Central QLD deaths 2022: Remembering the people we’ve lost this year
The world this year lost icons from Shane Warne to the Queen, with Central Queensland facing its own painful goodbyes. See the list of those we were forced to farewell in 2022.
Rockhampton
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Central Queensland has lost some special people in 2022, with too many whose candles burned out long before their legends ever will.
As the curtain comes down on another year, we look back at some of the most read tribute stories The Morning Bulletin carried in 2022.
We said goodbye to so many good people, but we will never forget them.
January
Susan “Suzy” Watson
The Capricorn Coast lost a true icon on January 14 when Susan Theresa Watson died in Rockhampton Hospital from complications involving a serious asthma attack and a heart attack.
The 74-year-old’s husband John, and sons Rhodes and Rhett, were by her side.
Mrs Watson served as a Livingstone Shire councillor, and alongside her husband was later the founder and co-owner of the Capricorn Coast Mirror newspaper before selling in 1993.
The couple operated The Spectator News Magazine, which is still going today and covers local news events in the Livingstone Shire.
Read more of the tributes to Suzy Watson HERE.
February
Ian Jones
Ian Jones, the long-time owner/operator of the Oxford Hotel in Rockhampton’s CBD, lost his two-year battle with cancer aged 68.
Mr Jones died at Greenslopes Private Hospital on February 8 surrounded by his wife of 43 years, Helen and the couple’s children, Josh, Sasha and Brooke.
His brave fight and determination to never surrender to the dreaded disease reflected his true character.
Son Josh said the flood of messages and tributes after his father’s passing provided incredible comfort for the family.
“It’s really beautiful. I’ve had a lot of messages,” Josh said.
“He was loved by a lot of people.”
Read more of the tributes to Ian Jones HERE.
Brian Shaw and Steve Latimer
Two Central Queensland truck drivers, Brian Shaw and Steve Latimer, lost their lives in a crash west of Rockhampton on February 15.
Steve Latimer, a tow truck driver for Clayton’s Towing, was driving a flat-bed tow truck in the opposite direction when the two trucks collided.
Mr Shaw was a delivery driver for Tip Top bread and left behind three children and 10 grandchildren.
Mr Latimer was remembered as a gentle giant with a heart of gold, always ready and willing to help his community.
Read more tributes to Brian Shaw HERE.
Read more tributes to Steve Latimer HERE.
Duane “Deej” Warcon
Condolences poured in for 30-year-old Rockhampton man Duane “Deej” Warcon when he died in a tragic motorbike and car crash on February 16.
“He meant the world to so many people,” best friend Tegan Hagarty said.
“He made everyone think he was their best friend. He just meant so much to so many people.
“Over the years he met so many people and he had the same effect on them.”
Ms Hagarty described her best friend through tears, saying he was “very loyal” and someone who would always have your back no matter what.
Read more of the tributes to Duane Warcon HERE.
Mark “Pothead” Wetzler
Mark “Pothead” Wetzler was remembered as an “all-round good bloke” who always had a smile on his face.
The much-loved Capricorn Coast identity lost his battle with cancer in February, aged 53.
Yeppoon Swans president Peter Watkins paid tribute to a special man, saying Mr Wetzler’s death was an enormous loss to his family and friends, the Aussie rules club, and the broader community.
He said “Pothead” was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2020, and had been undergoing chemotherapy.
“It was always going to be a big battle but he fought a good fight,” Watkins said.
“He was an all-round good bloke and anyone who met him would say the same.
“Nothing was too much trouble for him. He would do anything for anyone and he always had a smile on his face.
Read more of the tributes to Mark Wetzler HERE.
March
Clayton Rose
In March, Clayton Rose was “riding his Harley in heaven” after losing his battle with cancer.
The Rockhampton mine worker was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, on November 5 last year. He died on March 5.
Mr Rose was determined to make it to his 50th birthday, which he celebrated on February 25.
His funeral notice carried the words: “A gentle soul, a beautiful face, someone we can never replace.”
Read more of the tributes to Clayton Rose HERE.
April
Jed Farraway
The search for a missing fisherman off the coast of Central Queensland ended tragically with a friend finding Jed Farraway’s body after a horror boat crash at Port Alma.
Mr Farraway, who was from the Calliope area but had been living in Jubilee Pocket in the Whitsundays and working as a concreter, was one of four people on board the vessel when it came to grief.
Tributes flowed for the man who loved fishing and travelled all over Queensland, posting photos of his best catches on his Instagram account, which had more than 11,000 followers.
Good mate Jace Morrissey said, “Rest easy pal. You were truly larger than life mate. Never a dull moment around you. You will be sadly missed. I know you will give them hell up there. Cheers for the memories. RIP.”
