The Noosa community was sad to hear of the passing of Peter Mackennal at the age of 78, a resident of Noosa for some 30 years.
A service to commemorate and celebrate Pete’s life was held last Friday and was attended by around 100 people.
Pete was educated in Melbourne and Ballarat at Brighton and Ballarat Grammars and like most young people, had many jobs before he found his niche in the entertainment industry as a manager for a number of rock bands, including The Loved Ones and brought ‘Hair the Musical’ to Australia.
Pete then went on to a career in commerce and hospitality. His list of hotels and restaurants and discotheques included names such as Garrison Discotheque, Babes nightclub at the Chevron and the first gay nightclub in Melbourne, called Chaps Saloon.
When Pete arrived in Noosa, he was full of ideas and enthusiasm which never waned until the day he passed on. He had stints as a tour driver to Fraser Island, owned a restaurant, was maitre’d in a number of others and had a passion for painting, which proved to be a good hobby as he sold many paintings to friends and galleries.
He is fondly remembered by the community for his well spoken, but resonant voice (hence the name “Rowdy”) and for his generosity of spirit and interest in all those that came to know him.
He will be sorely missed by his two daughters, Sammi and Sophie, son-in-law Tony, two grandchildren Lachie and Tom, his wife Natasha, and step-son, Kirill.
Pete’s ‘best mate’ Lyndon Symmonds said, “I think many people will remember Pete for a number of sayings such as when you asked him how he was, he would reply with “not bad for a kid!”
“His vivacious energy and personality will be deeply missed from the community.”
