Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Remembering Kerry Latter's Enduring Legacy

It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Kerry Latter, a beloved figure in the Mackay community. Kerry's dedication and care extended beyond his role as a prominent advocate for the sugar industry and CEO of CANEGROWERS Mackay. He was a champion of small businesses, a passionate political supporter, and a genuine and kind-hearted person.

Many in our community will fondly remember Kerry's time as the owner of the Carinya corner store, where he became a familiar face and a friend to many. He went out of his way to support local initiatives, and our publication was one of them. From the inception of our newspaper, Kerry was an ardent advocate, eager to ensure that his store had copies from our first week of print. However, a funny incident occurred that showcased his unwavering dedication and attention to detail.

On the first morning we published our newspaper, Kerry called me in a panic, believing that we had mistakenly delivered a stack of 'Whitsunday Life' newspapers instead of 'Mackay Life' newspapers. I assured him that it was simply a misunderstanding caused by the flip format of our publication. The stack had been delivered upside down, and all he needed to do was flip the newspapers over. A sense of relief washed over him, and we shared a light-hearted moment in the midst of the newspaper's early days. It was a testament to Kerry's commitment and support for endeavours he believed in.

Beyond his involvement in the sugar industry and small businesses, Kerry was a passionate advocate for causes that touched his heart, including his support for Broken Ballerina. His kindness and unwavering support for those making positive contributions in the community were hallmarks of his character. Kerry saw the good in people and was always full of praise for those striving to make a difference.

While his absence is deeply felt, his memory will forever be etched in the fabric of our community. You can read the touching tribute to Kerry from CANEGROWERS Mackay on page 13.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Kerry's family and friends during this difficult time.

Vale Kerry Latter. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your impact will live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing you.

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