to the Bridge Rd playing centre.

Col was a prominent Mackay businessman.

He and his brother Ron owned and operated several large and successful businesses in Mackay.

"(These included) Searle and Son, a wholesaler of food, small goods, and best of all, chocolates and toys,” Jason said.

"They also owned International Motors Toyota, the largest car dealership in Mackay, and The Boomerang Hotel, where we used to love the fisherman's basket.

"How did Dad find the time for all this? Why was our dad, the one dad out of the 600-plus dads at school, president for so many years?

"His intent was clear... he wanted to invest in the people closest to him - his family, his relations, his friends. He spent time to make a large, positive impact on those closest to him.”

Julie said the entire day had the theme of celebration and positivity.

"Everyone wore colourful and casual clothes - lots of summer dresses and Hawaiian shirts.

"Jason and Robert did a great job of tag-teaming the eulogy. The 14 grandkids, ranging from 26 years old to 2 years old, stood up the front and said a couple of sentences about why they loved Grandpa.”

Julie's husband David, a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium, sang a solo You Raise Me Up.

Relatives from Mackay attending included Doug and Kaye Petersen, Trevor and Margaret Petersen and Angela Zammit.

"We had many people attend who we did not expect such as Dad and Mum's gardener, travel agent, accountant, neighbours, and lots of friends of mine and my brothers'. They all said it was a very special, beautiful and unforgettable day, and felt lucky to be a part of it.”

CHARLIE PAYNE

Originally published as Mackay business stalwart dies aged 78