Keith 'The Barber' was a cut above
Keith Lawrence Tribute
Keith “The Barber” Lawrence is being remembered by Port Douglas locals for his love and support of the region and its people.
A popular face not only in his barber shop but at the Port Douglas Crocs and among other community organisations, Keith’s life will be celebrated this Thursday. He died, “set sail” say his friends, on Saturday, September 13.
Born on April 17, 1946, and known by many names - Keith, Keithy, The Barber, Commodore, The unofficial Mayor of Port Douglas or G & T - is being remembered as an institution in himself and loved by all.
Born in Sydney, Keith taught himself to read by reading the newspaper while working at his father’s menswear shop. He learned his trade as a hairdresser and while there became a volunteer at the renowned Wayside Chapel in King's Cross spending many a year assisting the needy and the poor.
He would become a restaurateur in the Gold Coast later in life and while holidaying in New Zealand he met his beautiful wife Vee.
The couple visited Port Douglas in 1998, bought a block of land overlooking the lake at Reef Park then moved here permanently and built a home in 2000.
It was clear to all who knew Keith that he dearly loved his wife Vee and his granddaughter Savannah. After Vee's daughter Lorraine passed, Keith and Vee raised their beautiful granddaughter as their own.
He loved his fishing, gardening (especially yellow roses) and the Port Douglas Crocs, and loved to have a bet. A Saturday regular at the Barrier Reef Tavern he was as happy catching up with other locals as he was backing winners.
Friend Tony Soltys said Keith always had time for a chat with anyone - locals, visitors and tourists alike.
“Once you met Keith he would go out of his way to introduce you to others in Port - a one man welcoming committee,’’ Tony said.
“He was Instrumental in getting the footy ground lights at the Croc Pit and was a great fundraiser for the Crocs selling raffle tickets and getting supporters onboard.
“He was a tremendous supporter of any charity fundraiser, even taking his barber chair and clippers to the pub to help raise funds.’’
The Port Douglas Crocs also paid tribute to Keith, known around the club as “The Barber” , saying he was a valued member of the Crocs committee and fundraising team.
“He was the club’s merchandising guru,’’ a Facebook post says.
“During his working life as a barber in Port Douglas a customer could sit in his barber’s chair while getting an earful of the Crocs’ progress and events.
“More often than not, the guy would leave the shop with raffle tickets, merchandise or having promised to attend the next home game.
“We fondly remember his presence around the club and he will be sadly missed. Wherever he is now we hope he can get a small tot of amber spirit and a can of gold.’’
A celebration of the life of a “true local legend” will be held on Thursday, September 25, starting at 1:00pm at the Palmer Sea Reef Clubhouse, Port Douglas.
Friends are encouraged to wear white shorts and bright coloured Hawaiian shirt attire.
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