Yeppoon Swans’ president pays tribute to club stalwart who lost his brave cancer battle

Central Queensland man Mark ‘Pothead’ Wetzler is being fondly remembered after losing his cancer battle at age 53.

Mark ‘Pothead’ Wetzler is being 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 on Sunday, aged 53.

He is survived by partner Sueellen, children Connor, Marcus and Lakey, and step-children Tasmin and Wallace.

Yeppoon Swans’ president Peter Watkins paid tribute to a special man, saying his death was an enormous loss to his family, his 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 until very recently.

“It was always going to be a big battle but he fought a good fight,” Peter said.

“He was always confident he could beat it and even though he was in pain, his bright and bubbly personality always shone through.

“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.

“He loved his surfing, and also loved the Yeppoon Swans and the Manly footy team. He loved life.”

‘Pothead’ was an integral part of the Swans community for almost 30 years, his last four as vice-president.

He held various roles in the club - player, coach, trainer and administrator - and was rewarded for his commitment with life membership in 2013.

Mark 'Pothead' Wetzler, who was a keen surfer, pictured with daughter Lakey.

Peter said ‘Pothead’ had previously managed The Strand Hotel and was also involved in the hospitality side of the now defunct Capricorn Resort.

“He was an influential member of the community, and as vice-president of the Swans, he was an enormous support to me,” he said.

Peter said ‘Pothead’ would always joke about his nickname, which came as a result of his father using a pot to shape his haircut when he was a child.

The Yeppoon Swans are establishing an education fund for the family, in particular for Lakey who is only in primary school.

Anyone interested in donating can contact the club’s Facebook page or Peter Watkins on 0429 383 041.

People are invited to join with the family of ‘Pothead’ to celebrate his life at 2pm Saturday, March 5, at Yeppoon’s Swan Park.