Tributes after Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron member Jo Reedy’s shock death

A man who played an instrumental role in Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron has been remembered as a ‘giving type of person’ after his shock death. READ THE TRIBUTES

A MAN who played an instrumental role in Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron has been remembered as a ”giving type of person” after his shock death.

Jo Reedy, 71, died in his sleep on Friday after a battle with cancer.

Mr Reedy, born on October 5, 1950, was a longstanding member of the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron and was known as an old soul of the sea.

Close friend Norman Griffett said friends thought he was on the mend from the cancer battle.

“Everybody that I have contacted is totally shocked,” he said.

“He died peacefully in his sleep on his boat where he wanted to be.

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“It was a shock because he fought the battle well with cancer, had some major operations over the last couple years.

Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron longstanding member Jo Reedy died in his sleep. Picture: Supplied

“He was internally strong, he pushed his way through.”

Mr Griffett said he was a selfless person.

“He was a person that would normally keep to himself, but he would do anything for his friends,” he said.

“This is how we built up our friendship over the last 30 years.

“He was a giving type of person.”

Mr Reedy was a shipwright who worked on Green Island for many years.

“He was one of those old souls of the sea,” he said.

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“He loved the freedom it gave him to get out.”

Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron member Doug MacLeod said his love for the sea was what got him involved in the club.

Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron longstanding member Jo Reedy died in his sleep on his boat Saltaire. Picture: Supplied

“He was instrumental in renovating our walk ways as well as the main building. He didn’t need any supervision in my time, he was self motivated,” he said.

“If he saw something could be improved or repaired. He was at that time working over in Green Island for three days a week. He would come over and work for us for nothing for the remainder of that period.”

Mr MacLeod said he will be missed.

“He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, always available to pass on his knowledge and experience,” he said.

“He was very well regarded by senior members of the Cruising Yacht Squadron.”

All details regarding funeral will be circulated by the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron.

Originally published as Tributes after Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron member Jo Reedy’s shock death