Kevin Curran, of Eumundi and Uncle Bob’s Jug Band, remembered after cancer battle

A beloved music legend from a popular Queensland band has chosen to die peacefully, on his terms surrounded by family and loved ones, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. TRIBUTE.

Kevin Curran known affectionately as ‘Bongy’, has died aged 72. He lived in Eumundi for more than 25 years before moving to Gympie two years ago. Picture - Facebook.

A beloved music legend from a popular Queensland band has chosen to die peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Kevin Curran, known affectionately as ‘Bongy’, died aged 72 on Wednesday, September 18, about 10.15am.

He moved to Noosa in the early 70s to learn to surf and play music.

Then he moved to Eumundi in 1999, where he lived for more than 25 years, before moving to Gympie two years ago.

Mr Curran formed the popular band, Uncle Bob’s Jug Band, in 1985. He sung, played guitar, harmonica, washboards, and many more instruments.

The band played at Joe’s Water Hole at Eumundi Markets every Saturday for more than 25 years. They also played at Sunshine Coast weddings, wakes, birthdays, and other occasions over the four decades.

Mr Curran was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March this year after being unwell for months.

His son, Jeff Curran, said his father’s last show was at the Gympie RSL.

“He loved music so much it was his entire life,” he said.

His son said being able to choose how he died meant a lot to his father.

“It was really important for him that he had that choice,” he said.

“He didn’t want treatment or to die suffering.

“But as he’d say there was no doom or gloom. It was as perfect as it could be under those circumstances.

“It was actually kind of beautiful. There was no regret or suffering. He smiled and laughed as he went.

“He went with a big smile on his face on his own terms.”

Mr Curran spent three hours the morning of his death playing music with his sons.

“We were playing music for him right up until the end too,” his Jeff Curran said.

“Then we organised a goodbye dinner the Monday night and booked for 12 people but word got around and there were more than 60 people.

“He was so well known and loved by everyone.”

Kevin Curran was the best dad: “We had a final jam session he was laughing and smiled to the very end on his terms with us with him.” Picture – Facebook.

Another one of his sons, Kenny Curran, shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media.

“It is great sadness to say our final goodbyes to one amazing beautiful human who was one of a kind and the best dad,” he said.

“We had a final jam session he was laughing and smiled to the very end on his terms with us with him.

“His instructions were there will be no funeral and we will keep you updated when we are having a wake for him so everyone can celebrate this amazing man’s life.

“Please raise a toast to my legendary dad, grandfather, partner all round legend friend to many.

“He is in no pain no longer and left with a smile.

“Lots of love to you all and love you dad I will miss you so, so much and see you in the next chapter your son always.”

Kevin Curran playing in his band. Picture – Facebook.

The band also shared a tribute to Mr Curran.

“Bongy is still looking out for everything and watching over us. He is the brightest light and will shine forever. Rest in peace,” they said.

“It is with a gut wrenching, deep sadness we want to let everyone know Kev (Bongy, Popsicle) Curran passed away peacefully … surrounded by his family and friends who were filled with love and admiration for the man he was and lots of music and laughter.

“Kev loved everyone, he didn’t have an enemy in the world and he was without doubt the most non-judgmental person you would ever be lucky enough to meet and know.

Kevin Curran with his partner Marita. Picture – Facebook.

“He held court with young and old alike and always had a classic story to pass on. Wherever he went he always ran into someone he knew and of course that meant it wasn’t going to be a quick hello, it was going to be a good natter before he went on his way again.

“His beloved Uncle Bob’s Jug Band will live on with the younger generation but life for us will never be the same.

“We will miss your shenanigans, your stories, your entertainment but most of all we will miss you forever. Our hearts are breaking.

“You left this earth with a smile on face and on your terms and that’s exactly as it should be.”

“Rest in peace our beautiful soul.”

Originally published as Kevin Curran, of Eumundi and Uncle Bob’s Jug Band, remembered after cancer battle