‘One you could always count on’: family’s tribute to Flinders Island father and husband

A Flinders Island man hit and killed earlier in the month is being remembered by his family as a “fierce protector of family and friends”.

David Stanley Bailey, 61, is being remembered as a loyal and devoted father and husband after his passing in August. Picture: supplied

A Flinders Island man, a popular mechanic who had also served as a volunteer firefighter there for 30 years, has been remembered as a “fierce” family protector and a much-loved member of the local community.

David Stanley Bailey, of Lackranam was Flinders Island born and raised. The 61-year-old father of two was killed on August 17 after being hit by a police vehicle, at night, while walking along Lady Barron Rd.

The incident rocked the community, where Mr Bailey was a volunteer firefighter and operated the family mechanic business D.D & G.I. Bailey. His funeral was held on Monday.

David Bailey, second from right, with his son David Jr., wife Marguerite and daughter Tara. Picture: supplied

Mr Bailey’s son, David Jr, as well as the Bailey family, remembered Mr Bailey as “loyal, devoted and loving” towards family and friends and someone who was always willing to lend a hand.

“He was fierce in his protection of his family and he was the one you could always count on,” David Jr said.

“He would always go out of his way to help others and always placed himself second.

“He was a mentor and father figure to many.

“He was a larrikin, cheeky in his humour and always had time for a chat.

“He was extremely hard working and was always working or progressing something – he hated sitting still. David loved life and lived life to the full always.”

David Bailey with his wife Marguerite. Picture: supplied

Mr Bailey was also the president of the Furneaux Island Motocross Club where he celebrated his love of the outdoors.

His connection to community and grassroots organisations meant his passing has deeply affected the tight-knit Flinders Island area.

The local Flinders Island Anglican Church dedicated a Monday service to praying for the Bailey family, with David Jr stating his dad was “extremely well-respected”.

“David’s passing is a significant loss for the Flinders Island community and he was extremely well-respected and loved, not only locally but also in the Furneaux group and Tasmania generally,” he said.

“He owned and operated the mechanic business on the island known as D.D. & G.I. Bailey with his wife Marguerite and his mother Gwen.

David Stanley Bailey, 61, was born and spent his life on Flinders Island. Picture: supplied

“The business is a family-owned business and has been operating for over 50 years and was started by David’s father, another much loved Island identity, Don Bailey.

“He has trained and employed over 18 apprentices and employed a significant amount of locals and his mechanical knowledge was valued highly by all.”

David Jr said his father was the foundation of the family,

“He can never be replaced but we will all do our best to make him proud and ensure his legacy lives on in all of us,” he said.