Dalby businessman, John Hart, remembered as ‘iconic’ following shock passing

Devastated family and friends have paid tribute to beloved Dalby barber, business owner and former deputy mayor John Hart following his shock passing. See the touching words here.

Tributes pour for beloved Dalby man, John Hart Photo: Gen Kennedy/Dalby Herald

A man who embodied what it meant to be a true Western Downs community member and leader has been remembered through thoughtful tributes following his shock death.

John Hart moved to Dalby after living at Kingsthorpe and Oakey when he was just a little boy and was known around town for many different memorable reasons such as being a former deputy mayor and owning an iconic barber shop.

Mr Hart sadly died on Thursday, June 29 following a shocking cancer diagnosis four weeks prior.

His daughter, Trachelle Hart, said she thought she would get to spend more time with her dad.

“It was too quick for us,” she said.

“It started off with a sore shoulder, he closed his shop so we knew it wasn’t great. He had a tumour on his arm, that ended up being liver cancer. Unfortunately someone’s got bigger plans for him.”

The 76-year-old leaves behind a gaping hole in the region, after he cemented himself as “a bit of an icon” through his various roles.

“He spent 23 years on council and 13 years as deputy mayor,” his daughter shared.

“He loved Dalby and the community so much so he wanted to make a difference.”

James Bannerman and John Hart from Dalby and District FSD with Kieth Teakle and Derrick Hirning.

Mr Hart was known to many people for many different achievements whether it was being a Foundation Member of the Dalby Leagues Club, helping establish the PCYC, the Touch Football Association and Dalby and District Friendly Society Dispensary, playing football and cricket or arguably most memorable, running the John Hart Barber Shop.

“People were so drawn to him because he was so charismatic,” Trachelle said.

“His shop was a place people could go sit and talk, sometimes they weren’t even there for a haircut. It was a good place for locals and men in particular to talk.”

Despite wearing many hats through his time, Mr Hart’s pride and joy were his family including his wife Barbara and three children, Craig, Anthony and Trachelle.

“We were very lucky to have had the time we had with dad,” Trachelle said.

“One of my favourite memories we having dinner as a family at the Russell Tavern after church on Saturday.

“I grew up around footy and cricket, back (when I was younger) there was no league’s club so we would park the car on the hill to watch football.”

Tributes pour for beloved businessman and barber John Hart. Photo Melissa Mobbs / Dalby Herald

Mr Hart’s son Anthony said the favourite thing about his late dad was that he always had time for his kids and the community.

“He always said ‘g’day’ to everyone who walked past the shop, and if he wasn’t busy he’d stand at the door,” Anthony said.

“My favourite memories are based around sport as a child. He would take me to cricket and football. We’d go to the senior football and park behind the goalposts, that sort of stuff. That was mum and dad.”

Tributes from all over town continue to pour for the highly-respected Dalby man with businesses taking to social media to share their thoughts.

Pascal and Co wrote on its Facebook: “To a barbering legend, it’s with great respect we say goodbye to a local hero of our industry. RIP Mr Hart.”

Dalby Touch Association shared: “Dalby Touch Association would like to offer condolences to the family and friends of John Hart after his recent passing. John was a patron of Dalby Touch and we would like to acknowledge his part in making DTA what it is today.”

Originally published as Dalby businessman, John Hart, remembered as ‘iconic’ following shock passing