David plans lasting legacy for Peebo and Dagwood

David Bissell shares how he is fulfilling one of his twin brother’s final wishes and continuing the legacy of beloved Brisbane clowns Peebo and Dagwood.

David Bissell (aka Dagwood) and twin brother Peter (Peebo) in 2017. Picture: Mark Cranitch

BELOVED Brisbane clown Peebo and his legacy of loving life and laughter is set to continue following his death, with moves to erect a statue along the city’s northern foreshore.

Peter Bissell, who was Peebo to twin David’s Dagwood, died on March 4 aged 46 after a lifetime battle with cystic fibrosis (a disease shared by his brother) and other health issues.

The brothers refused to let their condition define them and spent more than 20 years entertaining young and old alike, with the attitude ‘Live Life, Love Life and Laugh’.

Peter Bissell as Peebo.

On March 14, David started a GoFundMe page to raise money for a memorial for his brother.

“One of Peebo’s last wishes before he passed away was for a Peebo and Dagwood bronze statue to be erected down at the foreshore at Sandgate so that people of all ages can come and visit and be inspired to Live Life, Love Life and Laugh – a lasting legacy for everyone,” David said.

“We all have adversities in life – both Peebo and myself with our health, cystic fibrosis and everything else – but our outlook in life was to try to be positive, have fun and enjoy life.

“We used that in our own life and to help others.

“A statue would be a reminder of the impact that he (Peebo) had but also what Peebo and Dagwood had in the community, their zest for life and what we stood for – bringing joy to people, kids and adults.

“People would see us in the clown car and it made them smile.”

David said he was talking to council about the statue “and they’re looking into it, they’re of the opinion it’s a great idea”.

Twins Peter and David Bissell in 2017. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Cr Jared Cassidy (Deagon) confirmed council had been “very receptive”.

“We will of course need to find the most appropriate location, but this is definitely something we want to get done,” Cr Cassidy said.

“I have also spoken to (artist) James Alley who will begin work on the new painted mural on the Telstra Exchange shortly and he is keen to incorporate a tribute into this art work.”

Cr Cassidy said a lasting tribute to Peebo and Dagwood would be very appropriate.

“Peebo and Dagwood have been such amazing community leaders for many years. Their story of resilience and achievement has no doubt inspired many in the community.

“They brought countless hours of joy to people, but more than that led by example in the community on a range of issues.”

David and Peter Bissell as Dagwood and Peebo in 2017. Picture: Mark Cranitch

David said any money left over after the statue was constructed would go into a trust fund for Peebo’s 11-year-old daughter Amelia.

Peebo and Dagwood’s Facebook page has been inundated with messages of love and hope – and lots of photos – since January when first Peter and then David were hospitalised due to health issues.

David said he wasn’t surprised by the response.

“There was an outpouring of love from people all around the world, even Patch Adams sent a message,” he said.

“People are interested in Peebo and Dagwood – two guys who lived with a serious health issue but choose to help make people laugh.

“A lot of people are drawn to our story and what we’ve stood for over the years.”

David said he didn’t know what the future would bring, including whether or not he would don his clown suit again.

“One day it may be an option but it’s not something I’m thinking of doing in the near future,” he said.