Damon Howes, the father of five killed when his family home in regional Victoria caught fire on Thursday, was the type of person who loved a joke, spending time with his children, and never hesitated to help others.
As members of Maryborough, a close-knit community in Victoria’s Goldfields, banded together to donate pyjamas, toys and food for the young family, police continued their investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Father of five Damon Howes.Credit: Facebook
One of Howes’ sons, a two-year-old boy, remains in a critical condition at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The boy suffered a cardiac arrest, a fundraiser organised by Howes’ loved ones said.
Family friend Ashley Carpenter, who lives on the other side of town, said there were five people on the property at the time of the fire, including Howes’ mother and partner.
“I found out from a very close friend … she rang me in tears that there had been a fire,” Carpenter said.
“So I drove her up there because I was really close with him as well, and as soon as I found out, I broke. I’ve still been trying to get my head around it, but I’m getting there with it – trying to stay strong for the kids.”
Carpenter and a GoFundMe fundraiser have asked the community to pull together to help cover the costs of Howes’ funeral.
Carpenter said her friend was a devoted father. “He was outgoing, very loving, always put people before himself, and he always had to have a joke,” she remembered.
“He would help [people] if they needed food or help with their car, just off his own back. He wouldn’t ask for money or anything.”
Other friends took to social media to remember their mate.
Maryborough residents have been left devastated by the loss of the father-of-five.Credit: Nine
“You were dearly loved by many, you will be remembered, I’m so sorry this happened brother,” wrote one friend.
Locals Nikki Healey and Sue Radnell, good friends of Howes’ mother-in-law Brenda, have spent the last two days seeking donations from locals to help the family get back on their feet.
“There’s some toys, new clothing, pyjamas and a school bag,” Healey said.
“I’ve also spoken to a cafe and if anyone wants to donate money for vouchers they will supply school lunches.
“At the moment, we’re just trying to help [the family] get through the next week or two. All of her grandchildren are there at her house at the moment and she’s trying to support all of them.”
“The community comes together in time of need.”
Loved ones in the GoFundMe fundraiser wrote that Howes was a kind and loving partner, and a devoted father who meant the world to his family.
“His sudden passing has left an unimaginable hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him,” they wrote.
“Damo was a caring and hardworking man who always put his family first.”
The fire broke out at the single-storey home in Barr Street about 11.45am on Thursday.
A two-year-old remains in a critical condition in hospital after the fatal blaze.Credit: Nine
Local Country Fire Authority crews were called to the blaze, and declared the scene safe just after 12pm.
Two women were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, alongside a three-year-old child. One of the women was aged in her 30s, while a woman in her 70s was taken to Maryborough Public Hospital.
The police investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.
With Cassandra Morgan
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