A man of integrity!!

Posted by: Carolyn of Townsville   06:12am Thursday 10th November
Comment 51 of 51

I read with shock of Tom's passing in the Cairns Post via the internet. A great man who never let
his politics stand in the way of doing the very best for Mulgrave and Cairns. I just wish there were
more like him. Sincere condolences to Marion and his family.

Posted by: Maryann CRozier of Kirwan   04:51pm Tuesday 8th November
Comment 50 of 51

Vale Tom - sincere condolences to the Pyne family. It was a pleasure to have known you and to have
worked in Local Government with you when I was Shire Chairman in the then Johnstone Shire.

Posted by: Herb LAYT of INNISFAIL   04:39pm Tuesday 8th November
Comment 49 of 51

Just a great bloke that was full of life, has left his mark on cairns forever. You'll be missed big
fella, keep on smiling ;)

Posted by: Phil Plummer of Brisbane   06:42am Tuesday 8th November
Comment 48 of 51

Thanks for so much Tom, always love that ride up the Copperlode and the way you had a foresight, you
were truly one of lifes Gentlemen and have left a legacy forever in the region, your family are
really proud and your legacy there is that they are all achievers and good people making a
difference in peoples lives for the better. RIP Tom and God bless you

Posted by: Mark England of Smithfield   04:33am Tuesday 8th November
Comment 47 of 51

RIP Tom Pyne. A truly great man in all aspects of life - political, family and professional - a
rare combination. My condolences to the Pyne family.

Posted by: Trish McIntyre of Cairns   03:03pm Monday 7th November
Comment 46 of 51

I had dealt with Tom for a number of years through the Cairns & District Chinese Association.
Pleasure to know you Tom May you rest in peace.

Posted by: Chee Loh   12:28pm Monday 7th November
Comment 45 of 51

Gone like a lot of good old Queenslanders from Cairns. A man of great vision; a man of the people.
Condolences to his family.

Posted by: Cheryl Walk of Holloways   05:11pm Sunday 6th November
Comment 44 of 51

Having known Tom for many years first as a Small-goods supplier than as a Bus Driver through
Edmonton.I found Tom to be a great customer and great Friend.Always had a smile and joke for you.My
Condolences to your Family. Vale Tom

Posted by: Dan Metcalfe of Brighton Qld   02:53pm Sunday 6th November
Comment 43 of 51

Condolences to the Pyne family. When I first arrived in Cairns in 1991 to take up the position of
the first Director of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Tom was there to greet me. From that
point on with his serving several terms on the Board of the Authority I was always grateful for his
unconditional support and encouragement for both myself and for the Authority. He always brought
pragmatism to our debates and really cared about the people of the region in his deliberations.
Sadly missed.

Posted by: Peter Hitchcock of Smithfield   10:58pm Saturday 5th November
Comment 42 of 51

Tom Pyne will always be recognized as one of the great mayors of Cairns. There is one aspect he
always looked at when making decisions when he was Mayor and that was what these decisions can do
for Cairns in the future. Not like the current crop, that only want decisions that will benefit
them, first. Commiserations to all.

Posted by: Graham Martin of Darwin   07:22am Saturday 5th November
Comment 41 of 51

As an Edmonton resident of the 70's I remember both Tom and Marion at their highway shop. Even as a
child during this time I found Tom such a friendly and happy man. I was astounded when years later
as an adult, I passed Tom in the streets of Babinda and he remembered me and said hello. To his
family, I hope that someday memories of this wonderful man will bring tears of joy rather than tears
of sadness. Dont cry because it's over.....smile because it happened.

Posted by: Donna Lauridsen (Fletcher) of Babinda   04:46pm Friday 4th November
Comment 40 of 51

Dear Marion, Jo and Robert, my thoughts are with you on this very sad occasion. I have such
wonderful childhood memories of Tom, he was a great man. Renee and family xxx

Posted by: Renee Schneweis of Melbourne   10:35am Friday 4th November
Comment 39 of 51

Like many people who have enjoyed the Tom Pyne ere in Cairns and beyond I celebrate the the life and
legacy of Tom Pyne. A true hearted and passionate humaniterian. My family and I extend our thoughts
and love to Toms loved ones and rejoice in the fact that we shared a little of his life.

