VALE | Glenn Paris, co-founder of the Beach Shack

Family and friends will gather at the Port Douglas Yacht Club this weekend to celebrate the life of long time Port Douglas resident Glenn Paris, who left behind a lasting legacy on Port Douglas.

Mr Paris passed away in Rockhampton, late last month following a short illness, aged 57.

Mr Paris’ sister, Joanne Nicholson, has remembered her six-foot seven brother as a ‘Gentle Giant’.

“He was big in stature and big in heart,” she said.

While Mr Paris wasn’t living in the region at the time of his death, he has left his mark in a number of Port Douglas establishments.

“Glenn, along with Ernie Baxter and Laurie Cranitch were the original founders of 'The Beach Shack' at Fourmile in the early 90’s,” Ms Nicholson said.

“The three came up with the idea because we needed somewhere to socialise in Fourmile instead of having to go all the way into town, so they created a local watering hole at Fourmile.”

As a lover of music, Mr Paris also helped create the Muso’s Club in Douglas Manor where for many years local musicians could play.

“He wanted to create a place to engage local talent, and where people could go and listen to live music.

Mr Paris was also well known for his timber skills.

“I am sure many a story has been told whilst sitting at the furniture he created at both the Iron Bar and Central Hotels,” Ms Nicholson said.

“If you go to the Central, they are the big timber tables on the footpath and he also did a lot of timber work at the Iron Bar.

“After he left the bar scene, he started Recycled Timber Traders in Mossman. He liked to use recycled timber and forest timbers to create pieces of furniture.”

Mr Paris was also the son of the late Enid Paris, the well-known Port Douglas postmistress and face of the Port Douglas Post Office for 32 years.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Port Douglas Yacht Club on Saturday 27 February at 4:30pm to celebrate Mr Paris’ life.