By Dennis Amor
Have
your say
TRIBUTES were flowing into Australia's biggest caravanning forum after
the death of Pat Davey.
Although being struck down with Alzheimer’s disease and a stroke which
left her without speech and unable to show any emotion, Pat amazed her
caravanning friends as she travelled in her specially adapted 28ft caravan
until several weeks before her death.
She died peacefully at her NSW home with 76-year-old husband John, who was
her constant companion during their travels around Australia, at her side.
The couple had been married for nearly 60 years and despite her serious
illnesses John never once considered moving her into a nursing home.
Although Pat needing constant care, the devoted couple still enjoyed
caravanning and headed north every year to enjoy Queensland's winter
sunshine.
Former truckie John fed and bathed her, checked her temperature three
times a day, changed her and cared for her every need as they clock up
thousands of kilometres on the road.
Members of the online Caravaners Forum were so inspired by the story they
suggested John be nominated for an Australian Hero Award.
And they have poured out their sorrow at Pat's passing with messages of
condolence to the forum.
Close friend Bryce Hempel, of Mildura, wrote: "Rest In Peace Pat Davey. A
lady of immense class, generosity and courage. A lady it has been a
privilege to call my friend."
And forum member 'Cowby' said a tear was being shed in Illawarra.
"Please pass on all our regards to John and his family, and let him know
he is part of a much larger family that will look out for him," he wrote.
Meanwhile, member 'Benwerrin' was saddened by Pat's death and referred to
the "remarkable bond and relationship with overwhelming love and devotion
by one partner to the other".
