Loved ones pay tribute to Vietnam War veteran and Sunshine Coast man Kevin ‘Woody’ Hurman

Vietnam War veteran Kevin “Woody” Hurman dedicated his life to serving others and was widely celebrated on the Sunshine Coast for his volunteer work.

Sunshine Coast man Kevin ‘Woody’ Hurman was honoured as an Order of Australia medallist after spending a lifetime serving others. Picture: Patrick Woods

Kevin “Woody” Hurman held his son’s hand as he slipped peacefully from a life dedicated to helping others.

The Vietnam War veteran, Order of Australia medallist and much-loved Sunshine Coast man was surround by family members when he succumbed to heart problems on Monday.

He was 85.

Mr Hurman, who earned his nickname from American clarinetist Woody Herman when he joined the Royal Australian Air Force aged 15, lived a life serving others.

He was a dedicated volunteer through his roles at the Kawana Waters RSL sub branch, the Legacy Foundation and Surf Lifesaving Australia.

Kevin "Woody" Hurman receives a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1971.

His son Geoff and his family made a mercy dash to the Coast from Rockhampton in the early hours of Monday to say their final goodbyes.

“It was really nice to be there,” Geoff said.

“I was holding his hand when he drew his last breath.”

He said his father had been sick for some time.

“His heart affected his whole system,” he said.

“The whole family was there to say goodbye.”

Geoff said he was “absolutely blessed” to call him his dad.

“My dad made everyone around him better,” he said

“He was helpful, generous person and a wonderful father.”

Kevin Hurman’s children say they were blessed to call him dad. Picture: Patrick Woods

His daughter Bambi McLeod recalled fond memories of camping, road trips in an old beat up caravan, endless dance recitals and sporting matches.

She said her father was adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who kept him on his toes.

“They doted on him and he to them,” Ms McLeod said.

“He’d play with the grandkids every chance he had.

“He was always so involved in everything we did.

“Never just drop us off and go.”

Kevin 'Woody' Hurman enlisted in the RAAF at 15.

Mr Hurman was the Kawana Waters RSL sub branch president for two stints across two decades.

Gary Penney took over from his “mentor” in 2019.

He too was at Mr Hurman’s bedside on Monday to say goodbye.

“They were big shoes to fill but you bet I was proud,” Mr Penney said.

“He mentored me, he was my confidant, he was just the best.”

He said Mr Hurman was an amazing man.

“He had a hand to help anyone and everyone, just gave and gave and gave,” he said.

“Even right up to his death he was still giving.”

Mr Hurman volunteered as an Australian Surf Lifesaving Association from 1953 and continued as an active member until 2009.

He served in the Royal Australian Air Force for 24 years, rising to the rank of warrant officer.

During a tour of Vietnam in 1971 Mr Hurman was awarded a certificate of outstanding service with the second squadron.

Last year, Mr Hurman received an Order of Australia Medal at the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for service to the community and veterans.

“While I was very surprised to get something like this, it’s not something you achieve all by yourself,” Mr Hurman said at the time.

“It did not even remotely occur to me that something like this was on the horizon.”

Mr Hurman’s family said funeral arrangements would be finalised later in the week.

Mr Hurman is survived by wife Lola, children Geoff and Bambi, his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.