Posted by: David Best   08:33am Friday 4th November
Comment 38 of 51

I was a local government reporter on The Cairns Post for a number of years and therefore had a lot
of dealings with Tom. He was an affable man with a great sense of humour and I enjoyed his company
enormously. My abiding memory of Tom will be when he presided over my citizenship ceremony in his
office. After I'd been "done". He turned to my wife and said: "Just think Denise, you'll never have
to sleep with a pommy again". Great bloke and I'm so sorry to see him go.

Posted by: Joihn Shears of Buderim, Queensland   08:15am Friday 4th November
Comment 37 of 51

Thankful for everything northern. All the best in the next world.

Posted by: Jeremy   02:05am Friday 4th November
Comment 36 of 51

Our condolences to the Pyne family, we are so sorry for your loss. Tom wasa genuine good bloke.

Posted by: Robyn and David Busoli of Brisbane   08:47pm Thursday 3rd November
Comment 35 of 51

Vale Tom, and what a footprint he has left in the Far North of Australia. It was an honour to have
been invited to serve with him on the Mulgrave Shire Council - to serve with a man who was
visionary, and always open to suggestions from councillors and constituents. Tom would not be taken
lightly and he called a spade a spade. He was a people’s person through and through and will be
sadly missed by all who knew him – by all who have experienced his leadership, his sincerity, and
his joviality. We thank his family for sharing Tom with us all for so long. Naomi Wilson Former
Division 4 Councillor Mulgrave Shire Council

Posted by: Naomi Wilson   04:47pm Thursday 3rd November
Comment 34 of 51

R.I.P. Tom Pyne you were a true and good man, maybe the last of the really decent Politicians we
will ever see up this way in Local and State Government. You will be greatly missed by those who
were close to you and even those that only knew you from afar.

Posted by: Phil Crockford of Forest Gardens   12:52pm Thursday 3rd November
Comment 33 of 51

Our thoughts are with the Pyne family - another link with the Cairns of old is lost. We remember Tom
as a warm hearted Mayor always having time to listen.

Posted by: Deryck snd Dympna of Machans Beach   10:58am Thursday 3rd November
Comment 32 of 51

RIP Tom, you were indeed a Gentleman and the last of the true civic leaders in this town.

Posted by: Philou   08:25pm Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 31 of 51

Tom Pyne was a great leader and a great character in the Far North. He always had something to say
and it was generally positive. I always enjoyed a chat with him whenever I got the chance at an
event or function. His children Robert and Joann continue his great tradition serving our
community in leadership roles. Our heartfelt condolences go out to them and their entire family
during this difficult time.

Posted by: Jim Turnour of Cairns   07:14pm Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 30 of 51

Great photo, better than the lawn mower one I think. Nevertheless, sadly missed RIP.

Posted by: Barry of Kewarra Beach   10:26am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 29 of 51

One of the North's great leaders, Tom will be missed.

Posted by: Shaun Newman of Townsville N.Q.   09:21am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 28 of 51

Tom, you were a great mayor and a great bloke. It was an absolute pleasure working with you, sharing
your jokes, and your no-nonsense friendship. Oh, and I forgive you for leaving me out of your
book! Gone but not forgotten. Robert

Posted by: Robert Reid of Mareeba   08:58am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 27 of 51

Uncle Tom was my favourite Uncle always pleasant to be around even when as a boy at Deeral he
convinced me that birds eye chillies were cherries and I ate some, he laughed for days. Later when I
established a plant hire business in Cairns he always had helpful advice for me. I will miss him, as
will all the family.

Posted by: Ray Pyne of Caboolture   08:31am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 26 of 51

As a partner of law firm MacDonnells, I acted as local authority lawyer for Mulgrave Shire Council
and Cairns City Council when Tom Pyne was Mayor and Tom regularly phoned me at home at about 7.30
a.m. when he was already at work, seeking my advice about letters to the Editor about which he
objected strongly. He used to say "Sue the b..". I would respond by indicating that that would
publicize the matter all the more and what he objected to was not really defamatory. He then used to
say "You're the best Labor orientated Tory I know - thanks a lot Norman". Tom really was a great
bloke

Posted by: Norman Brown of Now Tinaroo   07:43am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 25 of 51

I knew Tom when I was the AirNiugini Cairns manager between 1984-88 and he was alwaya a helpfiul and
visionary civic leader. My sincere condolences to his family and may Tom rest in peace.

