Joe Szakal was a popular figure at the South Dubbo Tavern where he worked for many years. He left Dubbo 12 months ago but wasn’t happy in his new home at Port Macquarie.

Long-time friend Ray McAllister was in the process of helping his mate return to Dubbo. Accommodation had been organised but sadly Mr Szakal died suddenly on April 24, just weeks before his 73rd birthday.

“He died of a broken heart,’’ Mr McAllister said yesterday.

“Friends here in Dubbo only recently heard of Joe’s death and were saddened to learn of the Attorney General’s department’s arrangements for a pauper’s cremation because no money was available for a funeral.

“I’ve been in contact with the Port Macquarie police officer overseeing the arrangements. Fortunately some suitable words will be spoken before Joe’s ashes are laid to rest.”

“Dubbo friends have contributed money for a plaque in Joe’s memory and I will be talking to the owners of the South Dubbo Tavern to see if it can be placed somewhere in the building,” Mr McAllister said.

“Ideally I’d like to see the plaque positioned near the fireplace where Joe spent a lot of his time.’’

Mr Szakal, known as ‘Joe the Friendly’, was born in Hungary in 1935. At age eight he escaped the war-torn country with his parents and siblings.

“They left during a heavy snow storm when it was easier to climb over the barbed wire fences,’’ Mr McAllister said.

“Somehow the family managed to make it into Austria where they encountered Swiss army personnel.

“They came to Australia to join Joe’s older brother who had escaped from Hungary earlier in World War II.

“Joe settled in Sydney and moved to Dubbo 15 years ago. He worked in the district as a farm hand, labourer and concreter before joining the staff at South Dubbo Tavern.

“Joe spoke halting English but was a great communicator, an affable man who laughed a lot despite the hardships he endured throughout life. He had a kind word for many and was a good man to be around.

“Joe was thoughtful, generous, caring and forthright. He was fair dinkum, like the Aussie he became and embraced, loving a beer, enjoying a bet and being a mate.’’

Not long ago Mr Szakal expressed a wish to find a brother who remained in Hungary.

Mr McAllister searched the international telephone directory and came up with a number.

“Joe got up courage by downing a few drinks then gave the number a ring.

“Amazingly it was his brother’s son. Joe had just about forgotten how to communicate in his native tongue and his nephew spoke no English but somehow they managed a conversation.

“Joe discovered his brother was already dead but he looked forward to building some sort of relationship with the nephew. Sadly the nephew was killed in a truck accident a short time later.

“Joe’s life was filled with so much tragedy but he laughed often and much. He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.’’