Maryborough real estate agent, musician Nigel Dwyer mourned

The life of Nigel ‘Nige’ Dwyer was one well lived, and filled with music, decency, honesty, love, dogs, horses and motorbikes.

Nigel Dwyer, 68, was a much-loved member of the Ray White Maryborough team, where he shared his talents for real estate.But he was also a gifted musician, playing piano before discovering the bass guitar.

The life of a popular real estate agent and musician has been celebrated in Maryborough after he lost his battle with cancer on Christmas Day with his beloved partner by his side.

Nigel Dwyer, 68, was a much-loved member of the Ray White Maryborough team, where he shared his talents for real estate.

But he was also a gifted and respected musiscian.

Mr Dwyer would play with a number of bands during his teenage years, playing the drums and occasionally keyboard, but soon developing a passion for bass guitar.

About 1980, he and some friends formed the band Kool Change.

The band quickly became one of the most in demand club acts on the Queensland circuit, which in those days was run by Graham Hutchison.

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The band did well, and was a respected act in Mr Hutchinson’s stable, playing up until about 1988.

Mr Dwyer was now an experienced stage musician, and a respected bass player.

He’d gained an interest in music with a more country flavour, and soon found himself in a band with friends Mick Martin and Droid, the Smokin’ Crawdads.

He stayed in the band for a number of years, forming lifelong connections and friendships in the country music scene where he fitted in well. The Crawdads still play today.

Nigel Dwyer, 68, was a much-loved member of the Ray White Maryborough team, where he shared his talents for real estate. But he was also a gifted musician, playing piano before discovering the bass guitar.

During, and following his time in Crawdads, Mr Dwyer also played with other acts.

One of the most significant for him was his time playing with the Blue Heeler band, with great friends Peter Lee and Troy Cassar-Daley, who remained lifelong friends.

In 1988, Mr Dwyer entered retail sales, working for Mick Privitera at the Musicians Pro Shop.

He was able to use the connections he’d made through bands and had an instant client base.

During his funeral on January 5, he was remembered as a natural salesman, with an honest vibe.

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When the business was purchased by Gary Barr in 1991, Mr Dwyer managed the Brisbane store before later buying into the business, which was sold in the late ’90s.

Mr Dwyer was remembered as being “incredibly supportive” of the music industry in Brisbane, a legacy that endures today.

“If there was such a thing as a state funeral for service to the Queensland music community, Nige would definitely be a worthy recipient,” Mr Lee said.

“Nige always gave his absolute all to everything he developed a passion for. He never bragged; if he said something in passing, it must have happened.

Nigel Dwyer, 68, and his partner Julie had a passion for motorbikes.

“I know all his friends, associates and customers in his real estate dealings will testify he was as good as it gets at his job. Never pushing, always factual and honest.

“Like so many of us that knew Nige and were lucky enough to call him a friend, it’s hard to express in words the deep sadness and sense of loss that I’m sure we’ll all share with his passing.

“He was larger than life, could be brutally honest but always with that little smile that deemed it “non-offensive”.

“As extremely devastating as losing this special man is to us all, to pass over with the love and respect of so many people is a true testament to a life well lived.”
Mr Dwyer moved to Maryborough in 2002 to be with his partner, Julie.

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He’d already started in real estate in Brisbane, and upon relocating he spent a short time at Sprake’s Real Estate before later opening Remax Hervey Bay in 2003 and then Remax Maryborough.

The country was calling however, and in 2012, they closed the Maryborough shop and moved to Wandoan, opening an independent real estate agency first, and then the First National Real Estate in Miles.

In 2016, they moved back to Maryborough, where Mr Dwyer came to settle at Ray White Real Estate, which became his home and family, particularly with his good mate Guy Meredith.

Nigel and Jules loved life on their property outside town, along with their dogs, horses and motorbikes.

Mr Dwyer was diagnosed with cancer after he suffered a rib injury from a fall at the property when he was still experiencing pain a few months later.

A celebration of life was held for Mr Dwyer on January 5 at Maryborough Crematorium with an overwhelming attendance.

“See you later Bud!”

Originally published as Maryborough real estate agent, musician Nigel Dwyer mourned