Skilled farmer and engineer was more than just a good neighbour to gliding club

Brian Moretti is being remembered as a dedicated farmer, skilled engineer and also a good friend, neighbour and mentor.

Brian Moretti.

Brian Moretti is being remembered as a dedicated farmer, skilled engineer and also a good friend, neighbour and mentor.

The 59-year-old farmer from Dixalea in the Wowan area died earlier this month in a freak accident while mowing along a fence line at his 526ha property.

The Central Queensland Gliding Club operates next door to his property and club president and instructor Bruce Kapernick said Brian’s passing was a huge shock as he was much more than just a near neighbour.

“Over the years he became very close mainly socially. He and his family were always at our barbecue,” he said.

“If we needed anything he would always be there to help us. We had a 50-year anniversary celebration last year and he organised lighting towers, a barbecue and all sorts of stuff for us without even being asked.”

Bruce said the club maintained a close relationship with Brian’s wife Lynette and the couple’s three children.

“We’ve known them for a long time and you feel they’ll always be there so it’s a hell of shock when that sort of reality (Brian’s loss) bites,” he said.

“We’ll miss him unbelievably, because he was such a stable influence to have as a neighbour.

“We had that closeness and we’ll really miss that.”

Bruce said the continuing generosity of the Moretti family towards the club had already been demonstrated.

“The other dad I needed something at the club and I spoke to his (Brian’s) younger son and he said ‘Yeah, we have one of them at home, come on over I find it for you’. The family is very helpful.”

Frank Malone, a 34-year-old diesel fitter from the area, also paid tribute to Brian, describing him as a “like-skills mentor” to him.

“I’ve known him since I was nine or 10 when my uncle used to pick up pumpkins from his neighbour’s place,” he said.

“He was one in a million. When he spoke to you it would always lift you up.”

He said “dedication” was a word he would use to describe Brian’s approach to life.

Brian Moretti (far right) was a keen golfer. Here he is in a photo with fellow Wowan Golf Club Club Champions, Chaise Pearce, Shai Pearce, Sam Atwell.

Frank said he displayed dedication to his family, his farm and his work as an engineer in his shed.

“He always had strength and smartness,” he said.

“Welding, working on hydraulic hoses, there was nothing he couldn't do.”

Other friends said he had been a keen golfer at the Wowan club and had been looking forward to getting back on the course after a few years out with a shoulder injury.

Brian’s funeral service will be held at The Outdoor Chapel, Biloela Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday 26th February 26 at 10am.