Doug Lyon dead at 83 after Mercedes Benz collision in Gunalda on June 21

A pedestrian who was killed in a tragic Bruce Highway accident has been identified as an Anzac Day Last Post legend with his sister showing incredible compassion to the driver involved.

A man who died in a vehicle Bruce Highway collision has been identified as an 83-year-old Gympie region resident and a legend in local Anzac Day circles.

Curra man Doug Lyon died after being allegedly struck by a Mercedes Benz in Gunalda, with police called to the scene around 5:30pm on June 21.

The driver was a 54-year-old Nirimba man, who was not physically injured and no charges have been laid.

Mr Lyon’s younger sister Robyn offered incredible compassion for the tragic circumstances.

“Don’t blame the driver or Doug, it was a tragic accident that no one (had) foreseen. Please do not blame the driver,” she commented on QPS’ announcement of the incident.

Doug Lyon played The Last Post on his bugle every Anzac Day from 1956 until shortly before his death all throughout the Gympie Region. Picture: Christine Schindler.

“We have all lost a loved one, so show come compassion and don’t try to blame anyone.”

Mr Lyon, father to five and grandfather to 17, was integral to Anzac Day services in the Gympie Region, playing The Last Post and Reveille on the bugle every year since 1956.

He was 14 when his Salvation Army band master first asked him to fill in for a Remembrance Day ceremony in Gympie.

In the almost 70 years that followed, Mr Lyon blew his bugle every Anzac Day, all throughout the region.

“I’ve played it at least once every year at Anzac Day, at gravestones, raising the flags, I used to play on horseback,” Mr Lyon told this publication in 2023.

Doug Lyon served in the Australian Army and held a myriad of other jobs, from blacksmithing to dairy farming. Picture: Naomi Duff.

Mr Lyon held the rank of corporal in the 9th Battalion, and was a founding member of Gympie’s Light Horsemen.

The humble serviceman worked a myriad of jobs over his life including blacksmith striking, dairy farming, and running a courier and takeaway business.

“So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing, sending love and hugs to you all,” Marlene Parker commented on a post by Mr Lyon’s daughter Naomi.

“A beautiful gentleman who raised a beautiful woman who I am lucky enough to have as my sissy, love you & always here for you sissy xx Rest peacefully in the arms of God Doug,” Naomi’s sister Toni said.

Originally published as Doug Lyon dead at 83 after Mercedes Benz collision in Gunalda on June 21