Tributes flow for beloved Goomeri truck driver

It was clear to those who loved him that one of the region’s most well known and loved residents was going to grow up and be a truck driver.

David 'Duck' William Pearce will be remembered for his sense of humour, willingness to always lend a hand and his devotion to loved ones.

Tributes have flowed for Goomeri truck driver David “Duck” William Pearce, a well known and loved local resident who died from heart complications on September 29, 2022.

Mr Pearce’s family and friends have remembered him for his sense of humour, willingness to always lend a hand and his devotion to loved ones.

The 55-year-old was born in Murgon on May 19, 1967, and grew up in Goomeri where his love for trucks began while working with his uncle, Noel Angel.

His first truck was a red 3070 and in 1992 he purchased his beloved blue Mack, which he drove for 30 years.

David 'Duck' William Pearce and his first truck, a red 3070.

Mr Pearce was a loving father to Jessica and Alastair Pearce.

Miss Pearce said on Monday her father was most proud of his children and his iconic blue Mack truck.

“He was super proud that this year was 30 years that he owned and drove his Mack. ‘Not many people can say they’ve driven the same truck for 30 years, let alone owned one that long,’ is what he was telling me a few days earlier in hospital,” Miss Pearce said.

“He will be remembered for his not so short phone calls, you needed at least an hour most of the time, his love for his family and mates.

“He was often such a joker and often tried to stir people up to get them to react and have a laugh with him.

“He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it,” she said.

Daryl Pearce, Mr Pearce’s older brother, said looking back he could see that Duck was going to be a truckie.

“Duck went to school in Goomeri, his report cards would say things like ‘David could do better if he applied himself instead of looking out the window at the trucks going by’,” Mr Pearce said.

“Funny that is exactly what he ended up doing, except he was in the truck.

“Duck met a lot of good people over the years and many were in the trucking industry.

“We have lost a son, a father, a brother and a mate, rest in peace Duck,” he said.

Mr Pearce would end most phone calls with his memorable saying ‘waving backwards’.

His family encourage any condolence donations to be made to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.