Pelican Waters man Mario Fais remembered as eccentric, vivacious after passing

A popular and eccentric Sunshine Coast character who regularly donned a captain’s hat and colourful shirt is being remembered as a “vivacious” soul.

Pelican Waters man Mario Fais is being remembered as an eccentric and charismatic character after passing away this week.

With a captain’s hat, bright shirt and charisma, Mario Fais was a hard to miss character across the Caloundra and Pelican Waters communities.

The 84-year-old was being remembered as a kind and social man after he sadly passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 21.

Whether it was at the local shops or down at the beach feeding the birds, Mario was always out and about, striking up conversations wherever he went.

“He always had bright floral and Hawaiian shirts and a captain’s hat,” son-in-law Kris Nugent said.

“Mario was very eccentric, funny and charismatic.

“He was very vivacious and full of life and very social.”

Pelican Waters man Mario Fais is being remembered as an eccentric and charismatic character after passing away this week.

Mr Nugent said his father-in-law was well known in the region and always happy to have a chat.

“He was always engaging with people down at the beach talking to them,” he said.

“He was also very well known at Pelican Waters, especially in the shopping complex there.

Pelican Waters man Mario Fais holding persimmons at his Morayfield farm.

Mr Fais was born in Bonarcado, Sardinia, in Italy on January 19, 1937.

He migrated to Australia in 1961 and after stints working as a spray plasterer and fruit farmer decided to move to the Sunshine Coast with his wife Teresa.

The couple, who had four children, sold their Morayfield farm and planted their roots at Pelican Waters in 2003 to enjoy the pleasures of retirement.

His wife Teresa passed away seven years ago.

Pelican Waters man Mario Fais, pictured with wife Teresa.

Daughter Elisabeth said Pelican Waters was heaven-on-earth for Mr Fais.

In a social media post announcing his passing, plenty were quick to share their condolences and fond memories.

“Mario was a customer of mine at QML pathology for many years, he was a cheeky, fun gentleman and will be missed,” Helen Smail said.

“RIP will miss seeing your friendly face at Pelican Waters shops,” Carol Hamwood wrote.

“Mario was our neighbour when we still lived in Pelican Waters. Been to his house a few times with my husband and son. He (would) change his hat like 10 times in one snooker game. Full of surprise. He even offered us his years old homemade red and white wine. Lovely, lovely person,” Wan Sit wrote.

Mr and Mrs Fais had seven grandchildren who said he would be sorely missed.