Rockhampton Capricorn Model House owner Gordon Davey mourned

Gordon Davey, who owned Capricorn Model House, is being remembered for his kind heart and his love of cars after his recent passing.

Gordon Davey from the Capricorn Model House. Photo Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin.

A well-loved Rockhampton businessman is being remembered as a “lovely man”, “gentleman” and a “bloody good bloke” after his passing last week.

Gordon Davey, who used to own Capricorn Model House, sadly died on January 3 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A husband, dad, grandad and great-grandad, Mr Davey was loved by his family and the community far and wide.

He was known to many for being owner and one of the friendly faces behind the counter at Capricorn Model House.

The store, which was open for 30 years in the Rockhampton CBD, has etched fond memories in the minds of locals.

Mr Davey was married to his wife June for nearly 57 years, after she caught his eye when he rode past her school on his bike one day as a teenager.

Mrs Davey worked in a cake shop with Mr Davey’s sister, Carolyn, and fate brought them together when she was invited to their house one day after work.

Gordon Davey was a much-loved Rockhampton businessman who used to own the Capricorn Model House.

Aside from his family, one of Mr Davey’s true loves were cars, and he was often seen wearing a shirt with his favourite vehicle on it.

“He always wanted to own a 57 Chevy or a 63 split window Corvette,” Mrs Davey said.

“He always bought car magazines and received car memorabilia for birthdays and Christmas. He just loved cars.

“He will always be known for the car shirts that he proudly wore.”

In the early 1990s an opportunity arose where Mr Davey was able to buy his first shipment of model cars.

He and his son Brett began working at the Rocky Markets, which helped to establish Capricorn Model House.

Throughout its 30 years of business the store moved to various locations along East St and employed a number of locals.

Mr Davey also had the opportunity to work with his family, with his wife, sons and daughter also working in the family business.

Gordon Davey was a much-loved Rockhampton businessman who used to own the Capricorn Model House.

“Gordon put his heart and soul into helping customers find what they were looking for. If there was something he didn’t have in stock he would be straight on the computer to source it out,” Mrs Davey said.

“He enjoyed attending the toy fairs in Sydney and Melbourne.

“On occasion taking a couple of his grandchildren with him so he could show them the around. He also enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren when they visited the shop.”

Before opening the Capricorn Model House Mr Davey worked at McDougal Shoes, Luxaflex Blinds, MLC Insurance, drove taxis on weekends and was also a prison guard at Capricornia Correctional Centre for 13 years.

Capricorn Model House closed in 223, with Mr Davey working in the store after his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis until he couldn’t anymore.

He was well-known for his kind heart, helping a number of charities and people across the region.

“He was always willing to assist with donations to charities as well as The Rebels Tattoo Show and the local model shows,” Mrs Davey said.

Gordon Davey was a much-loved Rockhampton businessman who used to own the Capricorn Model House.

Mr Davey was admitted to Eventide Home in Rockhampton in 2019 and while he was a resident there, he enjoyed watching the cars drive by when RockyNats came around each year.

He passed away on January 3, and was able to share his last days with his kids.

Mr Davey is survived by his two brothers, Kelvin and Raymond, and his three sisters Carolyn, Vivian and Lyn, his wife June, his kids Shane, Brett, Craig and Nicole, his 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr Davey’s family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at his funeral on Thursday, January 11 at 1pm at the East Chapel of the Rockhampton Crematorium.