A RED beacon in Canaipa passage has been named in honour of a Cleveland electrician who boated to and from Straddie regularly.
The Bobby B beacon commemorates Redlands RSL fishing club stalwart Bob Bennell, who died on December 11 last year, aged 62.
Mr Bennell looked after huts on the island used by club anglers, running errands to Straddie on his boat called the Bobby B for about 35 years.
The beacon was dedicated last week in Mr Bennell’s honour at Redlands RSL, with a commemorative plaque and certificate given to his wife Julie.
Mrs Bennell said she was honoured her late husband had been recognised.
“It is a lasting tribute to a man who loved the bay,” she said.
“While I may not be able to visit often, our son, Neil, has renewed incentive to acquire a boat to enjoy the bay.”
Friend Dave Anstey, who applied for the beacon to be dedicated, said Mr Bennell was tireless in his efforts to help other fishermen.
“He was president of the fishing club many times as well as taking on every other committee position at some point, hence why he was made a life member,” he said.
“We were friends for over 25 years, he introduced me to the fishing club and we spent many happy hours together boating and crabbing around the bay and the hut.”
Redlands MP Kim Richards said the decision to name the beacon in honour of Mr Bennell followed strong representations made to Maritime Safety and Queensland by community members and his family.
"They all agreed the naming of a navigation aid which would stand as a literal beacon to the boating community would be an enduring and appropriate tribute keeping his memory alive for generations,” she said.
