Brisbane’s party precinct, loved ones mourn nightclub bouncer Taaga ‘Junior’ Perez

He was Brisbane’s ‘best bouncer’, but he was also a dad, a son, and a brother. Meet Junior Perez, the “selfless” family man beneath a tough exterior who made so many lives infinitely better.

A much-loved bouncer at The Cabaret Nightclub for more than 10 years, Junior Perez, has sadly died.

Regular visitors to Brisbane’s party precinct are mourning the loss of the “best bouncer” in town, Taaga ‘Junior’ Perez, who sadly died this month following medical complications.

But Junior was so much more than his job; he was a son, a brother, a cousin, and — most importantly to him — a dad.

In passing he leaves his five children Emelie, Hinckley, Bitner, Sienna, and Gabrielle.

Junior’s loved ones farewelled him in a ceremony on Monday, February 13. Picture: Supplied

His cousin Max Faamausili Fala, who was raised by Junior’s mother alongside Junior, Junior’s sister Nona, and their cousin Viva, said he was wholly devoted to family.

“He was a big brother to me, always there when I needed to talk about anything,” Mr Fala said.

“He was selfless and loyal. For many years I’ve been trying to get him to move to Perth to live here with me and my family, but he would always say ‘wherever my kids are, that’s where I’ll be’.

“He loved his kids so much and he lived for them.”

Junior is remembered by his colleagues at The Cabaret as a humble and kind man who always made them feel safe. Picture: Supplied

In the days since The Cabaret Nightclub bouncer’s devastating death, hundreds have taken to social media to thank him for the laughs, the lessons, and the memories.

“Thank you for always loving on me without judgment,” a family member wrote.

“Thank you for your softly spoken life advice. Thank you for always encouraging me to take care of my husband and kids above all.”

He worked as a bouncer at The Cabaret for more than a decade. Picture: Supplied

His colleagues at the gentleman’s club where he worked for more than 10 years thanked him for his unwavering support and for always making them feel safe.

“Thank you for being someone I could confide (in) and cry to constantly. For hearing me and seeing me through my ups and downs,” one woman wrote.

“For always giving me the hard truths I didn't want to hear.”

Taaga ‘Junior’ Perez leaves behind his five children who “meant the world to him”. Picture: Supplied

She thanked him for his “caring heart, welcoming spirit, and funny personality” and for leaving her with so many beautiful memories.

In the wake of Junior’s passing, and with ‘broken hearts’, Cabaret manager Tayana Popovic and owner George Kleinschmidt have launched a GoFundMe for Junior’s children which has now raised more than $21,000.

“He made everyone feel safe. He was an honest and a humble man who loved his children more than anything in this world and spoke of them constantly,” they said.

“We hope that they know that their dad was the most amazing human that we have had the pleasure of knowing.”

Originally published as Brisbane’s party precinct, loved ones mourn nightclub bouncer Taaga ‘Junior’ Perez