Trevor Ellem: Tributes flow for Grafton ‘local legend’

A Grafton family man and former owner of Buckley’s Music has been remembered by his son as “devoted” and supportive after the “local legend” sadly died.

Trevor Ellem inside Buckley’s Music in 2012. Picture: JoJo Newby

A Grafton family man and former owner of Buckley’s Music has been remembered by his son as “devoted” and supportive after the “local legend” lost a courageous battle with cancer.

Tributes have flowed on social media and across the city for former councillor and father of seven Mr Ellem, 69, after his death on January 7.

Trevor Ellem. Picture: Tim Howard

Mr Ellem was influential in Grafton and his death has been a blow to many in the community.

His son Luke Ellem described his father, who was born in Glenreagh and grew up with 10 siblings, as a kind man who “never had a bad word to say about anyone”.

“He was always up for a laugh,” he said.

Residents of Grafton and surrounds have reached out to provide support and offer kind words to Mr Ellem’s family, which has been told he played a huge role in shaping the lives of young musicians.

Trevor Ellem. Picture: Adam Hourigan

Luke said his dad helped aspiring – and often financially stricken – performers to pursue their dreams.

“Even if they had no money, he’d give his instruments to musicians for a gig and let them pay him back later,” he said.

Buckley’s Music described previous owner Mr Ellem as a “local legend”.

Trevor was a strong advocate for the community.

“Trevor put his heart into Buckley‘s and changed the lives of many. He was a gentleman,” a statement read.

Luke said his dad “loved seeing people improve”, was passionate about music and felt no greater joy than seeing others around him succeeding.

A face that tells a thousand words: Trevor Ellem touched many hearts in the region.

Mr Ellem was also involved with Westlawn Tigers Soccer Club and committed much of his time towards bettering the organisation.

“He ran bingo every week for about 10 years just to raise funds for the lighting on the field,” Luke said.

Mr Ellem was contacting council about improving the club’s field even towards the end of his days.

Bede Martin said on Facebook that Mr Ellem was a great man who gave “so much” to Westlawn.

“The club is where it is now because of Trevor’s time and effort over his years,” he said.

Trevor Ellem was not afraid to push for change in the area.

Brenda Cooper said Mr Ellen was a true gentleman.

“He had an absolutely wonderful dry humour, which I loved,” she wrote on Facebook.

Luke said he wouldn’t be where he was without his dad and he recalled countless hours Mr Ellem spent driving his kids to soccer or music lessons.

“He supported us in everything we wanted to do,” he said.

On Facebook, Greg Howe said Trevor was a “fantastic human being”.

“He always had time for a chat – he was a very wise man,” he said.

Trevor devoted much of his time and energy into the community.

Mr Ellem was not afraid to push for change and spent years as a city councillor.

He spoke to the Daily Examiner in 2016 about how he wanted to see Grafton grow.

Mr Ellem was proud of Grafton and said it was a “very pleasant place to live” and an “attractive destination for a sea-change or tree-change”.