Gold Coast sports and business communities mourn passing of local legend Mick Pirie

TRIBUTES are flowing in following the death of Mick Pirie, a hockey and roller-door pioneer who left his mark on the Gold Coast.

The late Mick Pirie. Picture: Supplied.

A GOLD Coast hockey pioneer who also established a flourishing roller-door company has died.

Mick Pirie, husband of local sports matriarch Daphne Pirie, passed away peacefully on Sunday, aged 86.

Mick left an indelible mark in local sport and business pursuits after moving from Brisbane to the Coast in 1953, when he and his brother Joe set up Pirie Brothers, a building ­company.

“One of their original constructions, Sun n Surf in Surfers Paradise, is still standing,” Daphne said.

In 1964, brother Joe went into hotels so Mick established Pirie Enterprises, a hugely successful company that became famous for B and D Roller Doors.

Mick and Daphne Pirie celebrate Daphne’s birthday at RACV Royal Pines Resort in 2013. Picture: Michael Ross.

Mick was also instrumental in developing the remote-controlled roller doors.

“He also established a second business on Bundall Rd when it was a dirt surface,” Daphne said.

“They were the first mini-storage warehouses, 100 sheds from Bundall Rd through to Upton St.”

Mick was also a top-level sportsman who shared a love of hockey with his wife.

The pair established the Gold Coast Hockey Club that played in the Murwillumbah competition, then they established the Gold Coast Hockey Association.

Mick played hockey for Queensland and in his later years held a world record in men’s masters 65-plus years athletics with a time of 12.62s for the 100m.

He was also a foundation member of the Surfers Paradise Golf Club.

Mick is survived by wife Daphne, sister Miriam, sons David and Robert and four grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at the Royal Pines Resort chapel tomorrow and it is set down to start at 2pm.