Stalwart

NAR Nar Goon identity Bernie John Byrne passed away at home on Good Friday, aged 84.
Bernie, described by family as a mover and shaker, died after being diagnosed with lung and liver cancer two-and-a-half months ago.
He worked tirelessly for the Nar Nar Goon community – he was on its recreation reserve and hall committees and involved with the football club.
Bernie, renowned for his ditties at the annual Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) dinner, was also the organiser for the annual Nar Nar Goon Christmas Festival.
His love for the community earned him the shire’s two biggest accolades – the Citizen of the Year award and Stan Henwood Award.
Bernie’s son Maurice and future daughter-in-law Lorna Willis said Bernie was a man with an “amazing sense of humour” who simply loved Nar Nar Goon. “What he has left behind is a legacy,” Lorna said.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said Nar Nar Goon had lost a true asset to the community. “From the day he arrived in Nar Nar Goon as a young man he worked tirelessly for the community,” Cr Pearson said. “He had a great love of the history of his family and people, but he was always a forward looking person. He loved Nar Nar Goon with a passion.”
Bernie’s death came just weeks after he finished his book My Side of the Black Stump, a collection of memoirs, poems and anecdotes.
Lorna said it was fortunate he finished the book; although she was sure Bernie had more stories to tell. “He could’ve easily written two or three more sequels,” she said.
A funeral service will be held for Bernie at 1pm Thursday at St James Catholic Church in Nar Nar Goon.
There will be a procession around the town and the football ground in honour of him.
Bernie will then be laid to rest next to his late wife Phyllis, who he affectionately called Pie, at the Pakenham Cemetery.