Vale Merv King: Former Lismore mayor dies aged 90, tributes flow from region’s politicians

A “thoroughly decent man” who was a husband, grandfather and the former mayor of Lismore has sadly died aged 90. Politicians from all persuasions have now paid tribute to Merv King.

Lismore Mayor Merv King who appealed to Queensland Premier Beattie to move state border so Lismore could join Qld came after the Casino to Murwillumbah rail link was closed.

A “thoroughly decent man” who was a husband, grandfather and the former mayor of Lismore, Merv King has sadly died aged 90.

Mr King and his wife Bernice King raised their children on a dairy cattle in the Tregeagle area before the couple retired in Lismore.

He loved the land, having grown in the hills of the Northern Rivers.

The couple were regular attendees at Lismore City Council meetings, observing the “action”.

Mr King then ran for Council with former Mayor Jeff Champion and Eleanor Cole on the Lismore District and United Ratepayers Association ticket in 1995.

Merv King at his office. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Former Lismore councillor Gray Wilson said Mr King was “a proper statesman”.

“He understood it takes all sorts to make a village,” he said.

Mr King was “always respectful” of other people’s views and opinions, Mr Wilson said.

“I was a green and he was very much a conservative, but we got on with the job,” he said.

“Merv did a great job of representing the whole of Lismore.”

Then-Mayor Merv King appealed to Queensland Premier Beattie to move state borders so Lismore could be part of the state.

Former Lismore Mayor Ros Irwin said Mr King was “a true gentleman” who “always treated everyone with respect”.

“Merv King was a thoroughly decent man,” she said.

“I’m glad he lived a long life and had a lot of time to spend with Bernice and his family. He certainly deserved it.”

Mr King became acting mayor in August 2002 when then-mayor Bob Gates fell ill.

He went on to be elected mayor in March 2004 and served until 2008.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said Mr King was not afraid to make tough decisions after listening to feedback.

“Merv King was a man of his times. He was very active in everything – sports at Oakes Oval and all sorts of stuff,” she said.

Merv King in 2005. Picture: Fiona Harding

Former Lismore councillor Diana Roberts said Mr King made the council more inclusive and less adversarial.

“I think he understood very well that you weren’t elected to make decisions for the community, you were elected to listen to the community and then make informed decisions,” she said.

“I admired him for that.”

Mr King is remembered in relation to the restoration of the Lismore Memorial Baths, among other council endeavours.

He was described as a man who “did his homework”.

“He was a quiet, gentle soul, certainly not confrontational or aggressive,” Ms Roberts said.

“It was never about Merv King – it was about doing the best for the community.”

Merv King. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Page MP Kevin Hogan said Mr King was a “real gentleman”.

“Merv was a great person. He certainly loved Lismore, our community and was a great role model,” he said.

Farmers at heart, the Kings worked with Lismore Show Society and Mr King served as vice president. The couple were named life members in 2007.

Show Society president John Gibson said: “He (Mr King) did a lot for the Show Society in one way or another.”

“He was involved with the dairy cattle section and loved the woodchops … when they retired to Lismore they both became more involved with the Show.”

Merv King said he thought Lismore would be better off in Queensland during his time as mayor.

Former Lismore MP Thomas George said the couple were “great community representatives” and “very important members” of the Show Society.

“His family are well respected in the region and he paid tribute that none of it would have been achieved without his wife Bernice and the support of his family,” he said.

“He always loved the Speedway as well as the Show Society and he had many rural connections.

“He was a man of strong faith and Bernice was beside him in everything they did.”

Thomas George, Merv King (centre), and Don Page at Lismore Train Station. Picture: The Northern Star Archives

Former Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell said: “Bernice was always by his (Mr King’s) side, providing support and representing him at many community events.”

“Merv was Mayor in my first term on council (2004-2008) and I modelled my later mayoral chairing of council meetings on his formal, considered style,” she said.

Ms Dowell said meetings were generally less formal at the time due to fewer mandated rules.

“Merv and I differed in our politics and some of the decisions by Council at that time were not of my liking, but I respected Merv and his commitment to community,” she said.

“My perception of Merv was that he was by nature a shy and quiet man, who became mayor almost by default. But he filled the role with decorum and – often with Bernice by his side – he led our community well.”

Ms Dowell said her thoughts were with Mr King’s family, including his wife.