Bradley Ralph Hooper
In April, tributes poured in for Rockhampton’s Brad “Hoola” Hooper, who was remembered as a “much respected and loved musician”.
Bradley Ralph Hooper, who lived in Frenchville, passed away “peacefully” at the Mater Hospital.
It was understood the 64-year-old had been previously diagnosed with cancer.
Friend and SaltbushSix bandmate Peter Clarke said Mr Hooper had “entertained the masses and performed with some of the most outstanding bands of his generation” for more than 40 years.
“His guitar playing and vocals were a huge asset to any line-up who was lucky enough to have him on board,” he said.
“It was not just his musicianship that made him stand out, it was also his character and his personality.
“A loyal friend and trusted colleague who touched all those who knew him.
Read more of the tributes to Brad Hooper HERE.
May
Christopher Passmore and Kylie Parker-Passmore
Family and friends of Rockhampton man Christopher Passmore remembered him for being a true “soulja”.
Christopher “Makaveli” Passmore, 39, and his wife Kylie Parker-Passmore both died in a horror crash on the Bruce Highway at Booubyjan, near Gympie, on May 6.
Mr Passmore was remembered as someone who loved culture and was a talented artist.
Known as “Makaveli” to those close to him, he was described by his loved ones as a kind and good-hearted man who showed respect to his elders and always did his best to make them proud.
Read more of the tributes to Christopher Passmore HERE.
June
Col Hamilton
Many beautiful words were written in tributes for Col Hamilton OAM but the most common were “true gentleman”.
In a nod to the regard in which he was held, many of the poignant messages also referred to him as “Mr Hamilton”.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Mr Hamilton passed away peacefully on June 8 with his family by his side. He was 92.
Mr Hamilton was involved in Rockhampton hockey for about 65 years and was a figurehead at the Park Avenue Brothers club.
A keen player in his youth, he encouraged his two children to join Park Avenue when they were eight.
He coached from 1969 until 1996 and came out of ‘retirement’ in 1999 to help foster junior coaches.
Read more tributes to Col Hamilton HERE.
Dean John Olive
A Central Highlands rugby league club paid tribute to a “well-liked” Dingo man who was killed in a single-vehicle crash north of the town on June 25.
Dean John Olive, 32, was driving along Fitzroy Development Road when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed.
A minute’s silence was held before a Bluff Rabbitohs and Clermont Bears rugby league game at Maccas Oval in Bluff as a mark of respect after Dean’s death.
Bluff Rabbitohs vice-president Scott Power said the minute’s silence was held to “show support for the families who have been going through a tough time because of that tragic passing”.
Mr Power said both team also wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
“Dean and his family are well known to the communities of Bluff, as well as Dingo, and some of Dean’s relatives were playing for both the Bluff Bunnies and the Bluff Rabbitohs,” he said.
Read more of the tributes to Dean Olive HERE.
July
Summer Nicholls
In July, the Central Queensland rugby league community was reeling following the sudden death of prodigious young talent Summer Nicholls.
The 18-year-old’s loss reverberated through the club and representative ranks.
Miss Nicholls was an integral part of the CQ Capras under-19s team and played with the Rocky Rustlers senior women at this year’s 47th Battalion carnival.
A gifted centre, she was the Capras’ leading point scorer in the Harvey Norman under-19 statewide competition this season.
She also made the Queensland Merit under-18 team after a standout performance at the 2021 Queensland Murri Carnival.
Tasha and Tyrone Nicholls were “left speechless” by tributes for their teenage daughter, with her club team Fitzroy Sharks paying a special tribute to the young star.
Players from her junior, senior and representative clubs came together at Saleyards Park, each of them choosing to retire the jersey she was wearing for the 2022 season in a mark of respect for the teenage talent who had such a bright future..
Read more of the tributes to Summer Nicholls HERE.
Vicki Warren OAM
Vicki Warren OAM never did things by halves.
Everyone who knew her in Queensland’s sporting circles would testify to that.
“Whatever she put her mind to, she did it to the best of her ability,” he said.
“If she was going to do something, it had to be right.
“There were no half measures with her.”
Mrs Warren was mourned by the hockey and softball communities far and wide.
Read more tributes to Vicki Warren HERE.
Ashton Palmer
From a young age, Ashton Palmer knew his life expectancy wasn’t the same as other kids, but that didn’t stop him spreading happiness with his “infectious smile”.
Ashton was diagnosed with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy when he was a baby.
DMD is a genetic disorder that is characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
Ashton fought the disease for 15 years, but he lost his battle on July 29, just a few months shy of his 16th birthday.
In his final moments at Hummingbird House, Ashton’s family was able to make final precious memories with him before he passed, spending time on the balcony in the sun and eating hot chips.
Read more tributes to Ashton Palmer HERE.
Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz
A handwritten note sat in the driveway of Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz’s home, with the words “To Zion, You were one of my best friends. I will miss you dearly”.
