The grieving family of Dubbo man Max Roberts - who died suddenly last week - has taken comfort in the three people who received the ultimate gift from the farmer who was always willing to lend a hand.
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Mr Roberts’ life was tragically cut short last week when it is believed he overbalanced and fell through a suspended ceiling, while removing an old fireplace flu in an empty building in Dubbo’s CBD.
The 69-year-old’s sudden death has left his family shattered, but they have been somewhat comforted by the people - at least three - who have received Mr Roberts’ organs.
His son, Frank Roberts, said there was no hesitation making the decision to donate his father’s organs.
“Dad’s death has been a big shock to everyone, but we knew organ donation was something he wanted to do, so it was not a hard decision to make to proceed down that path,” Mr Roberts said.
“His kidneys and liver have gone to people in desperate need of these organs.”
Mr Roberts said other tissue donations would assist people with diabetes and leg injuries.
While his injuries were fatal, they put him in a tiny and precious pool - a category of less than one per cent of deaths from which organs can be donated.
Max Roberts was a popular farmer and shearer in the region whose greatest passions were horses, the bush life and his family.
His popularity was exemplified earlier this week when hundreds filled the Uniting Church to its capacity for the funeral.
Mr Roberts’ family also requested that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Red Cross, which co-ordinates the organ transplant program.
His family had farmed in the Collie district for 100 years on the property, ‘Cardew’, before selling it in 2003.
Mr Roberts said his dad would be remembered in the area as a quiet, friendly man who had always been willing to lend a hand.
At the age of 69, Max Roberts was still in high demand for his shearing.
“He was the cleanest left hand shearer I have ever seen,” Mr Roberts said.
“The day before he died he shore 72 sheep and a eight Dorset rams.”
Max Roberts is survived by his mother Kath, his wife, Margaret, children Leanne, Kim and Frank, and his grandchildren on whom he doted - Charles, Angus, Tom, Lucy, Jordana and Sebastian.
