“John Doust was a marvellous man.”
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Bob Berrigan is remembering and reflecting on his long-time friend who died on Monday this week, aged 85.
“My friendship with John goes back more than 40 years when my family and I opened Berrigan’s Music in August 1975. He was there from that day and did all my advertising for the Manning River Times – he came and collected it and took the photos.”
John loved his music and the men shared a joy of piano playing.
“He contributed so much to our community, entertaining our seniors at nursing homes throughout the Manning, giving his time and talent to enrich the lives of others.
“We spent wonderful, creative times at each other’s homes, sharing music and learning more sing-a-long favourites. John came to many gigs I played at and was on the committee for Morning Melodies for 12 years.
“John and the Manning River Times were instrumental in achieving the Manning Entertainment Centre through constant support and encouragement for our community theatre.” John’s career at the Times started at the age of 13. He began as an apprentice hand and machine compositor on August 5, 1946, in the days of hot metal typesetting and concluded his career in newspapers in 1994, retiring from his position of general manager of the Manning River Times, Wingham Chronicle and Great Lakes Advocate.
“John was a quiet achiever and dedicated to perfecting all his varied fields of endeavour.” He loved his heritage and the Manning Valley and proudly restored the first piano ever brought to the area, by his ancestors. A cycling enthusiast all his life, a highlight was riding his pushbike to Cairns and back at 60.
John wrote a number of history books about the Manning and also spent many years writing the newsletter for the Rotary Club of Taree. He was made a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow this year.
“There is much more that could be said to acknowledge John’s contributions to our community,” said Bob. “He will be remembered by his family, friends and all the people whose lives he has enriched.
“It has been a privilege to have John as my friend and so many wonderful memories of our times together.”
John’s funeral will be held at the Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens at Pampoolah on Monday, November 28, at 9am.
John is survived by his wife Judy, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings Betty and Lindsay.
Lauren Green
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