Zion was pronounced dead just after 2am on Saturday, July 30, when police attended the Department of Housing Waterloo Street unit where he resided to do a welfare check.
Zion was remembered as a beautiful boy who had a bright and bubbly personality that put a smile on many faces.
After news of his tragic death, one education worker wrote on social media: “Zion you were the most gorgeous little man. Your face would brighten my day each time you came into ECDP, and won us all over with that cheeky grin. RIP munchkin.”
Read more tributes to Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz HERE.
August
Maree and Merv Schwarz, Graham Tighe
Three relatives slain in a mass shooting that shocked a remote town in North Queensland were remembered as a “great, normal, country family”.
Husband and wife Maree and Merv Schwarz, and Maree’s son Graham Tighe all died of fatal gunshot wounds at a Bogie property, west of Bowen.
The trio purchased the Shannonvale Road property in May 2021 for $10,000,000, relocating from the Clermont region.
Mrs Schwarz’s second son, and Graham’s brother, Ross Tighe from Rockhampton, survived a gunshot wound to his stomach and underwent emergency surgery after being flown to Mackay Base Hospital.
Read more tributes to Maree and Merv Schwarz and Graham Tighe HERE.
Keith West
Family and friends at the funeral service of Keith West were soothed by the dulcet tones of the very man whose life they had come to celebrate.
They heard renditions of I’ll Walk With God and The Lord’s Prayer, which were recorded by Keith and remastered by his nephew and highly regarded musician, the late Brad Hooper.
Keith spent the best part of his life in Central Queensland before moving to Brisbane in 2019, where he died aged 93 on August 15, 2022.
Music was an integral part of the gifted singer’s life, regularly performing at eisteddfods and a key figure in more than 20 Rockhampton Musical Union productions. He even toured Australia with the Elizabethan Trust Opera Company.
Read Keith West’s obituary HERE.
Nathan Larkin
Nathan Larkin was killed in a horror crash at Cooee Bay.
Initial investigations suggested that a Ford Territory and the motorbike the 28-year-old was riding collided on Matthew Flinders Drive.
Mr Larkin lived in Yeppoon but was originally from Newcastle.
Susan Duffy
Susan Duffy was remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, wife and friend who would do anything for anyone.
The 71-year-old was allegedly murdered at her home in Allenstown, Rockhampton, on the afternoon of Sunday, August 21.
Neighbours were saddened and shocked to hear the news of Mrs Duffy’s death as police began to investigate the circumstances surrounding it.
They described her as a lovely, kind woman who was dedicated to her family.
Read Sue Duffy’s obituary HERE.
September
Andrea Coughlin and Deanna Coughlin
Andrea Coughlin, 44, and her mother Deanna, 81, were tragically found dead in their Bank Street house in Park Avenue, North Rockhampton, on September 10.
Police made the grim discovery of their bodies after being called to the house to carry out a welfare check about 5.30pm on September 10.
Ryan Passmore
In September, heartbreaking tributes were shared in memory of Ryan Passmore, as family and friends came to terms with his tragic loss.
Ryan, from the Central Queensland town of Mount Morgan west of Rockhampton, was riding his motorbike in the town at night when he lost control.
The 28-year-old suffered injuries to his arms and chest and was rushed to Rockhampton Hospital, but sadly couldn’t be saved.
Ryan’s girlfriend Klarissa Maluga shared a tear-jerking tribute to her partner.
“You are my person, my human, my man and my love,” she said.
“You weren’t supposed to leave me. You were my forever. You showed me what true love was, accepted me in all forms and all moods.
“Who am I going to annoy now? Who is going to pay out my blonde moments and laugh at me when I make the dumbest joke that I think is hilarious.”
Read more tributes to Ryan Passmore HERE.
October
John “Marto” Martin
Rockhampton and Yeppoon locals were left shocked after the sudden death of well-known community figure John “Marto” Martin.
Mr Martin, who owned Ferns Hideaway at Byfield with his wife Gen for decades, tragically died in his sleep.
His family announced his passing on Facebook, remembering their much-loved husband and father as a charismatic, warm, energetic, kind and gentle man.
“There is a hole in our hearts today and the world will feel a whole lot more empty without our larger-than-life Marto to light it up,” the post said.
“We will be having a cold Tia (Maria) and Diet Coke today and toasting to the warmest, kindest, most enthusiastic, charismatic and gentle man we know – and while our hearts break we will talk about all the amazing memories he left us with and say ‘What a treat!’.”
Marto was a well known face around Rockhampton and Yeppoon, owning the popular Ferns Hideaway with his wife Gen for 40 years.
Read more of the tributes to John Martin HERE.
Have you lost a loved one you would like to pay tribute to? Kindly email morningbulletin@news.com.au
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