Ocean Grove unionist Doug McClusky dies after leukaemia battle
A lifelong Ocean Grove resident who was heavily involved in the plumbing union is being remembered after losing his battle with blood cancer.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A lifelong Ocean Grove resident and unionist is being remembered after losing his battle with blood cancer.
Doug McClusky died peacefully at home on October 18 surrounded by his family, aged 70.
He grew up in Ocean Grove and spent most of his life living in the region.
“He loved the ocean and surfing in his younger days … and the close-knit community down there,” his daughter Kate McClusky said.
“He was involved in the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads footy and cricket clubs and the golf club in recent years.”
Ms McClusky said her dad was diagnosed with polycythemia, where the body produces too many red blood cells, about seven years ago.
Late last year, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive blood cancer, and was given about three to six months to live.
“However true to his stubborn personality, he fought on,” Ms McClusky said.
“We had early 70th birthday celebration with him because we didn’t think he would actually make it to his birthday so we went on a family holiday to Mooloolaba (in Queensland).”
Treatment for Mr McClusky’s cancer was not successful and he took part in two clinical trials.
“He didn’t get to complete the second trial, it was like a last-ditch effort,” Ms McClusky said.
“Going into that second trial, I think from his perspective he knew things were declining but he wanted to help with research.
“It was about leaving a legacy and so that in the future they may be able to find a cure.”
Mr McClusky worked as a plumber by trade and was heavily involved in the plumbers’ union.
Earlier this year, he was given life membership at the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union.
He also delivered safety training in the construction sector and worked as a union organiser for a number of years, covering a large area from Werribee to the South Australian border.
Ms McClusky said her dad loved the simple things in life like camping, hunting and fishing.
“He had a dog called Noah and he loved walking him down at the beach or at the oval,” she said.
“He loved to travel around Australia
“He was passionate about birds and loved watching them, it was a big part of his life.”
Ms McClusky said her dad “squeezed a lot” in the past 12 months and recently travelled to Port Douglas, Darwin and Cunnamulla as well as watching the races at Gunbower in northern Victoria two weekends ago.
He is survived by his three children and two, soon to be three, grandchildren.
His life was celebrated at a service at the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club on Thursday.
More Coverage
Originally published as Ocean Grove unionist Doug McClusky dies after leukaemia battle
‘Cowardly’: Woman lured ex into car where he was robbed
A pregnant woman will become a mum in jail after she lured her ex-boyfriend into a car where he was attacked and forced to transfer hundreds of dollars, a court has heard.
‘Extremely dangerous’: Cheap drug sweeping the streets
A dangerous drug which is cheap to buy and commonly imported as an industrial chemical is sweeping the streets and authorities are warning it is increasingly being linked to sexual assaults.