Cairns obituary: Property expert Rick Carr succumbs to massive heart attack at age 67

Family and friends of a renowned Cairns property expert and research consultant have been left reeling after his unexpected death at age 67, with his partner urging loved ones to make the most of every moment.

THE partner of Cairns property expert Rick Carr has urged friends to enjoy every moment, after the death of the “love of my life.”

Mr Carr was 67 when he suffered a sudden and massive heart attack on January 2 while cycling.

“He fought hard for 12 days but to no avail,” Maureen Schmitzer wrote on social media on Friday morning.

“I lost the love of my life.”

The couple were known for their global travel and adventures, and Mr Carr was an avid bushwalker.

Peggy Bartlett, Rick Carr, Maureen Schmitzer and Heather Barker attend the opening night of Wicked: The Musical at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

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His death was a shock to friends of the couple, as the former Herron Todd White partner was known for his active lifestyle even in semi retirement.

Ms Schmitzer made a grief filled exhortation not to waste life’s pleasures.

“Enjoy the moment,” she said.

“This is unbelievable for a man so fit - so eat the cake and drink the wine.

“How lucky he and I were to have had 15 years of such adventures.

“I loved you Rick and I don’t know how I will survive without you, my darling.”

Friends were united in their shock and affection for Mr Carr.

“He was a beautiful soul and will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” one posted in response to Ms Schmitzer’s news.

Another called Mr Carr “a true gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him.”

His former colleagues were stunned by Friday’s sad announcement.

Herron Todd White Cairns director Shane Quinn said office staff were “a bit numb” at Mr Carr’s sudden loss.

Research Director Rick Carr from Herron Todd White in 2016. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

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“It was a real shock for everyone,” Mr Quinn said.

“He was semi retired and was still doing some work for Herron Todd White.”

“Rick was the foremost property expert in Cairns for more than 20 years.

“He did a large amount of work around Australia for the different offices.”

Mr Carr worked as a partner at Herron Todd White for more than 20 years and as Research Director was the author of the regular Cairnswatch report.

Mr Quinn said it would be a tall order to fill Mr Carr’s shoes.

“So much so, I doubt that we will try to fill them; to try to find someone with that much expertise over so many years is almost impossible,” he said.

Mr Quinn said Mr Carr was known for his good nature and calm presence.

“He was very quiet in the office, he never stressed, was never angry," Mr Quinn said .

Mr Carr is survived by two sons, a daughter and a grandson.

Originally published as Cairns obituary: Property expert Rick Carr succumbs to massive heart attack at age 67