Tributes flow for Burleigh Heads window washer Ian Gal after his sudden death
There has been an outpouring of grief over beloved Burleigh Heads window washer Ian Gall – and police have clarified the mysterious circumstances of his death.
Southern
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One of the Gold Coast’s most famous cult figures has been remembered by the community as a “beautiful person” and “loveable guy” following his shock death.
It is understood Ian Gal, known affectionately as the Gold Coast “window washer”, died at his Carrara home late last week.
Ian was known for cleaning cars on the streets of Burleigh for many years.
He rode his push bike to the Burleigh Waters and Bermuda St intersection every day from his home to wash residents’ car windows.
In September last year, the community banded together to find him a new bike after his was stolen.
Nephew Jeffery Gal told the Bulletin his “famous” uncle had a huge impact on the community.
“He’s a beautiful person – he did have a couple of problems that everyone was trying to help him with, but he was such a placid guy,” Jeffery said.
“Ian was a very loveable guy. He was so much like his mum.”
Hundreds of tributes for Ian were posted on social media, with many taking the opportunity to share their memories of the well-known character.
“He was such a beautiful soul,” Aneta Talevski wrote.
“Every time we drove past we would make sure we (stopped) to give him money. His smile would brighten your day.”
Facebook user Te-ana Frankie described Mr Gal as an “absolute local legend”.
“To know I won’t be seeing him anymore actually hurts. That’s so sad, he was just the happiest soul,” she wrote.
Kanna-Joy Andres said she would remember Mr Gal for his big friendly smile.
“He was the reason I always tried to keep cash in the car for when I saw him,” she said.
A police spokeswoman Ian’s death was not being treated as suspicious.
“Post mortem has indicated the man has passed away as a result of a medical condition,” she said.
Last month he was named in the Bulletin’s list of Gold Coast’s most iconic figures, along with the likes of Princess,Dawn Crichlow and Jimmy Ozturk.
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