Lovable larrikin sorely missed

Andrew Korner | 4th September 2009

FAMILY members of a Peak Crossing man killed in an horrific car accident at Raceview say they are still coming to grips with their loss.

Anthony Woodford, 44, died when his ute hit a tree at the centre of a busy roundabout on South Station Road early Saturday morning.

The cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Mr Woodford's three brothers and parents yesterday spoke of a loving, generous man who had a keen sense of humour and a strong sense of family.

“He was fairly quiet growing up, but later on he became a larrikin,” his mother Gabrielle said.

The third oldest of four boys, he would never hesitate to stick up for brothers Shayne, Chris and Michael.

“If one of us was into a fight we would all be there,” Chris said.

“We were all still close - Anthony was a party person and we were always up at his place and we all worked in a similar industry.”

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain uncertain, although Chris believes his lost brother had dropped a friend off at Booval shortly before the tragedy.

“He was the sort of person that would help anyone, he would drop everything to help someone out or give them a lift home - it wouldn't matter what time it was,” Shayne said.

“I'll always be proud to call him my brother.”

Born in Ipswich, Mr Woodford attended St Edmond's College and was interested in sport rather than academia.

He loved his rugby league and played for Brothers as a junior.

Employment varied from working as a loader driver at the Dinmore meatworks to working as a leading hand for Claypave, but he also fancied himself as a handyman and his pride and joy was the bar he made for his own house at Peak Crossing.

The handyman project was called the “Thataldo” bar - accurately reflecting Mr Woodford's approach to carpentry.

“He was a good son, always having a go at you, having a joke or pulling your leg, just keeping you on your toes,” Gabrielle said. “I just still can't believe he is gone.”

Mr Woodford left behind his 13-year-old daughter Kari and 11-year-old son Liam.

His funeral will be held at St Mary's Ipswich today at 10am.

Mr Woodford will be buried at Warrill View Lawn Cemetery before a wake is held at the Peak Pub, Peak Crossing.

The Woodford family thanked the Peak Crossing pub for its support during a difficult time.