Posted by: Simon Foo   07:41am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 24 of 51

The Man in tyhe Arena. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong
man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man
who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives
valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and
shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great
devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of
high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that
his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt The above quote best describes what Thomas Alfred
Pyne meant to me during the years I spent with him on his beloved trend setting Mulgrave Shire
Council (1976-1994). They were the best years of my political life and if I were able to look in the
recess of his heart, I could confidently say they were also his best public service years. During
my Council years I came across many individuals each one left their own impression. Some reminded me
of feather dusters that couldn’t even make an impression on a cushion let alone on a civil society,
others were like Comets that came from nowhere, were visible for a while had a tail and left no
lasting impression but there was only one Sun that all things revolved around and that sun was Tom
Pyne. When I was first elected in 1976, I had just celebrated my 23rd birthday and Tom Pyne was
Deputy to the then Chairman of the Mulgrave Shire Council, Cr. Ken Alley. The period preceding my
election had been a tumultuous time, indeed similar to this moment where politics prevails at the
expense of good governance. The Marlin Coast felt particularly aggrieved which lead to my election
1n 1976, together with Wendell Hearl and George Hudson. With the retirement in 1979 of Cr Alley,
Tom Pyne nominated for Chairman and was elected unopposed. I too had the privilege in 1979 of been
elected unopposed in my Division. There were a numerous issues that lead to a professional and
personal friendship to develop. The very first of these issues was the extension to the Council
Chambers. We harnessed our energies to convince Council not to move the Council Chambers to Burpu,
next to the ‘Coral Drive In’ picture theatre. There was much angst for this move and we spent
endless hour researching and then trying to convince Council not to do so. In the end we were
successful and as a compromise extensions were added to the Council Chamber on the
Esplanade. Political infighting that had featured and destabilised preceding Councils was
eradicated through hard work and the respect garnered through Tom’s tireless work ethic and his
unique ability to communicate with you and not talk at you and his passion for the job he loved so
dearly. He transformed a once divide Council into a Council that became a trend setter to other
local government entities where public infrastructure particularly on the Marlin Coast kept pace
with development. Libraries, swimming pools, sporting grounds were constructed at no cost to
residents. It stands as a proud testament to his managerial skills that at the time of amalgamation
with Cairns City cash reserves in the Mulgrave Shire were in excess of $35 ML. His ALP life
membership presented by Bill Hayden in 1985, was put aside the moment he talked Council business. He
often recounted how Sir Joh, then Premier of Queensland would often call at his modest Edmonton home
to pay a courtesy visit and share a cup of tea. In fact I would say he had more support from the
National/Liberal Party and supporters then his own side of politics. He withstood at times sustained
political pressure from the ALP to be critical of the Coalition Government at times at his own
expense. It was ironic that the only election he ever lost was following Mr. Ray Jones member for
Cairns retirment. Tom nominated for the ALP endorsement for the seat of Cairns and much to my
surprise and to that of Council, he did not get the endorsement with the ALP preferring Mr. Keith
Delacy who then went on to become Queensland Treasurer in the Goss Government in 1989. The ALP’s
loss became Mulgrave Shire gain. He did not resort to bitterness or recrimination but turned the
adversity into a positive for the Council he loved and made it a 24 hrs 7 day a week passion. I owe
what I have learnt politically through the guidance of Tom Pyne. He taught me that the residents
always came first, that the role of a Councillor was a 24hr commitment and that party politics
should play no part in local government. He also taught me that Developers must pay their way and
that development should not be at the expense of ratepayers and that infrastructure should keep
ahead of population growth. Above all he thought me the art of communication and the need for
meaningful public participation. There was no need for spin like there is today. His lasting legacy
which I hope the current Cairns Regional Council should take on board is that residents always come
first and that politics should play absolutely no part in the decision making process of local
government. He never took a holiday and never appeared to be stressed or overcome with the work
load. He often said to me he had no need for a holiday ‘cause if you love your job that in itself
was the equivalent of a holiday’. The last time I chatted with Tom was about the current local
government state of affairs was only 2 weeks ago when he suggested that I should stand for Division
9. I enjoyed our chats and we would often recount numerous moments of achievement, laughter and
fellowship that symbolised the Mulgrave Shire Council. To Marion, Joann, Rob and their families, my
heartfelt condolence is extended to you. At this moment you are consumed by grief and sadness but
you have every right to feel proud and thankful for the legacy Tom leaves behind with the knowledge
that whatever he did he did it from the heart. Thank you for the uncompromised support you gave Tom
and for allowing him to follow his heart and instinct. Thank you for standing behind him as he
guided Cairns and region through years of growth. Finally, thank you Tommy for your mentoring for
which I will be eternally grateful.

