February 12, 2014
The funeral for former Kingaroy Shire chairman Bob Downes will be held in Kingaroy on Tuesday morning.
The Ironpot grazier – and former long-serving member of Kingaroy Shire Council – died last night from cancer, aged 79.
Mr Downes was the son of John Downes, one of the first European settlers in the Ironpot region.
He attended Ironpot School and Gatton College before returning home to manage the family property.
He was elected to the Kingaroy Shire Council in 1969 and was voted in as Chairman in 1990, replacing Warren Truss who later entered federal politics.
After a career in local politics spanning more than 27 years, Mr Downes announced he had decided not to contest the 1997 elections so he could spend more time working on his farm.
South Burnett mayor Wayne Kratzmann paid tribute today to Mr Downes, saying he was a wonderful gentleman and a tremendous advocate for rural people.
“His community work was outstanding, especially in the Ironpot and Burrandowan areas where he was second to none,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
“He was very astute and was held in high esteem by all the other mayors. It is a huge loss.”
A funeral service will be held from 10:00am next Tuesday at Virgo’s Chapel at Taabinga Cemetery.
Mr Downes is survived by his wife Peg, five daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
NB. southburnett.com.au’s office is located in the Bob Downes Administration Centre at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre which was named after the former Mayor when it was opened in 1999.
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