VALE | Rob Parry: Family and friends pay tribute to local dad

Friends and family of a larger-than-life Douglas Shire dad gathered over the weekend to say their final goodbyes.

47-year-old Mowbray Valley man, Robert Parry, passed away suddenly after falling from a boat at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina on 11 June.

Hundreds gathered at a public memorial in Rex Smeal Park on Sunday to remember the much-loved adventurer who loved to push life to the limit, touching so many lives along the way.

“The service was wonderful; it was the best send-off we could have given him.” said Rob’s sister Martina Parry.

Rob was an accomplished outdoor adventurer, certified skipper, skilled wake and snowboarder, rock climber, scuba diver, mountaineer, spearfisher, motorbike rider, paraglider pilot, and BASE wingsuit jumper, just to name a few.

“Rob loved life so completely, he lived it intensely and worked relentlessly to share his interests, his love of the outdoors and many skills with his family and friends,” said Martina.

“Rob’s love, laughter, infectious and adventurous spirit, zest for life, and quest to share new experiences will be deeply missed by so many near and far.”

Martina also described Rob, who is survived by wife Uli Braun and daughter Lola (9), as a dedicated family man.

“Robbie adored his wife, daughter, parents, siblings and friends.

"Robbie loved those around him, and effortlessly yielded sunlight on so many with his generosity and warmth.

“It is a testament to him how many attended to celebrate his wondrous life.”

Rob owned and operated the Sunrise Retreat in the Mowbray Valley, which he built himself after purchasing the land in 2003.

“Robbie was a skilled artisan, creator and carpenter, self-taught builder, who engineered and built Sunrise Retreat. His vision took seven years to complete,” Martina said.

Rob was well known for being an accomplished daredevil and his level of skill and competency in extreme sports led him on many adventures all over the world.

In 2017 he was invited by the King of Malaysia to BASE jump Kuala Lumpur’s highest building. In 2018 he also travelled to the remote Arctic, Baffin Island for a month, faring minus 38 degrees to BASE jump the world’s highest frozen mountains.

“Despite his many achievements and accolades adorned of him, he remained humble,” Martina said.

“Rob escaped several near-death experiences during his many adventures. Those that cheat death are said to be living life to the fullest. No doubt it was his lack of fear and courage that opened the world to him.

“He savoured every minute, watched every sunrise and sunset that he could, taking anyone nearby to share the experience.”

Rob’s close friend Scott Farrell handcrafted his casket of which he was farewelled during a private ceremony last week with his favourite parachute sewn in as the casket lining.

“Robbie, your love of life transmitted wherever you took your smile. You will remain forever in the hearts of so many that you have unforgettably touched with your sunlight,” Martina said.