Precious memories shared at funeral for Susan River Homestead legend Norm McLean

Through laughter and tears, the family and best mates of Susan River Homestead patriarch Norm McLean have shared their memories of a Fraser Coast legend.

Susan River Homestead patriarch Norm McLean's funeral.

Precious memories of a beloved Fraser Coast patriarch have been shared at his funeral, with his grandson giving his eulogy and mates telling their stories, sometimes through tears, of the man who would build a dynasty at Susan River Homestead.

Norm McLean, 82, died on February 23 after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr McLean owned and operated the homestead alongside his family for more than 40 years.

On Thursday hundreds of people gathered at Maryborough’s Brolga Theatre to say goodbye to Mr McLean.

His grandson Nicholas read the eulogy to open the funeral, sharing stories from Mr McLean’s childhood, his close friendship with his older sister, Joan, and the life he built with his former wife Faye, including welcoming six children who have led remarkable lives and had families of their own.

Norm McLean owned and operated the homestead for more than 40 years before putting in on the market for $20 million three years ago, after he turned 80.

Among his children are Scott McLean, a Hollywood stuntman, Cameron, who worked alongside him at the homestead, Travis, Glenn, famed horseman Guy and daughter Skye.

In his final days, Mr McLean told Nicholas he was feeling no pain, surrounded by his beautiful family and was “very content” with his life.

His granddaughter Abbie remembered him as a beloved mentor, leader and friend.

Abbie promised to look after his beloved dog, Buster.

She remembered that she had promised to keep talking with her grandfather even after he was gone.

“I love you and I’ll keep you with me forever,” she said.

Bob Davis, who runs Hard Yakka, a military-style youth diversion training program from the property at Susan River, shared his memories of Mr McLean.

He had first met Mr McLean in Hervey Bay two decades ago before finding a home at Susan River, Mr Davis said.

Norm McLean owned and operated the homestead for more than 40 years before putting in on the market for $20 million three years ago, after he turned 80.

“He’s a tough man, but he had a heart of gold,” he said.

“One thing he taught me was how never to give up.”

Mr Davis spoke of the time when he lost his son, Brad, in a tragic car crash, and how Mr McLean had insisted on giving Mr Davis money so he and his wife wouldn’t have to work for a while.

At first, Mr Davis said no to the request.

“How do you say no to a man with a heart of gold?” Mr Davis said.

Mr McLean had again been there for Mr Davis and his wife Julie when she was later diagnosed with dementia.

After she was taken into care, he would often visit and take her chocolates, Mr Davis said.

“I think she loved him more than she loved me,” he said through tears and laughter.

The beloved owner of Susan River Homestead Norm McLean has died.

Mr Davis said there would be a graduation ceremony at Hard Yakka on Friday and from now on an award for excellence in Mr McLean’s name would be handed out, in honour of the values and qualities he’d had.

Former councillor Stuart Taylor also spoke at the funeral.

He said Mr McLean had a way of seeing the best in every situation and every person.

“He was an integral part of growing tourism in our region,” he said.

“He was a passionate community man and would help anyone whenever he could.”

Mr McLean’s children Cameron, Scott and Skye also spoke at the service.

Cameron thanked his children Nicholas and Abbie for their words about his father.

Susan River Homestead's Norm McLean enjoying the downpour. Photo: Cody Fox

He spoke of Skye’s love and care for their father in his final months, weeks and hours.

Cameron said Mr McLean had loved developing his property and that his dad had kept his sense of humour until the very end.

Mr McLean had never recognised his own achievements, but was quick to recognise the achievements of others, he said.

Cameron urged people to live by Mr McLean’s motto: “life is to be enjoyed, not endured”.

Hollywood stuntman Scott spoke of his love for his father and how he would miss him.

Skye said it was amazing to see so many people gathered to farewell her father.

Renowned horseman Guy McLean competing in an event at the Fraser Coast Show.

She spoke of holding her father’s hand while he took his final breath and how much it meant to have him at home in his final hours.

Skye shared how proud Mr McLean had been of their brother and his son Guy, a renowned horseman.

She said Mr McLean had been Guy’s biggest fan.

The famed horse whisperer could not be at the funeral as he was living in the United States, Skye said.

But a video message from Guy was shared at the funeral in which he recited a poem he wrote for his father when he became sick.

A montage of photos encapsulating Mr McLean’s life set to the song Fields of Gold, along with Up There Cazaly in honour of his love of AFL, was then shared with mourners as the funeral service concluded.

Originally published as Precious memories shared at funeral for Susan River Homestead legend Norm McLean