‘Tireless worker’ Lindsay dies

By Sarah Schwager
LOVED Cranbourne socialite and entertainer Lindsay King has died.
Fondly remembered for his guise as the town crier, Lindsay will be sorely missed by locals for all his work among the community.
Lindsay, 79, moved to Cranbourne in 1998 and was well known within Casey as a tourism advocate, coordinator of the Pioneers Bush Band and former president of the Cranbourne and District Residents Association among others.
He was involved with the organisation of Australia Day Celebrations, MRA GP Run, Tooradin Fisherman’s Cottage project and Cranbourne Historical Society.
Son-in-law Richard Dalzell said Lindsay made his varied skills and abilities available to many organisations all with the common goal of improving his local community culturally, as well as through the tangible benefits of tourism.
Growing up in the Depression and a gypsy at heart, Lindsay married wife Jean in 1946 and she stood by him in their 60 years together as he moved constantly in the pursuit of each new business venture or dream. Jean died in August 2006, nearly six months to the day before Lindsay’s passing.
Entertainer Susan Bergman, otherwise known as Lady Uppity Crust, said she was pleased to have had the honour of working with Lindsay both on committees and as a performer.
She said he made a great contribution not only to Casey but to the many areas he was involved in.
“Lindsay could always take a joke. He was such good fun to be around,” Ms Bergman said.
“In particular I know that he was passionate about tourism and he certainly helped with this. He was a truly gifted man.”
Friend councillor Wayne Smith said he had the privilege of working with Lindsay on many and varied projects over the past 10 years.
“He was a great man – a tireless worker for whatever cause he took up and he will be sadly missed by myself and the many other people who were connected with him,” Cr Smith said.
“My fondest memories are from when I was MC at many events that Lindsay was involved in. He and I had a great on-stage rapport – he was able to respond to my teasing.”
Another friend, Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA) president Dale Maggs said Lindsay was “a remarkable man with a heart of gold”.
“He was an inspiration to many. He approached life with a gusto that many a younger man would admire,” he said.
“He will be sadly missed but not forgotten. I will always remember him playing the ‘scally wag’.”
Federal Flinders MP Anthony Byrne planned to pay tribute to Lindsay King this week in Federal Parliament.
“Lindsay King, a man of many hats, especially as town crier, made an immense contribution to Cranbourne’s history,” Mr Byrne said.
“Lindsay is an irreplaceable Cranbourne treasure whose loss will be deeply felt by all those who love Cranbourne. In particular I will miss Lindsay’s zest, enthusiasm and love of life.”
Casey mayor Colin Butler said Lindsay would be sorely missed both within council where he had many friends as well as in the wider community he served.
“Lindsay’s dedication to and passion for the betterment of our community will live on.”
Lindsay is survived by his three children Linnette, Gail and Des.