Fatal crash of a gentle giant

Andy Meek, second from left, has been remembered as “one-of-a-kind” after he died when his bike crashed on Sunday 9 October. Andy’s friend, Joe Dawe, second from right, was with him until the end. Picture: SUPPLIED

A NOOSAVILLE man who died in a motorbike accident on Sunday has been remembered as one of a kind, a man with a heart of gold.
Andy Meek died when his bike crashed in the Mary Valley near Imbil on 9 October about 10.30am.
Police reported it appeared Mr Meek failed to make a left-hand turn at the bend and had gone over the embankment.
According to Senior Constable Bill Greer Queensland Ambulance Services and the rescue flight helicopter responded to the crash, but after working on him for “a considerable amount of time”, Mr Meek died at the scene from his injuries.
Members of the Forensic Crash Unit are still investigating at the scene, but friends of Mr Meek’s have remembered him as an outstanding man.
Mr Meek trained at Combat Self Defence with Shihan Martin Day, who has remembered him as “one-of-a-kind” who will be sorely missed.
“I first met Andy just over six years ago when he came along to train with us … along with his best mate and fellow 2nd Dan Black Belt Joe Dawe,” Mr Day said.
“Andy was a big man not only in physique but also in his heart. His biceps were as big as my thighs and he had to walk almost sideways to get through doors as he had a 60-inch plus chest!”
Mr Day said the dentist and former competitive bodybuilder was always happy, had a heart of gold and possessed drive, determination and professionalism in everything he did.
“He will be sorely missed by his fellow dental staff and all of his patients,” Mr Day said.
Mr Day said Andy was an accomplished martial artist and self-defence instructor.
“Andy was a great instructor and role model for all of our students and he stood in for me on a number of occasions when I was abroad running our junior and senior classes,” he said.
“He never missed classes or courses, and he was always polite and respectful and keen to not only further his skills but to pass the skills I taught him to all of the students aged seven to 64 years old.
Mr Day said everyone seemed to gel to Andy and often spoke of how gentle and polite he was.
“We are all so sad that Andy has gone and our condolences go to his wife Gill, their families and friends,” Mr Day said. “Going to miss him a lot.”