Steve Latimer, iconic Rockhampton Clayton’s Towing truck driver, killed in Wowan crash
Heartbroken friends have passed on their condolences and shared their memories of a true community stalwart who died in a truck crash west of Rockhampton on Tuesday morning.
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Steve Latimer was a gentle giant with a heart of gold, always ready and willing to help his community.
Tragically Mr Latimer died in a two-truck crash at Wowan in Central Queensland on Tuesday morning while driving his tow truck.
He leaves behind his partner Megan, eight children and one stepson.
Mr Latimer was a tow truck driver and the area manager for Clayton’s Towing.
Just 10 days before his death, Clayton’s was presented with an award for helping Central Police Region as part of Road Safety Week.
“Today we lost a Father, a mate, a very valued employee and a genuine good guy,” Clayton’s Towing shared on Facebook.
“Steve Latimer was involved in a two truck crash today at Wowan (south west of Rockhampton) and sadly Steve and the other truck driver passed away.
“Steve has been Clayton’s Towing’s Area manager for many years, and is a real icon in the Rockhampton area.
“He was a family man, who would always go the extra yard helping others on the road in their time of need, he had a heart of gold.
“He was the man everyone went to when they needed local knowledge, always had his finger on the pulse.
“Our condolences go out to Steve’s family, friends and fellow staff members, he will be sadly missed in the Clayton’s family.”
Rockhampton cameraman for more than 35 years, Kent Murray, had a lot to do with Mr Latimer at the scenes of crashes.
Mr Murray was at a loss for words at the news.
“He was a great guy … Bit of a rough diamond … Gee he was a nice bloke,” Mr Murray said.
“He would give you the shirt off your back.”
Mr Latimer worked closely with police in serious crashes all across Central Queensland and even the state.
“He was very well known and respected in the towing industry,” Mr Murray said.
“Very knowledgeable … The stuff he knew and how to do things.
“When you do the heavy recovery, it’s not something you can learn overnight.
“He had a lot of respect with the emergency services … he knew the pinch point, you can pull the brakes off, he knew what to do.
“He would always be there to help.”
The news of Mr Latimer’s death has rattled the community.
“You always think it’s someone else,” Mr Murray said.
“We are all just so shocked … for him to die and to be in a truck crash …. He goes to these things … it’s just so hard to believe.”
Mr Latimer was also known for holding an annual truck rally.
In 2014 he began and organised CQ Convoy, a truck parade raising money for various local charities.
Over the years it ran, he raised more than $100,000 for organisations including RACQ Capricorn Rescue, Royal Flying Doctor Service and paediatric units at hospitals.
Rockhampton region mayor Tony Williams passed on his condolences and said it was a big loss to the community.
Mr Williams met Mr Latimer through the rally and had ridden with him a few times.
“He was a larger than life character in the community,” he said.
“Very passionate about helping the community.
“It’s very sad news … our thoughts are with the family and friends.”
In his early years, Mr Latimer worked at the Lakes Creek Meatworks, in the boning room.
Friends would also remember him as a pyrotechnician, and he would often be playing with fireworks.
Steve May, who runs the clydesdale horse and cart business, Capricorn Carriages, spoke fondly of his old friend.
“I had known Steve since spending time with him at the meatworks, our paths quite often crossed with events,” Mr May said.
“He was very giving soul and always involved in community events … gentle giant, fun loving bloke … He just touched so many lives.”
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