Chippy’s Wake
A good bloke honoured
There’s been quite a few informal get togethers over the last week or so to farewell one of Ports most loved characters, but today it was an organised event.
54-year-old Chris McMullen or ‘Chippy’ as he was known in Port Douglas, left many shocked when he passed away suddenly from what’s believed to be a heart attack. He complained to mates he was having a few chest pains but thought things would pan out ok. Unfortunately, that was not to be. Chippy travelled all over Australia as a builder, including stints in Darwin and Kalgoorlie but Port Douglas ended up his ‘spiritual’ home. His sister Lisa says Chippy loved Port Douglas and the people who live here and that was no more evident than today.
Double Wake
His family held a ‘twin’ memorial in his hometown of Temora in NSW.
He made so many friends in the Douglas and has been described as a kind man who would help anyone. Today, close to 200 people gathered at the 4 Mile Tavern to raise a glass to his memory. The Tavern was Chippy’s favourite drinking hole.
Tears were shed
Parents Aileen and Paul also lost Chippy’s brother Wayne 30 years ago, so this second loss has hit them hard. Today it was time to tell some Chippy yarns, have a few laughs and yes, even shed a tear or two. One of his best friends, George Schreiber told Newsport ‘the turnout today just shows you how much Chippy was loved by the community.” It’s expected the family will travel to Port Douglas at a future date to thank as many of his friends as possible for their kindness and respect.