In the last few weeks two much loved Magnetic Islanders and former residents of Picnic Bay, Roy Spottiswood and Rex Millett have passed away.

Unfortunately Magnetic Times was only alerted to Roy Spottiswood's death after his funeral but Rex Millett's family are organising a life celebration at the RnR Bar at the Picnic Bay Pub this Saturday (March 13) afternoon at 4pm.

There is place on the beach at Cockle Bay where those who knew Rex in his later years will picture him. It's a little coconut frond-strewn shade cover where he would sit of an evening and watch the sun go down. Friends of Rex have since added a few more bits an pieces: A couple of chairs, an upturned dinghy or two and even a sprayed, "Rex".

Magnetic Times is looking to publish an extensive story about Rex in coming weeks. He had, in fact, some of the most vivid stories one could ever hear about a life lived in Townsville and on Magnetic Island.

His family are hoping all his friends will join them on Saturday.

In 1998 Magnetic Times produced a Community Close-up on Roy and in his memory we suggest readers interested in his fascinating life (click here) for part 1 and (here) for part 2.

Story and photo: George Hirst