Several businesses to temporarily close to honour Wally French

Several businesses in Rockhampton will close their doors temporarily to honour the life of a popular automotive technician who will be remembered as always having ‘a smile on his face’, following his tragic passing on Boxing Day.

Wally French passed away suddenly on December 26. Supplied: Facebook

Friends and co-workers have shown an outpouring of love and respect for beloved automotive technician Walter “Wally” French as a number of businesses in Rockhampton close their doors temporarily to honour his life.

The 56-year-old father tragically passed away on Boxing Day in 2024.

Fitzroy Funerals will be holding a service for the popular Robo’s Workshop employee on January 15.

The business is one of several that will close to allow people the chance to remember Wally.
Fulcrum Rockhampton, Tom Leyden Tyre and Mechanical and CQ Manual Gearbox and Diff Centre will also close to honour him.

Friends and co-workers have shown an outpouring of love and respect for beloved automotive technician Walter “Wally” French as a number of businesses in Rockhampton close their doors temporarily to honour his life.

Peter Robinson from Fulcrum Rockhampton said Wally was a long-term employee and a genuine, hardworking man.

“He was a good, kind person, and he worked with us for over 16 years,” Peter said.

“I never heard a bad word about him, he was a genuine bloke with very good morals.

“He was a hard worker, and a good family man.
“We’re going to miss him.”
Trudi Robinson from Tom Leyden Tyre and Mechanical said Wally was a special person who always had a smile on his face.

“Wally was the type of guy, that as soon as you met him, you knew you were going to be friends,” Trudi said.

Wally French, who passed away suddenly on December 26, has been described as someone who was “a mate to many”.

“He always had a smile on his face, but you were never sure if it was because he was about to do something cheeky or he was just smiling.

“He was a very special person and I’m glad I got to call him my friend.

“I will think of him often and smile. I’m blessed that my family and I got to spend the time we did with him and create such special memories and he will never be forgotten.”

The funeral service will be held at the Rockhampton Crematorium at 9am.

In the funeral notice posted to Facebook, Wally was described as “a mate to many”.

Underneath, Maryana Pariss Purnell posted “Rest in peace Wally you were the nicest neighbour, I’ll miss our chats and making you laugh.”

Originally published as Several businesses to temporarily close to honour Wally French