Family of Geraldton man Mark Beaver pay tribute to character with ‘heart of gold’ after alleged fatal assault

The family of Geraldton man Mark Beaver — who died last week a few days after an alleged assault at his auto wreckers — have spoken of their pain and grief, while paying tribute to an “absolute character” with a “heart of gold”. The well-known Geraldton resident and businessman, owner-operator of Universal Wreckers in Webberton, died last Friday after he was allegedly assaulted at his workplace on Monday, December 1. A 25-year-old man has been charged with unlawful assault causing death. Flanked by his brothers Jeremy and Duane, Mr Beaver’s eldest son Andrew delivered a heartfelt tribute to the family patriarch on Tuesday in his father’s work shed that contains as many stories and memories as the thousands of odds and ends lining the shelves and walls. Andrew Beaver said the family was “still in shock” and “trying to make sense of losing him so suddenly”. “It doesn’t feel real, and we’re struggling with a world that doesn’t have him in it anymore,” he said. “Dad gave us a lifetime of memories — funny ones, loud ones, meaningful ones — and we will carry them with us always. He taught us the value of hard work, loyalty, generosity and connection. He showed us how to treat people, how to give back and how to live life with passion. “We miss him more than words can express. But we’re proud of who he was. We’re proud to be his family. And we’re grateful to have had a man like (him) in our lives.” The 65-year-old leaves behind his wife of 46 years Jill, three sons, six grandchildren and his 86-year-old mother Eileen Beaver. “Dad and mum. . . built a life and a business together — almost half a century, side by side. Dad was a second-generation part of our family business, something he took great pride in,” Andrew Beaver said. “He visited (his mother) every single day without fail. That was the kind of man he was — present, reliable and deeply caring.” Mr Beaver also leaves behind a lasting impact on the community, as a life member of Geraldton City Speedway, part of the Batavia Coast Car Club, the Caravan Club and countless other groups. He loved fishing, hunting, caravanning and classic cars, and loved passing his passions and skills on to sons and grandchildren. “If you knew Dad, you knew he was a character. He had a heart of gold and an ability to walk up to absolutely anyone and strike up a conversation. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a complete stranger, he made you feel welcome,” Andrew Beaver said. “He was heavily involved in the community and poured his time and energy into the clubs he loved. . . community meant a lot to him — and he meant a lot to the community.” His sons recalled a father who was “always on the go”, who had more energy than most people half his age, a man of many talents, someone who loved a joke, a simple catch up and who would “bend over backwards to help you”. And, of course, he was known for his trademark overalls. “Anyone who knew him will smile at that — those overalls were practically part of him. I think the local stores kept his size in stock just for him,” Andrew Beaver said. Mr Beaver was on the verge of retiring after many decades spent building up the family business. “He had plans to travel, spend more time with Mum, and enjoy moments with his grandkids,” Andrew Beaver said. “It breaks our hearts to know he won’t get to experience the future he was so excited for. “He won’t get the chance to see his youngest grandson race his first season of speedway — a moment he had talked about and looked forward to.” Andrew Beaver said the loss was enormous for the entire family and for the many people whose lives his father touched. The support of family and friends at this painful time, he said “means the world to us”. Tributes have poured in from the wider community, with the Geraldton City Speedway saying Mr Beaver would be “remembered for not only his achievements behind the wheel, but for his commitment, generosity and the lasting impact he had on our speedway family”. “A successful driver in his own right, Mark’s passion for racing has lived on through his family, with second and now third generations proudly competing at Geraldton City Speedway,” a tribute post reads. Many other posted their own condolences and memories of Mr Beaver, describing him as “kind and generous, a “legend”, “straight-shooter” and “storytelling king”. “A real Geraldton personality. . . Mark wore overalls like no one I know, he will always be a guy I will remember as one of the best, honest, fair people in our community,” Graeme Hosken wrote. Work neighbour Geoff Drew posted: “Mark was always good to us whenever we needed anything. He was a good man with a good heart. We will miss seeing you ripping up and down Box Street and Connolly Street on your moped, (with your) blue overalls and floppy hat.” Homicide detectives have charged a 25-year-old man over Mr Beaver’s death. He has been remanded in custody to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court for a bail application on January 8.