Tributes flow for Emu Park drowning victim Peter Anthony ‘Scruffy’ Coogan

A colourful Queensland fisherman known to loved ones as “Scruffy” has been remembered as a great mate who was “always taking take of everyone” after he died while trying to retrieve his boat.

Peter Coogan has been remembered as a “genuine bloke”. Picture: Contributed

An Emu Park man who tragically drowned while trying to retrieve his boat at the Capricorn Coast last weekend has been remembered as a “genuine bloke” who loved to fish and was “always looking out for people”.

Peter Anthony Coogan, known to some as Scruffy, died on Sunday after he went to retrieve his boat at the Emu Park boat ramp at Fisherman’s Landing about 1am.

A funeral notice published by Finlayson and McKenzie read that the 66-year-old was a “much loved brother, uncle, best fishing mate and friend to many”.

Peter’s nephew Jack Young said he had known his uncle all his life and that he was “always taking care of everyone”.

“He was good, caring, helpful,” he said.

“Always looking out for people.

Peter Coogan. Picture: Contributed

“Always outdoors, keen to fish. He was always doing it.”

Jack, who is 36 years old and works in the mining industry in Central Queensland, said his uncle Peter was originally from the Sydney area but had lived in Emu Park for about 40 years.

He said Peter had two sisters and brothers, as well as several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Peter’s nickname Scruffy came from his long hair and beard, Jack explained.

Peter Coogan. Picture: Contributed

Early memories Jack shared of his uncle included fishing, trips away and camping.

“He was a good guy that will be missed by anyone that crossed paths with him,” he said.

Peter worked at The Hydraulic Shop in Rockhampton as a machinist for about 25 years.

The Hydraulic Shop owner Kelly Manns said he had known Peter for about four and a half years and that they were friends.

Peter Coogan with Matt Meggle. Picture: Contributed

“Pete was here from the start,” he said.

“He was known as Esky in the shop because he would always come to work with his little blue Esky with his lunch in it.

“He was just a genuine bloke.

“Loved his fishing, loved his boats.

Peter Coogan (right) with Peter Meggle. Picture: Contributed

“When he would go out fishing he used to bring fresh fish in for a barbecue after a big weekend fishing for the boys to have a barbecue with.”

Kelly said Peter was a “very valued member of the team”.

“His knowledge and his expertise were very highly valued,” he said.

“The young fellas really looked up to him for the machining side of things and they all enjoyed working down in his area with him in their rotation around the workshop.

Peter Coogan. Picture: Contributed

“In the later years he really took to the apprentices and helped them.

“He wanted to see these young fellas really succeed.”

A funeral service will be held for Peter at the Lions Shack Emu Park at 10.30am on Thursday, August 8.

The Hydraulic Shop will be closed on Thursday as a mark of respect to Peter.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Emu Park drowning victim Peter Anthony ‘Scruffy’ Coogan