THE final verse of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Firefighter’s Prayer states ‘Grant that there may never be a shortage of men and women of courage, character and integrity who will volunteer to train and serve in the course of fire and emergency protection within the NSW Rural Fire Service’.

Such a statement applies in all ways to Laurence (Laurie) Joseph Coady JP, who passed away on 28th December following a lengthy illness. His dedication and commitment to the community was in full evidence at his funeral service, with a capacity attendance and a tribute with firefighting vehicles from the RFS celebrating his wonderful life.

Joanne Coady said “My father was a man who wore many hats. He was a partner, a father, a grandfather, and a man who was highly regarded by his peers in so many different roles throughout his life.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t have the easiest start, losing his mother when he was just an infant. Dad was the youngest of 4 siblings, with 2 brothers and 2 sisters, the youngest sister Joan, taking on a motherly role.

“This naturally led dad to see Joan as the closest thing to a mother, a relationship he always held very dear to his heart. He then sadly lost his father in his mid-teens.

“The true depth of dad’s pain would become only more apparent in the stories he shared with us over the years, giving insight to the heartache that remained as a result of this tragic loss. This was a defining moment in his life, one that forced him to shoulder responsibility far beyond his years and grow up much sooner than any young boy should have to.

“His tough upbringing shaped him into a stoic man of independence, and one of the hardest workers I have ever known. Late in life, he would display that stoicism through several health troubles, and I called him ‘Mr Immortal’.”

“Dad began working his first job at just 13, as a paperboy for the Sydney trams, then as a labourer for the Brickworks at age 16, before moving onto the abattoirs in Homebush, during which time he became involved in the workers union, fighting for the rights of others.

“He was conscripted into the National Service, where he would later tell us stories of his expert gun cleaning skills.

“Dad met and married my mother Edna Fay and they came to settle in Llandilo, where they had my brother Laurence Jnr and I.

“Llandilo is where he found himself getting involved in many local volunteer groups, and the one I feel he was most renown for was achieving position of Captain of Llandilo Bush Fire Brigade, a position held for 8 years.

“During this time I recall my father miraculously juggling his captain’s role whilst working crazy long hours at Pioneer Quarries in Penrith.

“Amongst all of this activity, he still managed to take on extra responsibilities, including conducting workplace training and holding many delegate positions.

“Through my eyes I saw him as an entrepreneur, always coming up with new ideas and ways to better educate people in the workplace.

“Despite the hardships he endured, Dad displayed immense strength and resilience to achieve great milestones throughout his life.

“As much he thrived on working hard, dad was the king of charisma and the best joke-teller that ever lived. He absolutely loved being the life of the party, I can’t help but think how much he would have enjoyed seeing so many people gathered here today (at the funeral service), not only to honour him but to celebrate the life he lived so fully.”

Son Laurence Coady Jnr also spoke at the funeral service of his father’s tough yet caring nature, regaling the mourners of working through injuries, leading young and sometimes troubled youths on bush camps and outings, teaching them to survive in the outback.

Laurence said “My dad was a master of reading a fire and was excellent at timing back-burns. I can’t say how many times I’ve seen him grab a drop torch and just go for it. He was so proud of his crew when he was the captain of Llandilo.

“Dad was strong, selfless and always cared for others. His spirit and the lessons he shared will never be forgotten.”

Subsequent to the funeral, RFS Senior Deputy Captain Tim Hearn wrote “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Life Member Laurie Coady, who was an integral part of Llandilo Brigade, serving as our Captain from 1989 to 1997. His leadership and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the Brigade into what it is today.

“Laurie’s journey with the then Bush Fire Brigades began in 1967. Over the years, he held a variety of leadership roles, including Vice / Deputy Captain, Captain and Group Leader. He was a qualified trainer, with expertise in First Response Firefighting within the mining industry.

“Laurie’s expertise and leadership was instrumental during major fire campaigns, including Dubbo (1988), Orange / Bathurst (1990), and the State of Emergency in 1994.

“His service is marked by many significant achievements, including Long Service medals for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of dedicated service. He was also recognised for overseeing the extension of our station in 1990, which we still occupy today.

“In 1997, Laurie was honoured as one of four Llandilo members recognised as a foundation member of the NSWRFS. His exceptional contributions were further acknowledged when he was awarded Life Membership of the Brigade on August 2, 1998.

“Even after stepping down from active duty at Llandilo, Laurie’s commitment to the community remained steadfast. He continued his work with the Cumberland Support Brigade, where he contributed many more years of service.

“Many of the ‘younger folk’ in the brigade will remember Laurie for his regular appearances at AGM’s and his visits to the station. He loved sharing stories of the “good ole days” and often expressed that being a member of Llandilo was one of his greatest achievements.

“Laurie’s influence extended far beyond his time with the Brigade. He mentored countless members, many of whom are now leaders within the RFS. His strong values, commitment to excellence, and integrity will continue to inspire us all. His legacy lives on through the members, cadets, and organisations he impacted.

“Laurie retired from the NSWRFS in 2021.”

Harry May (Penrith NASHOs) said “Laurie, joined the Penrith sub-branch of the National Servicemen’s Association (NASHOs) in December, 2005.

“He was a very vocal and supportive member of the Association; he was always there, willing to help wherever it was needed. He would assist at our Annual Memorial Services by collecting the chairs and returning them to the hire place, and assisting in formation of the Cadets at the Service. On occasions, Laurie would act as the RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) at various Parades, keeping us in step, and funerals, calling us to attention and the Salute when required.

“On one occasion, the power box was inaccessible at the Park during one of our recent Memorial services, which we needed to run the PA and BBQ, Laurie immediately called upon one of his mates to bring a generator to help us out; that’s the sort of person he was, always willing to help.

“On our bus trips, Laurie was always a regular passenger, either on his own or with his late partner, Clara, They, along with everyone else, enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie amongst fellow members and others.

“Even through his illness, Laurie would attend meetings and functions when able, the last being our Christmas function in December, where he attended with his daughter Joanne. They thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and it was a pleasure to see them both there.

“At our last AGM in April, Laurie was awarded Life Membership to the Association, recognising his love, dedication, passion and unselfish commitment to the Association, as he and all of us are ‘Proud NASHOs’.”