MUCH-loved Muswellbrook resident Brad Keegan has been remembered as an “exceptional husband and father”.
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Tributes have started flowing in for the popular 46-year-old local, who died on Sunday, December 4.
Working with a variety of groups and causes, he was an advocate within the local community, working to make it a better place for all until he died.
His wife Suzie said he was an exceptional husband and father.
“He’s been our strength in the family and the rock of our family,” she said.
"He was a fighter and an extraordinary human being for what’s happened in his life.
“The best husband and father.”
Mrs Keegan said she was overwhelmed by the support of the community.
Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush expressed his sadness at the news.
“All at council extend heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Brad Keegan,” he said.
“Brad was a larger than life, real Aussie bloke, who devoted every waking moment serving the needs of others.
“A fierce advocate for breaking down barriers to full participation in the community, Brad was a champion for the long term unemployed, those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses, and those who live with physical disability.
“He leaves an enormous legacy to the communities of the Upper Hunter and will be sorely missed.”
Mr Keegan was a Justice of the Peace and a member of Muswellbrook RSL Sub-Branch.
He was also and on-call mentor with PCYC NSW, for people with a disability and talking with all ages.
Earlier this year, along with other members of the Muswellbrook RSL Sub-Branch, Mr Keegan organised RED Shirts Inc. meetings locally, where those who served their community could catch up over coffee.
RED stands for Remembering Everyone Deployed, and the purpose of the weekly meetings was to provide a place for ex-military, police, ex-police, correctional services, fire brigade members, paramedics, volunteer rescue, family members and the general public.
Mr Keegan was always looking for opportunities to join a nonprofit board, and to help with skills-based volunteering and pro bono consulting.
In recent years, the Muswellbrook man was Ability Links Area Coordinator Upper Hunter LGA, before working at Joblink Plus as the Upper Hunter DES Manager.
He is survived by his wife Suzie and two sons Jackson and Darcy.
There will be a graveside funeral service for Mr Keegan at Denman Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, December 8, from 10am.