‘I’m watching you … cry harder’: Coast identity’s last laugh at own funeral
A prominent Gold Coast businesswoman has had the last laugh at her own funeral after she arranged a plane to fly across the sky above mourners, towing a cheeky banner at their expense.
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When much-loved Gold Coast identity and successful businesswoman Michelle Neumann lost her battle with cancer recently, she made sure she had the last laugh at her own funeral.
Mourners were treated to the sight of a light plane flying across the sky towing a banner which read: “I’m watching you … cry harder. M. XXX”.
Family and friends say the cheeky stunt, which she planned before she passed, was in keeping with Ms Neumann’s sassy style and was “classic Michelle”.
Ms Neumann, aka Michelle Deriz, was the daughter of former Gold Coast mayor Robert Neumann, of Currumbin’s pioneering Neumann clan which made their fortune from sand mining, dredging, sand and gravel, concrete and steel.
Born and raised in Currumbin, Ms Neumann, who was 63 when she died, took over the running of family company Neumann International in 1996 following her father’s death.
She previously worked as a travel agent and a sales executive at Qantas’ old Surfers Paradise office, looking after the Gold Coast’s high-flyers.
Ms Neumann led an all-female team at Neumann International, which sold a range of imported metals including construction steel, nickel and exotic alloys.
The company’s head office doubled in size from five to 10 women in 2005 after acquiring another major business, Global Metals.
“Her knowledge of the steel industry at that time was minimal, however, Michelle had tremendous business acumen and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge,” said her sons, Spencer and Gene Deriz.
“With her uncles as her mentors, she quickly gained experience and expertise in this industry.
“She was a tenacious negotiator and always striven to get the best deal for her company and her customers. She kept her finger on the pulse of every transaction from offer to customer to final delivery and subsequent payment.
“Michelle was hard working, diligent, relentless and was a perfectionist in every minor detail. She could spot a load of BS in an instant. Woe betide anyone who tried to put one over her.
“She had a wonderful outgoing personality, no airs and graces and (was) very down to earth.”
Soon after taking over as CEO of Neumann International, Ms Neumann nearly literally experienced a baptism of fire.
She and her project manager travelled to the Czech Republic to see the owner of a steel company which had not been fulfilling orders.
The Deriz brothers said: “When confronted, the owner produced a revolver which he slammed down on the desk, declaring: ‘I shoot myself if I cannot produce the steel for you’.
“Suitably alarmed, Michelle and her project manager Lisa quickly ended the meeting and beat a hasty retreat, deciding negotiations would be best done at a distance,” they said.
Ms Neumann ultimately became managing director of Neumann International and held various other directorships within the Neumann Group, and was actively involved in the business until her death.
She was a generous benefactor, sponsoring major local events including the Swell Sculpture Festival and In The Bin film festival, as well as arts and music programs at Palm Beach-Currumbin State High.
She was heavily involved in charity, hosting parties at the Neumann family farm in the Currumbin Valley to raise money for brain cancer research in honour of her sister Lucette who died from the disease.
She also helped other cancer victims as well as disabled children, and sponsored young local surfers in competitions.
Spencer and Gene Deriz said their mother would be remembered as “a strong, quick-witted and savvy businesswoman” as well as “a loving and affectionate socialite”.
“She had a wicked sense of humour and a laugh that would fill the room,” they said.
“She was a practical joker who acted like a teenager among her friends and lived life to the full, whether it be skiing, surfing, jet skiing or hiking. She also had a fond love for cooking, as well as cryptic, trivia and sudoku puzzles.”
Ms Neumann was farewelled by about 250 family members and friends in a service at the Neumann farm. Her ashes were scattered off her beloved Elephant Rock at Currumbin Beach.
She is survived by her sons, her siblings Marc and Kathy Neumann and families and former husband Gary Deriz.
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