Ray Wilshere: Son’s tribute to ‘kind-hearted’ dad who died after falling from roof in Ayr

The shock death of a prominent businessman who fell from a roof in North Queensland has sent shockwaves through the community, as family remember him as a “true gentleman.”

Ayr businessman Ray Wilshere tragically died after falling from a roof on Monday, March 6. Picture: Supplied

The shock death of a prominent businessman who fell from a roof in the Burdekin has sent shockwaves through the community, as family remember him as a “true gentleman.”

Ray Wilshere, 73, suffered serious internal injuries after falling from a roof while working on a house in Ayr last Monday morning.

Paramedics rushed him to Ayr Hospital, but he tragically died from his injuries later that day.

It comes after a similar tragic incident where an 80-year-old man died in a freak fall from the roof of his home in Hinchinbrook in June last year.

Mr Wilshere was a born and bred Burdekin local who took over his father’s longstanding plumbing business — A.L. Wilshere & Co’s — after working there from the tender age of 15.

His son Matthew Wilshere said the 73-year-old was a dedicated family man who also loved his work and helping customers any way he could.

“He always said he’d never retire,” he said.

“He loved his job, and he loved being up on rooves and helping customers, so I know that, as terrible as it sounds, he died doing what he loved.”

He said his father would be remembered as a gentleman who was also “extremely kind-hearted and generous with his time.”

“Since I was a kid, I can remember him responding to phone calls on the weekend and at night,” Matthew said.

“He was probably the key person in the business that people would call upon.

“From a family perspective, he always looked after us. From when we were young until now, he’s always been there.”

Mr Wilshere is survived by his wife of 54 years Dianne. They had five children, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His family will be holding a funeral for him in the Burdekin on Friday, March 17.

Burdekin MP Dale Last said Mr Wilshere’s family run business was one of those that go above and beyond to support the community.

“Our communities are better places because of people like Ray Wilshere,” he said.

“He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by his family and close friends as well as residents of the Burdekin who relied on his advice and admired his soft hearted nature.”

Originally published as Ray Wilshere: Son’s tribute to ‘kind-hearted’ dad who died after falling from roof in Ayr