By Abbey Cannan
Family and friends have paid tribute to much-loved Noosa North Shore Ferry driver William John Broadhurst after he took his final ferry ride last Friday.
William, also known by loved ones as Bill, spent 31 years as a local ferry driver and left a heart shaped mark on the community.
His family announced his passing at the age of 60 on May 1 2021, shortly after his retirement.
Bills eldest son William Broadhurst said his smile and sense of humour made him very popular amongst the community.
“Being a ferry driver allowed Bill to see and have a chat with mates everyday and also meet new ones, and doing this on the beautiful Noosa river,“ he said.
“A lot of children on their way to school in the morning would have their frowns turned upside down after a chat with Bill.“
William said his father was a very generous man.
“He was generous with his time, resources and energy,“ he said.
“If he had the ability to help someone, either a friend or a stranger, he would.“
His favourite memories with Bill included boating in the Noosa river.
“Taking care of the farm animals, going on a mission to help someone in need, sitting by the lake in the afternoon with a fire, cold beer and a beautiful sunset.“
William said he would like to thank everyone that joined the family in celebrating his Dad’s life.
“It made a very difficult day a lot easier for our family seeing so many people by the lake celebrating our father’s life, we couldn’t be any prouder of him and the person he was.“
Bill leaves behind his beautiful wife Annette, his sons’ William Ernest and Garry John, his daughter-in-laws’ Sherridan and Cassandra and his four delightful granddaughters’ Willow, Summer, Matilda and Delilah.
“I would like dad to be remembered as a jovial, larger than life and generous human who could make you chuckle without saying a word,“ William said.
