Mark Henschke: Tributes pour in for much-loved Coffs Harbour doctor after his tragic death

Tributes have flowed for a much-loved Coffs Harbour doctor who tragically died after he collided with a garbage truck while cycling with mates.

Mark Henschke riding in the Tour De Rocks charity cycle.

Tributes have been pouring in for much-loved Coffs Harbour doctor Mark Henschke, who tragically succumbed to injuries he sustained after colliding with a garbage truck while out riding.

The keen cyclist ended up crushed under the wheel of the truck along busy Sawtell Rd about 7.20am on November 10.

The 72-year-old was rushed to Coffs Harbour hospital and later flown to the Gold Coast where he clung to life as doctors operated on his legs, which bore the brunt of the impact.

He died in hospital on Wednesday, November 23.

Friend, neighbour and fellow cycling enthusiast Paul Courtney said the community was reeling from the tragedy.

Friend, cycling mate and neighbour Paul Courtney says everyone loved Mark.

Mr Courtney, who has worked at Faircloth and Reynolds for 35 years, organises the company team in the three-day Tour De Rocks charity cycle from Armidale to South West Rocks.

Mr Henschke took part in it almost every year for the past decade and was well known for his humble nature and warm smile.

“Mark was Mark if you know what I mean, he was always smiling and would help anyone – just such a lovely bloke,” Mr Courtney said.

“I think he probably delivered half of the riders who took part.”

Mark Henschke teaching medical students how to apply a cast. Picture: Facebook.

Mr Henschke worked for many years in the Armidale area before moving to Coffs Harbour, where he taught medical students at the University of NSW Rural Clinical School.

He was also an active member of the Sawtell Catholic Church and Thursday night’s mass was said in his memory.

Mr Courtney is a regular mountain bike rider and his group would often meet up with Mr Henschke’s group of road cyclists at the Sawtell Headland after their Saturday rides.

The accident has left many riders, most of all the first responders to the collision that day, in deep shock.

“There will be some people who might feel unsure about getting back on their bikes but I think that will all change in time.”

Many who knew ‘Dr Mark’ took to the Coffs Coast Advocate’s Facebook page last night to pay tribute.

Carla Buttel: He was a wonderful mentor to many medical students, a respected man on many levels. This is a big loss for the medical community! My condolences to his family! RIP Dr Henschke!

Ashleigh Louise Franck: Will miss seeing his smile as he enters our ward. Helping him find patients for his students to meet and greet.

Shona Walker: What a tragedy we will miss you, Mark. Your kind and generous spirit has touched so many.

Leanne Burey: He was one of the world’s true gentleman. What a loss.

Sharon Monkton: Spent many an hour chatting about interesting cases for his students to learn from. Always a gentleman and so very respectful of everyone. We have lost an amazing man.

Kerri Neef: Such a kind and well respected doctor who will leave a legacy of new doctors from your work at UNSW. So lovely to have known you and my heart goes out to your family.

Diane O’Hern: Such a lovely man. Always had all the time in the world for his patients (even in the wee hours on Christmas morning).

Néss Mitchell: Oh this is just heartbreaking. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and especially the garbage truck driver.

Alison Hollier: We in the cycling community will miss you dearly, Dr Mark! We will miss your warm greetings, your sage advice, your good humour and your rich, post-ride conversations.

Sandy Charbonneau: Such a sad loss. We will miss meeting Mark on our walks around Coffs Creek and Jetty - he always had time for a chat.

Kerry Anderson: Dr Henschke delivered all four of my babies, he was a wonderful man with a beautiful soul.

Wendy Mammen: Doctor Mark was very respected in our local community and my hometown of Armidale. He guided me in my younger years when I attended UNE and was definitely an inspiration to pursue my nursing career. You were an Angel on Earth and you will now be an Angel in Heaven. Fly high now.