QLD: Kokoda crash victim farewelled on Friday

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2009
QLD: Kokoda crash victim farewelled on Friday

BRISBANE, Aug 28 AAP - A construction company owner who died in a plane crash near
the Kokoda Track will be farewelled on Friday at a service on the Sunshine Coast.

Keith Gracie, 54, was among nine Australians who died when their charter flight crashed
en route to Kokoda earlier this month, killing all 13 people on board.

He was travelling to the site with friend and sports physician Dr June Canavan, who
was raising money for a school in Tanzania through her fundraiser "Klocking up the Ks".

Following the crash, Mr Gracie's wife Laurie remembered him as a loving father to their
adult sons, Dylan and Conrad, a great boss to his employees, a person who gave his time
to the coast's surf lifesaving and Buddhist communities, and above all, her "soul mate".

The Mooloolaba Surf Club will host the service at 4pm (AEST).

A memorial service for Dr Canavan will be held at the Sunshine Coast University on August 31.

AAP jmm/pjo/srp

KEYWORD: PNG PLANE GRACIE

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