Central Qld community rallies to support fiance, two young children
An adored father-of-two should be celebrating with his fiancee, instead family and friends will gather to mourn him following a tragic mountain biking accident.
Rockhampton
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An adored father-of-two known to ‘almost every second person’ in his town should have been celebrating his engagement to his long-term partner this weekend. Instead, his family is preparing to lay him to rest after a freak accident.
The tragic death of Gladstone boilermaker Dale Simpson has reverberated across Gladstone and Rockhampton, with the community wrapping their arms around his fiance Amie Mason and children, daughter Aria and son Elwood, and raising $100,000 for them in less than 36 hours.
The 36-year-old St Brendan’s College Old Boy has been described by many as someone who loved his wife and children more than life itself.
Family friend Sam, who asked not to have his last name used, said Dale “was so proud of his kids, and just so in love with his missus... they were a beautiful little family”.
“Dale and his daughter Aria were best mates... he was always taking her fishing, riding bikes and going for walks together.
“When he was at home, they were inseparable.”
Tragically, the weekend after his passing was meant to be a celebration of Dale and Amie’s love for one another.
“The really sad part is that it’s supposed to be their engagement party on Saturday night,” Sam said.
“Everyone is supposed to be getting together to celebrate that, and now we’re all getting together (to mourn).”
Sam said almost every second person in Gladstone knew the Walz Construction workshop supervisor.
“I’ve known Dale for over 10 years... he’s just that typical Aussie bloke,” he said.
“Loved a beer, fishing and camping... he loved his family.
“He was a hardworking construction bloke that would give you the shirt off his back.”
If the popular larrikin wasn’t a boilermaker, he would have been a pro fisherman, according to Sam.
“He was always there for everyone... if you needed someone to talk to or needed a hand, Dale would be one of the first blokes there,” he said.
“He was always doing something in the shed for someone, whether it was welding on their boat or fixing a trailer.”
Sam also said that Dale was very fond of mountain biking and the First Turkey Mountain Bike Park trails on Mount Archer (Nurim) in North Rockhampton, where he tragically passed away on Saturday, November 16.
“He was really loving it. He’d only been doing it for a year or two, but was really enjoying the community with the other guys... he just loved the outdoors,” Sam said.
“I don’t think it would have mattered what Dale was doing, as long as he was outside.
“That downhill mountain biking had become a passion for him... he honestly just lived life to the fullest.”
Dale’s popularity has been echoed by the number of donations to the GoFundMe for Amie, Aria and Elwood that was established by another family friend, Kristie Harris, on Monday, two days after the accident.
It has received more than 500 donations, including an $8000 donation from Elite Mechanical Maintenance in Gladstone and a $10,000 donation from Walz Group.
Walz Group CEO Matt Campiutti said Dale was well-loved amongst his workmates and absolutely adored and respected by the entire Walz family.
“He did his apprenticeship with us... he was a long-term Walz employee,” Mr Campiutti said.
“He was such a positive, outgoing young man.”
Sam said Amie, who met Dale during a shutdown at Callide Power Station between 2018 and 2019, was overwhelmed by the support from friends and family.
“She’s so appreciative and grateful,” he said.
“She’s just happy that Dale is getting the respect that he deserved.
“She’s happy that the memory is being put forward to everyone, and that anyone that didn’t know him will now know who he was, and the story behind him.
“She was worried about how she was going to survive and get through all this... just the support of (the donations) has really helped put some of the little things to rest for her.”
Kristie wrote on social media that they had woken up the day after starting the fundraiser absolutely speechless at the generosity of the community.
“Dale was a provider and protector,” she posted to Facebook.
“The comfort, support and love you have all shown by taking this on in his stead is invaluable.
“On behalf of Amie and their families, a thousand thank-yous and endless gratitude for you all.
“What a bloody good bloke to have such amazing people behind him.”
Another woman, Miz-Carol Ann, described Dale as not just the life of the party, but the party itself.
“All those shenanigans out our back yard, with Dale leading the chants and my son and all the boys singing after him,” she posted on Facebook.
“He was the cheekiest rascal, with the biggest smile.”
The principal of St Brendan’s College, Robert Corboy, touched upon Dale’s popularity at the elite Yeppoon school.
“St Brendan’s would like to acknowledge the passing of one of our SBC community members Dale Simpson Old Boys (Senior 2005),” Mr Corboy said.
“From all accounts from those who new Dale during his time at the college, he was a well-liked and popular member of the community.
“On behalf of the College and the SBC Old Boys Foundation we offer our sincere condolences to Dale’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Valleys Rugby League Club Gladstone Seniors described Dale as one of their own, “a beloved member of the Valleys”.
“While no contribution can fill the void he leaves behind, any support for Amie and the children will help provide some comfort and security as they face the road ahead,” the posted on Facebook.
“We encourage everyone in our community to share this fundraiser and continue to hold each other close.
“Dale’s spirit will always be a part of the Valleys family. Forever in our hearts.”
Dale’s funeral will be held at Boyne Tannum Memorial Parklands Chapel on November 29 at 10am.
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