Nightcliff Friendly Grocer: Linford Feick remembered at touching Nightcliff vigil after stabbing death

‘We’re all going to miss him so much’: Hundreds shared their grief and distress at the death of a beloved Nightcliff businessman and Territorian. See the photos from the night.

Hundreds gathered outside the Nightcliff Friendly Grocer at sunset on Thursday to mourn the loss of Linford Feick, following an alleged fatal stabbing on Wednesday evening April 23. Picture: Zizi Averill

A man who served the community for decades behind the counter of his store was lovingly farewelled at a moving evening vigil in Nightcliff on Thursday.

Friends, customers, Darwin residents and their children gathered on the grass at the corner of Progress Drive and Oleander St to remember beloved businessman and longtime Darwin local Linford Feick, after he was allegedly fatally stabbed while on the job at his store on Wednesday.

The Nightcliff Friendly Grocer owner’s death has devastated the Nightcliff community and the wider Northern Territory.

And devastation was the overwhelming emotion among the hundreds of people who attended the vigil over three hours in the hope of trying to process the tragedy.

Flowers were laid at the tree near the corner of the store which has become the focal point for the community’s outpouring of grief.

Some of the hundreds of bouquets laid to honour Linford Feick. Picture: Zizi Averill

One man, who had put on a suit to attend the vigil, wept as he recalled Mr Feick: “he was my friend”.

It was a sentiment shared by all those who knew Mr Feick.

Politicians attended to leave flowers and embrace the grieving, but there were no speeches.

A long-time employee at the store represented the family, with Mr Feick’s wife, Margaret and son Ben attending later in the evening.

People used the occasion to reflect on the man they knew well and on changes in Darwin and the Territory over the decades.

Mostly, it was an opportunity to share their grief with friends who love Nightcliff, Darwin and the Territory, and who are longing for better days.

Tea candles handed to mourners by Nightcliff MLA Kat McNamara and a string of fairy lights laid by an upset Nightcliff woman illuminated the floral shrine left for Mr Feick when the sun went down.

One attendee recalled an incident in the shop on the Thursday before Easter when, on the eve of the public holiday, a long line of customers snaked through the store to the checkout.

Mr Feick and two colleagues were behind the counter and when Ben saw the queue joked “look at these people, we need a bigger shop”.

The shrine lit up as the sun went down. Picture: Zizi Averill

But for those that are familiar with the Nightcliff grocery store, its size is part of the attraction.

Well stocked and with a splendid deli, it is a hugely popular option for those keen to avoid the bustle of the major shopping chains.

In 1999, two weeks after arriving in Darwin, an NT News reporter was sent to Nightcliff grocer to investigate the economic impact to the business, 12-months after the nearby Woolworths had opened.

Expecting a discourse on the evils of the larger shopping centres, the reporter was disarmed by Mr Feick’s genuine positivity.

The bigger business brought people into the area, he said, and there was plenty of opportunity for everybody.

It was this optimistic spirit and friendliness that epitomised him and his store.

An employee, speaking through tears, said the friendly atmosphere at the grocery began at the top.

“People say to us how friendly we are,” she said.

“It’s because of Linford. He’s such a lovely man. We’re all going to miss him so much.”

The sentiment is shared around Nightcliff and greater Darwin.

Police on Thursday night said they had charged an 18-year-old man with murder in relation to Mr Feick’s death.

The man has been remanded in custody to appear in Darwin local court on Monday, April 28.

A second vigil will be held at 5.30pm Saturday at the Nightcliff jetty.

VIGIL IN PHOTOGRAPHS

A mourner lays a wreath. Picture: Zizi Averill

People of all ages paid their respects to Mr Feick. Picture: Zizi Averill

Despair wasn’t far away after a tragic couple of days. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mr Feick had touched many hearts during his decades in the Territory. Picture: Zizi Averill

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Solomon MP Luke Gosling paid their respects. Picture: Zizi Averill

The vigil extended for hours as people lingered to say goodbye to the popular store-owner. Picture: Zizi Averill

People remembered Mr Feick as Nightcliff’s sunset provided a sense of place to the sadness. Picture: Zizi Averill

Hundreds attended the vigil over a number of hours on Thursday. Picture: Zizi Averill

Originally published as Nightcliff Friendly Grocer: Linford Feick remembered at touching Nightcliff vigil after stabbing death