His death is recorded in these columns if, for no other reason, than his close family ties to co-founders of Wauchope, and this newspaper.

People who knew Allan will remember that we were mates for 72 years. He was my bus-kid mate, my classmate throughout our public education, my premiership footy teammate, my army service mate, my Star Bar mate in Rotary, and in 1960, he stood for me as my best man.

Throughout his education years, Allan was an accomplished student. However, he chose to enter the Wauchope CBD rather than pursue an academic career.

Home furnishing was his passion, so much so that for some time, he conducted his own business. He later worked as a barman before returning to building services in blinds and awnings in both Port Macquatrie and Townsville.

At his death, Allan was several weeks shy of turning 81. He was the eldest son of the late Jean and Skinner Bain whose family home was in Gowrie Road.

His sister, Margaret Palmer, lives in Bonny Hills and his younger brother, Ian (Skinner) is in Port Macquarie.

Allan will be deeply missed by his wife of 48 years, Kaye, and children, Tania and Travis.

Rest in peace.