January 31, 2019
A funeral service was held in Kingaroy on Thursday for well-known local resident Wayne Collier.
Wayne, 70, formerly managed the South Burnett Enterprise Centre in Kingaroy, and worked on a number of economic development projects in conjunction with Kingaroy Shire Council, the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Nanango Chamber of Commerce.
He worked on “buy local” campaigns and shopping competitions, and also promoted South Burnett produce at markets in Brisbane.
Along with his wife Thelma – a popular local artist – Wayne ran a catering business in Kingaroy for some time.
He also sold promotional gift lines and products through his “Events Made Easy” business.
In later years, he was an enthusiastic volunteer at the Kingaroy Museum and the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre.
Before coming to Kingaroy, Wayne ran a successful sewage pumping business at Crows Nest.
He was often spotted around Kingaroy waving to friends from his car, which still proudly carried a “Poo” number plate.
The funeral, led by Pastor Keven Beier and Pastor Jim Heberle, was held at the Salvation Army Hall in Alford Street.
The building was packed with friends and relatives for the occasion.
The eulogy was delivered by Wayne’s brother Barry, who reminisced about Wayne’s sense of humour, love of life and the many career choices he had made along the way … from delivery boy and trainee draughtsman to car salesman.
Wayne died in hospital in Brisbane on January 17 after being diagnosed with cancer several years earlier.
He is survived by Thelma and two adult children from his first marriage, Glyn and Casey, and four grandchildren.
Wayne was a wonderful man and an amazing cousin. He had an incredible sense of humour. He will always be remembered as a great man.