Mountain of a man

MOUNT Evelyn has been left reeling following the sudden death of one of its gentle giants.
Bernie Doolan, 67, has been remembered as a man who always offered a helping hand.
He died suddenly at his daughter’s farm near Pyramid Hill in northern Victoria on 23 March. However, the cause of death is still not known.
More than 300 people gathered at the Heritage Pioneer Chapel in Woori Yallock to farewell the Mount Evelyn CFA life member.
Close friend and former Mount Evelyn CFA captain Ken Reed said Mr Doolan was a great guy who “never had a bad word to say about anyone’’.
“He never had a cross word to say against anyone and was always honest,” Mr Reed added.
The pair, who had known each other since they were 15, worked side by side at the fire brigade and as school bus drivers.
Mr Doolan followed his mate into the CFA in the early 1960s.
“He was my first lieutenant for 26 years,” Mr Reed said.
Mr Doolan’s talents’ were soon recognised and he was elected to a senior officer position in 1961. He held this role for more than 40 years.
In his 50 yeas as a CFA volunteer, Mr Doolan served as a strike team leader in fires across Victoria and in three campaigns in New South Wales.
Despite retiring from his position, he still remained a valued member of the brigade – even putting pen to paper to write the history of the brigade.
Mr Reed said Mr Doolan was also instrumental in helping to raise much needed cash.
“He started our garage sale, which has been a great success for the brigade and brought in a lot of money,” Mr Reed said.
Mr Reed said Mr Doolan was always there for anyone in the community who needed a helping hand.
He had moved to Pyramid Hill three years ago to help his daughter on her farm. “He just loved the farm,” Mr Reed said.
Mr Doolan died suddenly, just three days before his 68th birthday.
Mr Reed said his friend was fit and healthy.
“It was a big shock…he was the last one we thought would have gone,” he said.
“His wife was to retire in six weeks and they were going to head off around Australia touring…he had his life ahead of him.”
Following the funeral, a procession of a 60-strong CFA member guard of honour was formed for the beloved ‘family man’.
Mr Doolan is survived by his wife, Nettie, children Kerry, Ian, Annette, Bernadette, Margie and Patrick and 11 grandchildren.