Posted by: Ross Parisi of Smithfield   06:19am Wednesday 2nd November
Comment 23 of 51

When we first settled in Cairns, Tom Pyne was Mayor and my husband received his citizenship from
Mayor Pyne. Tom Pyne was the people's Mayor, always having the time of the day to listen to
everyone. He was one of a kind and we shall miss him.

Posted by: Lai Chu Chan of Gordonvale   08:52pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 22 of 51

Political opponent ore not, but I've always had my respect for Tom. He could listen and handle
other peoples mine. Thank you,may Tom rest in peace.

Posted by: Karl Kobler of Mooroobool   08:45pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 21 of 51

On being informed of Tom's death on Sunday evening, I went to my bookshelf and retieved my copy of
"Up Front" Toms story. I sat and thumbed the pages time and again as I reflected on man who was as
Peter Robinson stated indeed "both boss and mate". As I reflect there are many memories of Tom which
bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. I give thanks to God for Tom's life, I weep at Tom's
death as Christ Jesus wept at the death of his mate Lazerus and yet, I am also realistic that death
will also come to me and thus I place my trust in God for my eternal future. This brings a great
sense of peace. God's peace be with us all. CHAPLAIN Ian LINDSAY RAN HMAS ALBATROSS NSW

Posted by: Ian Lindsay of Nowra NSW   08:04pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 20 of 51

Our deepest sympathy to the Pyne family. Thanks to Tom for all he has done for Cairns over the
years.

Posted by: Birte & Tore Linde of Manoora   06:55pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 19 of 51

TOM IS ESPECIALLY REMEMBERED BY ALL OF OUR FAMILY AS A TRUE FRIEND, TOM THE MAN WAS A 100% PEOPLE
PERSON HE WAS ALWAYS THERE WHEN HE WAS NEEDED AND MOST GENEROUS WITH HIS TIME, THEY COME LIKE HIM
ANYMORE, OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.

Posted by: DENIS BAMGART of BRISBANE   04:54pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 18 of 51

I had the privilege of working with Tom over a 25 year period and particularly during my 13 years as
President of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. He was always a strong and forceful advocate for
Cairns and even though we had our disagreements over a few issues, we were able to remain mates. Bev
and I will always have fond memories of Tom and we are saddened by his passing.

Posted by: Frans Hamer   04:21pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 17 of 51

Very sad to hear about Tom. He was a true gentleman and never failed to aknowledge and speak to you
when we met. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Rex and Jean Gardner of Edmonton.   03:41pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 16 of 51

A great Mayor. RIP Tom.

Posted by: Jim of Cairns   02:52pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 15 of 51

To Marion, Robert, Jo and families, Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Tom
will be remembered firstly as a wonderful husband and father. His contribution to the community and
helping others over his entire lifetime will always serve as an example to all on how we should lead
our lives. His personal interest and support of St John's Greek Orthodox Parish in Cairns has
assisted St John's in delivering much needed Community Care Services in Far North Queensland. His
Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia conveys his
sympathy and thoughts to the family at this sad time and acknowledges Tom's great contribution to
the people of Cairns and Queensland. St. John's Greek Orthodox Parish of Cairns prayers salute
Tom and thank him for his friendship. We salute you. May Tom's Memory be forever eternal. St
John's Greek Orthodox Parish of Cairns.

Posted by: Greek Orthodox Parish of Cairns   02:27pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 14 of 51

Although a political opponent of mine when I was the Liberal Member for Barron River, I had a
healthy respect for Tom and considered him to be a worthy Mayor for our city. He was very
approachable, a real people person with an infectious laugh who in spite of our political
differences, was (nearly) always a good friend to me. Rest in peace Tom.

Posted by: Lyn Warwick of Caravonica   02:24pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 13 of 51

Hi robbie from myself and the GROGAN family our hearts go out to you for the loss of a good man and
friend may he always look over your family always catch u mate

Posted by: Richard Grogan   01:53pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 12 of 51

Our family has been very fortunate to have Tom as a close neighbour for the past eight years.We were
very sad to hear that Tom had passed away so suddenly. Our family will very much miss our lovely
neighbour. We will miss Tom's infectious laugh and smiles and calling in for a "cuppa" We will
miss you Tom.

