Recognition for Tim
THE LIFE of an exceptional young man was remembered and cele- brated yesterday when family, friends and teachers dedicated the new Electrical and Refrigeration building at Grafton TAFE to Tim Whitehead.
Mr Whitehead died suddenly from a viral heart condition in July this year. His lifelong mate Simon Plumb shared memories of his sorely missed friend.
"I remember rifling through his dad's shed looking for parts to build a go-kart," he said.
"Then I remember when we grew up how Tim looked at all his mates who were off to do apprenticeships as the lucky ones.
"Of course Tim had to put his IQ to use and went off to uni, but he felt the void of not using his hands to make a living."
Later in life Mr Whitehead did an apprenticeship at TAFE to become a refrigeration mechanic.
His former employer, Tom Berry from Frigid Air, remembered Mr Whitehead's great spirit, even in trying circumstances.
"He always had a light heart, even when he was working on a roof on a 40-degree day," Mr Berry said. "We can't bring him back and we can't immortalise him but at least he's got some recognition."
Mr Whitehead's mother Janelle said: "He was a great son, partner, brother and uncle."
