Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

On Friday 18 March, a true gentleman died. Hector David Kilah was his name. Hec was the eldest of 11. He grew up in Gatton on the family's small crop farm. The name Kilah, of English-Scottish origin, defines a person as wonderful, kind, generous, loving, caring, loving his family and friends. This truly defines Hec. The other unique thing about Hec is that he only owned Ford cars and nothing else.

In 1965 Hec and his bride, June, moved to their hometown of Monto with their infant son. Now, 57 years later, Monto has lost a true hero to the community. He was a community person indeed: he was president of the Monto Parents and Citizens Association for much of the 1980s; he was on the RSL and worked in the RSL; he was on the management board for the Ridgehaven retirement village; for 30 years he was on the local ambulance committee and worked for the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Hec was a quiet fellow, well read and up to date. When he spoke, he always had something to say that was very useful, worthwhile and interesting. To his wife, June, and his children, David, Karen, Linda and Russell, my deepest condolences. Hec, you will be remembered by all those who knew you. Rest in peace.