‘He could make anyone laugh’: Tears at passing of Moonee Beach cafe owner Justin Iddles

A Coffs Coast community is in mourning after the shock passing of a much-loved “larrikin” dad and popular cafe owner.

A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched following the death of Moonee Beach cafe owner and chef Justin Iddles. He’s pictured with his partner Renee Semenza and their son Vinnie. Picture: Supplied

The tight-knit community of Moonee Beach is mourning the tragic unexpected loss of a popular local cafe owner

Devoted dad Justin Iddles was found motionless by a passing motorist beside the Pacific Motorway at Skinners Bridge on June 9.

Mr Iddles, who had been on a bicycle ride, was pronounced dead at Coffs Harbour Hospital soon after.

It’s believed Mr Iddles suffered a medical episode, but the cause of death is to be determined.

Mr Iddles was aged just 42. He leaves behind his partner Renee Semenza and their eight-year-old son Vinnie.

The Black Apple cafe owners Justin Iddles and Renee Semenza. The cafe was voted Coffs Harbour's best cafe in Delicious Local's 2021 search.

Friend Louise Sheffield moved quickly to start a GoFundMe campaign to ease any financial stress for the family.

“He (Mr Iddles) was the funniest person I’ve ever met,” Ms Sheffield said.

“He was a larrikin and he could make anyone laugh.”

The death of The Black Apple cafe owner has rattled the community – more so as his passing was utterly unexpected.

Justin Iddles and Renee Semenza at The Black Apple.

“He was so young and he was so fit. It’s just horrible,” Ms Sheffield said.

As well as being a keen cyclist, Mr Iddles enjoyed adventure hikes through the bush – invariably with his son Vinnie at his side.

“He was such a wonderful dad and enjoyed things like taking Vinnie to soccer,” Ms Sheffield said.

As well as being something of a local legend, Bellingen-raised Mr Iddles was a successful businessman further afield.

He used to run The Bootsdarling cafe in Darlinghurst with his partner.

Justin Iddles and Renee Semenza outside their business at the Moonee Marketplace.

The pair made the sea-change north a few years back, and their ventures soon won public acclaim (The Black Apple was voted the Coffs Coast’s best in 2021 by Advocate readers).

The cafe in the Moonee Marketplace reopened with shortened trading hours earlier this week.

“Not everyone can afford to make a donation (to the GoFundMe) but if people could maybe just get a coffee, or breakfast or buy a loaf of bread it will help,” Ms Sheffield said.

“These funds will go directly to Renee and Vinnie to go towards their weekly expenses, while they process this horrible loss. The last thing we want Renee to be worried about is finances.”

Nearly $20,000 has been raised in a community renowned for looking after its own when tragedy strikes.

“Let’s show our love and support to this beautiful family,” Ms Sheffield said.

Originally published as ‘He could make anyone laugh’: Tears at passing of Moonee Beach cafe owner Justin Iddles