Posted by: Kerry and Richard Taylor of Bentley Park   01:36pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 11 of 51

What a terrible shock and loss for Tom's family and the city of Cairns. Tom was larger than life,
and was very well respected by all who came into contact with him. Condolences to his family &
friends.

Posted by: Steve P of Edmonton   01:14pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 10 of 51

A true gentleman and visionary, a huge loss for the Cairns Region. My thoughts are with his amazing
family. RIP Tom.

Posted by: Janine Aitken of Cairns   01:06pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 9 of 51

Very sad to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts are with Marion, Rob and Joanne. He will be sadly
missed. A man of vision;a man of the people;a man of stature.

Posted by: roz bailey of earlville   12:28pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 8 of 51

Very sad to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts are with Marion, Rob and Joanne. He will be sadly
missed. A man of vision;a man of the people;a man of stature.

Posted by: roz bailey of earlville   12:28pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 7 of 51

To the pyne family many condolences go out to you . I started on Mulgrave Shire Council in august,
1989. On many of times Ihave listened to tom on the old 4ca program with John Mac Kenzie .tom was a
hard worker in developing cairns on what it is today. Ithink he was one of those old north
oueenslands charaeters that enjoy a beer & a laugh and a good old yarn .Just to see tom at a
funchion was a delight and I am sure that tom will be sadly missed by the people who knew him not
only he served on the council, he was also actire on the board of the old FNQEB now ERGON and other
departments.Tom was a good commuity person and will be remembered by his acheivements.

Posted by: John Fatnowna   12:17pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 6 of 51

We owe much to Tom and his vision and determination for Cairns. He was a driving force behind the
Cairns international airport, re-development of the Cairns forshore, and the Council complex in
Spence Street. He had his enemies and I well recall the taunts and jeering of John Mackenzie on
radio 4CA wherein Mackenzie spitefully described the new Council offices as "a memorial to an ego"
and "a white elephant". (Sound familiar?) Tom's plans for the redevelopment of the Cairns esplanade
mudflats also attracted strong opposition from Mackenzie and his listeners initially, but they were
unable to gain traction in the community because of the determination of Tom's Council to go ahead.
Tom was again one of the first to see the benefits accruing from a Cultural Precinct in Cairns and
he was an avid supporter of the current Cairns Entertainment Precinct. Tom was truly a fine,
visionary leader for Cairns and the Far North! Condolences to his family.

Posted by: Alison Alloway of Cairns   12:15pm Tuesday 1st November
Comment 5 of 51

Sincere condolences to Marion and family. RIP Tom.

Posted by: Peter & Gail Till of Edmonton   11:41am Tuesday 1st November
Comment 4 of 51

very sad news, R.I.P. Condolences to his family.

Posted by: Eeeek of Cairns   11:07am Tuesday 1st November
Comment 3 of 51

Tom was a marvellous people person - and he really cared about the battler.Many times during his
long period as Shire ChairmanI would be in his office with a problem from a client- he would
instantly get the relevant shire officer on the speaker phone - put the problem to him - and then
ask what could be done to help. There was nowhwere for the officail to hide - he had to explain
himself in front of the ratepayer and his Boss. It was direct democracy in action - and if he
could'nt adequately explain himself - then he was told what to do . If his explanation made sense -
as it often did - then at leats the ratepayer had been listened to and given a fair hearing- and
usually was prepared to accept that Tom had sone what he could. What impressed avery young lawyer
was that it didnt matter who you were Tom still helped - so the little man got the same help that
the big noises in Town did. He was a truly wonderful man - and the world will be a lot poorer with
his passing. My very sincere condolences to his wonderful wife Marion- who put up with Tom treating
half the town as his family and also to his children . You had a father you can be absolutely proud
of.

Posted by: John Bottoms of cairns   11:01am Tuesday 1st November
Comment 2 of 51

To the Pyne family, and to the citizens of Cairns, on behalf of my father, Kevin James Hyde, a life
member of the Australian Labor Party, Dad expresses the following: It is with sincere regret I have
learned of this sad news. It is indeed sad news for all the citizens of Cairns, who Tom served with
zeal and determination for almost 50 years. He was a decent man, who dealt with decent people. He
had now gone home to God, and I shall miss his friendship, trust and good faith. Farewell my old
friend. Kevin James Hyde, Holy Spirit - Mary Potter Home for the Aged, Woree.

Posted by: Kevin Eugene HYDE of Cabarlah, Queensland.   10:46am Tuesday 1st November
Comment 1 of 51