Tributes flow in family's memory

A TRUE country gentleman, a quiet but lively go-getter, a gentle soul and a young man full of promise.

The Daily Mercury’s front page on January 29.

A TRUE country gentleman, a quiet but lively go-getter, a gentle soul and a young man full of promise.

These were the lives of Peter, Diane, Kristy and Mark Burridge, tragically taken in a car crash on the Bruce Highway.

They were lives that, in turn, touched the lives of hundreds of loving friends and relatives who gathered to remember special times and moments at a memorial service at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sarina yesterday.

But even as the gathering reflected on four bright stars snatched too early, another family member bravely determined to take action to stop the pain of others.

Michelle Leeson, the daughter of Peter and Diane and sister to Kristy and Mark, said she would now be working with Member for Mirani Ted Malone to try to fix the Bruce Highway.

“If anyone would like to join us and help they can contact Mr Malone,” Mrs Leeson said.

Friends and family extended prayers and support to Mrs Leeson, her husband Carl and their children Karly, Taylia and Jake in their time of grief.

Rosemary Curran, the sister of Peter Burridge, fondly recalled her brother as having the potential to be ‘pretty cheeky’.

“He liked his horses and his go-karts, he was a real country boy,” she said.

Workmates at Queensland Rail described Mr Burridge as a worker and family man.

“He was quite and dependable, a true gentleman. If there were 100 of him the workplace would be a better place.

“He was also a family man and his family was what he lived for,” one colleague said.

Family of Diane Burridge remembered her as caring, determined and fun-loving.

“She would never leave any stone unturned when she was working on something,” sister Lorraine Brown said.

“She was also very petite, so I will always remember the platform shoes she wore. She loved to dress up and go out.”

Kristy Burridge was remembered for her gentle soul and Mark Burridge for his intelligence and empathy.

“Kristy worked in aged care, she was soft and gentle but determined in her way,” Mrs Curran said.

“Mark just loved life and he was a very promising student who would have excelled in anything he chose to do.”

Originally published as Tributes flow in family's memory