Sorell truck driver Gary Walker remembered by daughter, family

A Sorell truck driver killed in a rollover on the Arthur Highway has been remembered by his daughter as someone who’d “do anything for anyone” as tributes flow for the community man.

Zoey Walker with her dad Gary, who tragically died in a truck rollover last week.

The teenage daughter of a truck driver killed in a rollover on the Arthur Highway last week has given an emotional tribute to her “best friend” who helped steer many people onto the right path.

Gary Walker was thrown from his vehicle, a truck carrying chickens, on a curve in the road at Eaglehawk Neck on the morning of May 4

His passenger, father Mark Noonan, became trapped in the truck’s cabin when it rolled, but managed to phone for help.

Mr Noonan was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

But Mr Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Daughter Zoey Walker, an 18-year-old personal trainer, told the Mercury she was “the luckiest girl in the world” to have Gary as a dad.

“He made me into the woman I am today, and I am so grateful to carry on my father’s legacy,” she said.

Gary Walker with daughter Zoey as a baby.

Gary Walker was “so proud” at daughter Zoey’s high school graduation, pictured here with partner and Zoey’s mum Sonia Wood.

Mr Walker was born on August 23, 1977, to Mark Noonan and Sally Walker, growing up “well loved and respected” in the community of Sorell.

His family said his “other dad” David Walker showed him a deep love of the bush and helped mould him into the great man he became.

His mother Sally inspired his love of cooking, a woman “he trusted with the world”.

A cabinet maker by trade, Mr Walker later worked in the mines in Western Australia, becoming known among the camps as the “mayor”.

Zoey said on the day of his death, she received more than 20 messages from young men she’d never met, telling her how much her dad changed their lives.

Sorell man Gary Walker died after he lost control of his truck on the Arthur Highway at Eaglehawk Neck on May 4.

“Dad saved lives by pulling people onto the right path, getting them away from gangs or drugs, and getting them jobs or even introducing them to their wives.”

Zoey’s mum Sonia Wood is described by their daughter as “the love of Dad’s life”.

“My mum’s a very strong woman, that’s for sure, but this — for lack of a better word — has ruined her life,” Zoey said.

“They were meant to be together. Soulmates.”

Sorell man Gary Walker died after he lost control of his truck on the Arthur Highway at Eaglehawk Neck.

Mr Walker’s brother Paul and sisters Julie, Katy and Natt were the ones who received the most teasing, but knew they could call him at any point they needed him.

“He would call you at crazy hours of the day just to tell you he loved you, or to tease you so you’d laugh,” Zoey said.

“He was a kid at heart obsessed with the Hulk and superheroes; so much so his body was covered in tattoos of them.

“He loved a good party with a case of beer and could outdrink anyone.”

Gary was an adrenaline junkie, he loved roller-coasters, cars and big trucks.

“There aren’t enough words to describe the amazing and unique man he was. He could cheer you up instantly with a smile, he gave the best hugs and loved so fiercely,” his family said.

For Zoey, she had one final message for her dad: “You always told me I was your life but I never got to tell you, you were mine too.”