Shaun Spain remembered as big-hearted man who dedicated life to saving others

Heartfelt tributes have been paid by family, friends and comrades to a Gold Coast veteran after his tragic death. Here’s what was said at his funeral.

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a popular Gold Coast Army veteran and real estate agent remembered as a big-hearted, selfless person who dedicated his life to helping others.

Shaun Spain was farewelled by family, friends and comrades at an emotional service in Parkwood on Monday following his tragic death on January 7 at the age of 51.

Shaun Spain during his time with the Army.

Shaun Spain with twin brother Brandon.

Twin brother Brandon said Shaun, known as ‘Spainey’ or ‘MacGyver’ to friends, was a man of “strength, determination, courage and respect.”

“He was my brother, he was my hero. I looked up to him,” Brandon said.

“... He just loved helping people.”

During a 15-year career in the army which began in 1999, Mr Spain served tours of duty in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brandon told mourners his brother’s service was a reflection of his drive to help others.

“I asked him once, ‘Why the army?’

“He said: ‘I wanted to make a difference’.

“Helping others is all he wanted to do. The world is not going to be the same without him.”

Addressing Shaun’s son, Brandon said: “Joshua Spain, your dad loved you mate, please remember that.”

Shaun Spain’s spouse Sammi and son Joshua during his funeral service at Parkwood. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Family follow as Shaun Spain’s coffin is brought by pallbearers from his funeral service at Parkwood. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

In a tribute read at the service, Shaun’s heartbroken spouse Sammi said she was devastated they would not grow old together, but “so grateful” for the time they shared.

“You were my first love and my best friend, my life mentor, my foundation and my soulmate,” Sammi said.

“Every time I put my arms around you I feel like I’m home.

“We shared so many precious moments.

“... I remember you always said to me, if you need me, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.

You were my protector.

“I know you are still here. You have become the bright star in the sky. You will be forever in my heart and always on my mind.

“... I love you my cuddly, honey bear, my husband, Shaun.”

Shaun Spain’s winning lottery ticket with a Gold Coast Bulletin article about how he donated much of the proceeds to charity.

Following his career in the army Mr Spain began a career in real estate, founding Bespoke Gold Coast Realty.

However he remained close to his Army comrades and was a strong advocate for veterans, speaking to the Bulletin in 2021 about the challenges they faced.

When in 2019 he won $200,000 in a lottery draw, he donated much of his winnings to Mates4Mates, an organisation that supports current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families.

Brandon told the Bulletin it was just one of myriad ways he helped others.

“Shaun was very humble and helped a lot of people. Without Shaun some people would probably not be with us today,” Brandon said.

“He was always putting people before himself. He was definitely my hero.”

SUPPORT SERVICES

● Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14.

● The Defence all-hours support line for ADF members and their families: 1800 628 036.

● Open Arms all-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families: 1800 011 046, or through SafeZone on 1800 142 072.

● Mates4Mates: Visit mates4mates.org or call 1300 4 MATES

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