On Thursday morning, February 15, Austin Hanna died peacefully.
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The previous day, he felt disoriented, and used his Vital Call pendant to call for an ambulance to Moruya Hospital.
In the morning, after suggesting to Sally, his daughter, to get some sleep after her all-night vigil, he too went to sleep. Just how he wanted.
Arriving on the South Coast some 40 years ago from the Upper Murray, he quickly settled into Narooma, working willingly and enthusiastically with the community.
A firm advocate of active participation, he and Marjorie become part of the Narooma community through many different activities.
He would not like the fuss we will make in celebrating his life.
Proud, yet not boastful of his contribution, he worked tirelessly with Legacy making sure his legatees knew someone was watching over them.
The day before his death, he was active in raising funds from his “12 holers” at the golf club.
The Narooma Golf Club was his passion. His capacity to engage and bring people on the journey enabled its magnificent layout and commanding position, to be transformed to an icon destination on the South Coast.
As a powerful advocate for his community, he travelled all over to promote Narooma Golf Club.
Austin was a great friend, father, grandfather, and community member.
A mind that was always open; not afraid to listen, understand and adopt if the argument could stand scrutiny.
He had an amazing knowledge and ability to grasp concepts, regardless of the complexity or area of conversation.
He had a wonderful understanding of all things, and found it easy ‘to join the dots’, as they would say.
He also had a wicked sense of humour and enjoyment of the absurdities of life.
He may have been getting on in years, but he was never old in his attitude.
His sudden death is a shock. He was enduring presence in all our lives - you just expected him to be there forever.
That he is not will take a lot for us to come to terms with.
He was a reasonable man, always fair and honourable.
He had an intimate understanding of his role in community; to help where he could, with no thought of reward.
His would say the greatest gift you could give, was the one that no one knew of.
Once the sadness has passed, I am sure we will rejoice in the knowledge of knowing such a man and his wonderful appreciation of, and capacity to live life.
