‘Searching for answers’: Family’s heartbreaking tribute to NT cattlmen’s hero Luke Bowen
Luke Bowen’s family has paid tribute to the icon of Australia’s agriculture sector as a devoted family man and charming ‘golden boy’ whose tragic passing caused ‘unimaginable pain’ to the many who loved him.
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Luke Bowen’s family has paid tribute to the icon of Australia’s agriculture sector as a fierce advocate, devoted family man, and charming “golden boy” whose death caused “unimaginable pain” to the many who loved him.
Hundreds gathered to honour the former head of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association at an emotional state funeral in Darwin on Tuesday.
Son Jourdan Bowen said his earliest memories were of adventures with his dad, whose “absence will be felt for the rest of my life”.
“He made me feel as though I was the centre of his world,” Jourdan said.
“Somehow he found the time to give so much to others.
“He was an amazing multidisciplinary man, spending time with him would usually come with the revelation Luke had another secret skill.
“Dad I love you, thank you, and I am proud of you.”
It was a sentiment echoed by youngest stepson Harry Hayes – whose cattleman dad also tragically died in 2016.
“Just like everyone else I was in awe of Luke,” Harry said.
“He spent hours in the shed teaching me.
“No matter how much was on his plate he’d take the time.”
Throughout a varied career in government and leadership roles, Mr Bowen was particularly remembered for his strong and strategic NTCA leadership during the 2011 ban on live exports to Indonesia.
Former NTCA president Tom Stockwell described Mr Bowen’s “sheer heroism” steering the NT cattle industry through its biggest crisis.
“Simply put, when people needed help Luke stepped up and got to work,” Mr Stockwell said.
“He did all of this under the spotlight of media and political critics … but despite all was respected by friends and foe alike.
“Luke had a beautiful soul, pure intent, and genuine compassion, all wrapped in those annoyingly boyish good looks and a full head of expertly coiffured hair.
“He was and will forever remain a hero of our cattle community, the NT and beyond.”
Mr Bowen’s partner Tracey Hayes described the moment the usually positive and energetic man “hit a wall” not long into his new job as inaugural chief executive of Cattle Australia last year.
What came next, she said, was an 18 month battle with his “brain illness” until he died last month, aged 60.
“Luke my love you have left us searching for answers with unimaginable pain in our hearts,” she said.
“Unfulfilled dreams where you featured in the next chapter.
“But also a feeling of richness for having loved you and been loved by you.
“It takes our breath away when we reflect on the depth of this loss.”
Memories shared included Mr Bowen learning to ride motocross in his 50s to keep an eye on his stepsons – the new hobby quickly leading to a broken collarbone.
In his younger days Mr Bowen’s surf life saving skills helped save a life, he was always counted on to reel in a meal, and his “unique” dance style made an appearance whenever he had the chance.
The youngest of seven children born to Perth farmers, his eldest brother Damien said Mr Bowen had always been the “much loved golden boy”.
“He had a sunny and gregarious nature from the start,” he said.
“What you saw was the genuine article.”
Ms Hayes’ brother Ken Napier remembered Mr Bowen as “a mate, a mentor and a role model”.
“He could cook like Gordon Ramsey, he looked like a film star
“He was kind, and did not raise his voice … he was a symbol of hard work.”
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro gave her condolences to the family on behalf of the Northern Territory.
“The territory and this nation has lost a respected leader,” she said.
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Originally published as ‘Searching for answers’: Family’s heartbreaking tribute to NT cattlmen’s hero Luke Bowen
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