Funeral for Burleigh window washer Ian Gal held at Nerang Uniting Church on Gold Coast
The community has celebrated the colourful life of Ian Gal during an emotional funeral service. See all the photos from the tearful farewell.
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A squeegee and spray bottle sat next to the coffin of a beloved Burleigh window washer as the community celebrated his colourful life and said a tearful goodbye.
Family and friends gathered at Nerang Uniting Church on Thursday morning for the funeral of Gold Coast icon Ian Gal.
The local legend gained widespread community adoration after spending many years washing residents’ cars at the Burleigh Waters and Bermuda St intersection.
The 43-year-old died at his Carrara home earlier this month as a result of a reported medical condition.
Family thanked the community members who took to his usual spot at the intersection last week to raise almost $7000 for a fitting final send-off.
Mr Gal’s nephew Luke Nivison-Smith told mourners how grateful the family were for the community’s support.
“Who would have thought a man washing windscreens would make such a big impact on the community? But I know it’s not so much what we do with our lives as how we do it that matters most,” Mr Nivison-Smith said.
“Though he has left us now far too soon, he left with us the aspiration to live life just as he had – to live each and everyday with some cheerfulness, positivity and kindness to strangers. “No matter what situation you’re in, you can make an impact.
“For Ian, a simple smile made a hell of an impact.”
The service had touches of humour, something Ian was remembered fondly for.
Nephew Chad Gal said his uncle was known for his many hobbies – including playing the drums and fishing – as well as a wicked sense of humour.
“There was never a dull moment with Ian. He made the silliest jokes and forced everyone to laugh and smile,” Chad said.
Nerang Uniting Church Minister Colin Batt recalled his own fond memories of Mr Gal, who he met years before at the Burleigh intersection, like many other Gold Coasters had.
“We also know that he used to love running – because every so often at Burleigh he would get chased,” Reverend Batt said.
“He would have to get away from the police who were chasing him away from his favourite spot.
“This young man touched the lives of so many different people in so many different ways.”
Legacy of beloved Burleigh window washer revealed
March 24: Family, friends and the Gold Coast community have come together to raise funds for beloved Burleigh window washer Ian Gal’s funeral.
Mr Gal died at his Carrara home late last week as a result of a reported medical condition.
He gained widespread community adoration after spending many years washing residents’ cars at the Burleigh Waters and Bermuda St intersection.
Community members took to his usual spot at the intersection on Thursday morning to raise cash for his funeral and expenses for Mr Gal’s family.
They raised almost $7000.
His sister Donna Nivison-Smith described it as a “beautiful” show of support.
“It’s the most touching thing. He had a lot of people that loved him,” she said.
“What a beautiful community to come together and share the love they all had for Ian.
“Thanks for your hearts, souls and compassion.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to pay for the funeral costs.
Ms Nivison-Smith said all funds raised would go towards his funeral and a commemorative plaque.
She invited the community to have their say on how any leftover funds should be spent.
“None of this money is ours, it is Ian’s. The community have the right to vote on where it is spent.”
She described her late brother as someone who “loved the ocean” and was very close to his mum.
He had two brothers, Lawrence and Shane.
“He was a beautiful soul trying to find his way in the world,” Ms Nivison-Smith said.
All are invited to Mr Gal’s funeral on Thursday, March 31 at the Nerang Uniting Church from 9.30am.
A growing tribute of flowers and photos has appeared at the site in recent days.
Gold Coast resident Michael Spencer has started an online petition calling on Gold Coast City Council to erect a statue in his honour at the Burleigh intersection.
The Bulletin contacted council for comment, but was told because the road was a state controlled road, it was a question for the state government.
A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said it had not received a request in relation to the petition.
“We are accepting of roadside memorials relating to a person or people who died on or near a road, providing it is not distracting and does not pose a safety hazard to road users,” she said.
Mr Gal’s nephew Chad Gal said a statue was what his uncle “deserved”.
“I think he would absolutely adore that idea,” Jeffery said.
“Thank you to everyone for your support. Ian would be so happy that he helped put love into everyone’s hearts.
“He was a very kind, humble person.”
Chad said plans were under way to have Mr Gal cremated, with his ashes to be spread at Labrador beach.
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