Community gathers to remember

The first Saturday following the long weekend at Mt Buller is traditionally when the community gathers in the Chapel to remember friends and loved ones who have passed.

This Saturday evening 15 June at 6.30pm Father Tony Kerin will lead the community in prayer, share stories and celebrate the many people who have been part of the fabric of our close alpine community.  This year some of the people being remembered and acknowledged include Hans Grimus, Graeme Potter and the recent passing of Anthony "Combo" Comben.

Mt Buller is a small community made up of many big and bold personalities and this annual service is an opportunity to remember so many special people that will be in our thoughts as we ride the mountain this season, even if they are not sharing the chairlift ride in person.  People being acknowledged this year  include:

• Hans Grimus passed away last September and the community turned out for the largest funeral Mt Buller has ever seen.  
  
  

• Naomi Wadling died on 8th October 2018 following a 6 year battle with breast cancer. Naomi was an enthusiastic member of the Mt Buller Outside Operations team from 1996-1999 and was only 42 at her passing.

• Anthony Comben, known to most of us as "Combo", died 24 April 2019 aged 52.  Combo has been a huge part of the village community for many years operating the gym, cinema and snow play tours and shared his passion for the outdoors with every one of his guests over the years. 

• Graeme White died 23 July 2018 aged 57. Graeme contributed to the taxi service with MMBL for over 20 years driving guests each winter. A Mansfield resident and well-known local he was tragically killed in tractor accident.

• Joe Hutchinson was an experienced ambulance officer who spent 35 years stationed at Mt Buller during winter seasons. Joe passed away in March 2019 aged 53.

• Local farmer and lift company employee Michael Bell is remembered as a hard worker who kept the lift crew who worked under him on their toes. 

• George Kline is remembered as an experienced builder and was a part of the growth and success of A.V Jennings and a founding partner of Metricon Homes.  A long time Buller skier and good friend of Bob Fleming among others.

• Harald Fritz. Harald worked on Mt Buller as a chef at Spurs, for Buller Ski Lifts, Breathtaker and others. He lived in Mansfield area and will be missed by his wide circle of Mt Buller friends.

• Terry Donnelle was an electrician on the mountain in the early days and well known to many of the mountain community through his work. Survived by his daughter Peta, who continues the connection to the mountain working as a nurse at the Medical Centre.

• Dicky Valence from OLOS Lodge

• Niki Lee  (2016) well-loved snowboard instructor and daughter of Lyn Jones. 

• Pat and Bill Bunting (2017 and 2018) with a long-connection to the OLOS lodge.
  
  
• Graeme Potter (2018) who spent over 30 years on Mt.Buller with the lift company and then Kofflers in more recent years. 

The external walls of the Chapel carry plaques remembering many other great Buller identities so take a moment next time you walk by to pause and be reminded of the history of this place and the many people who have contributed to the community over so many years.

Mt Buller thanks Father Tony Kerin for leading the community services each Saturday night during winter at 6.30pm and providing pastoral care for our alpine family.  Next time you hear the bells ring out, stop by and have a chat.