Yarra Ranges Council worker Marty Sheahan killed, gunman found dead in toilet block

Shocked relatives of a council worker shot outside his home say he was “the rock of the family” and they will never stop missing him.

Grieving family members have broken their silence to pay tribute to slain council worker Marty Sheahan.

Heath Sheahan said his father was “one of the best” and that he would never stop loving or missing him.

“Dad was the rock in our family, much-loved member of the community. For such a beautiful person’s life be ripped away from us so quickly is tragic,” he wrote.

“I’ll miss our chats, your warmth, your advice. I am in complete and utter shock. I will always love and miss you.”

It comes as thousands of dollars have been donated to support Mr Heath’s widow, Mandy Brown.

The GoFund Me page, organised by his children, had received almost 200 donations by 9.30am on Friday.

“We hope you raise enough money to pay for Marty’s funeral and to help our mother Mandy financially as much as we can,” it read.

A family picture of murder victim Marty Sheahan.

POLICE PROBE REVENGE MOTIVE IN MURDER

Workplace revenge is being investigated as a possible motive for the murder-suicide in which loving father Marty Sheahan was shot dead on his doorstep.

The Yarra Ranges Council worker, 57, was shot by a disgruntled former colleague at his Clarke Ave home in Warburton on Wednesday night, just ­metres from his wife Mandy Brown.

The gunman — who soon afterwards killed himself nearby — carried out the execution after years of festering over an incident at the council.

The Herald Sun has been told the man, also 57, had stolen a chainsaw from the council and Mr Sheahan had been involved in his sacking.

Mr Sheahan was shot at close range outside his home in Warburton.

He was gunned down just metres from his wife, Mandy.

Friends of Mr Sheahan said he had spoken about the ex-colleague over the years but no one could have imagined it would end in murder.

One of Mr Sheahan’s children, Bean, said their ­father was their “idol”.

“The very last thing you told me was how you loved me so very much, gave me the biggest hug (as per usual), and now I wish I never let go,” Bean wrote on social media.

“I really wish this was some sort of a sick dream. I love you Dad, I will never ever stop loving you, and no person’s actions can take that away.”

Neighbours were in shock over the killing, describing Mr Sheahan as one of the kindest people they had ever met.

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Mr Sheahan was shot on the front doorstep of his home in Warburton. Picture: David Crosling

A second crime scene at a toilet block in Wesburn. Picture: David Crosling

Jena Bedson said he was a “beautiful person” as she laid flowers and a card at his home.

“He wasn’t someone who was harbouring anything ­bizarre or weird,” she said.

“He was an ­ordinary guy and this was completely senseless.”

Another neighbour described him as a “big roly-poly cuddly bear” who adored his two children and two step children. “He was a real salt-of-the-earth type. Who would do that to such a beautiful man?” she said.

Residents heard two gunshots at close range before a car sped off from the street about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

A forensic officer gathers evidence from the home. Picture: David Crosling

The murder was described as ‘senseless’. Picture: David Crosling

Moments later Ms Brown could be heard crying and the street was filled with police.

The gunman took his life a short time later inside the female public toilets at Wesburn Park, about 10 minutes away.

His vehicle, bearing NSW number plates, was towed from the scene on Thursday.

Yarra Ranges Council chief executive Tammi Rose said the council offered its deepest sympathies to all family and friends, and said staff were reeling in shock.

“Marty had been with council for six years and was a much-valued member of our infrastructure services department,” she said.