It is with extreme sadness that The Birdsville Roadhouse reports that Mr Walter B. Barnes has passed away after a long battle with a mysterious illness/injury. He was almost 8 years old. Wally’s health had been been deteriorating since mid January despite the best efforts of everyone around him. Long time family friend and awesome vet, Keith Newby, flew to Birdsville on Monday afternoon to assess Wally’s condition. Keith operated and removed his front left leg in a last ditch effort to save Wal’s life but sadly he didn’t make it through the night. He was buried on Tuesday morning. Walter will be sorely missed around town as he was often referred to as the ‘Unofficial Mayor of Birdsville’. Amongst all his unofficial duties he also found time to hold down at least two full-time jobs at the Roadhouse as both the ‘Customer Relations Officer’ and 24-hour security guard. Wal was easily the hardest working employee the Roadhouse has ever been blessed with and I doubt if he will ever be replaced. Keep an eye on this space over the next few days as we add photos and memories of Wal.
Recent Posts
Tags
4WD
4x4
2012
Anzac day
Big Red
Birdsville
Birdsville Hotel
Birdsville Race Club
Birdsville Races
Birdsville Roadhouse
Birdsville Track
Bronco branding
Campdraft
cycling
Dick Smith
dog
events
Explore Australia
Finke Desert Race
Fred Brophy
History
Jenna Brook
Krakka Koldee Racing
MAN truck
Merv Hughes
news
obituary
outback
outback life
outback vehicle recovery
Owen Davies
RACQ
Rev John Flynn
RFDS
Rodeo
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Sam Barnes
Simpson Desert
Simpson Desert rescue
Simpson Desert walk
Sully
The Long Walk Home
travel
Walter Barnes
Walter Leven