THE daughter of a former Shire of Lowan mayor has thanked Horsham's medical staff for their efforts in her father's last days.
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Order of Australia Medal recipient John Dahlenburg died on Thursday night, aged 90.
He was admitted to Horsham's Wimmera Base Hospital about lunchtime on Wednesday with a chest infection.
Daughter Liz Dahlenburg said he was cleared of having coronavirus on Thursday, which allowed his family to visit him.
"I was able to see him but I was fully gowned because of isolation," she said.
She said those who were unable to visit video-called so Mr Dahlenburg could see his loved ones from hospital.
"We were all able to talk and have a chat in what was good spirits," she said.
Mr Dahlenburg died just before midnight on Thursday.
Ms Dahlenburg said he was comfortable and chose to stop receiving medication.
"Dad was 90 years of age but of good health until two days ago," she said.
Ms Dahlenburg acknowledged the difficult time hospitals, patients and loved ones faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said she was forever grateful for being able to spend quality time with her father during his last hours.
"The hospitals are doing a marvellous job," she said. "I admire that."
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Ms Dahlenburg said the family would have a funeral in line with the COVID-19 number restrictions shortly, and a larger memorial service in the future.
"Because Dad was cleared of coronavirus there shouldn't be too much of an issue," she said.
Mr Dahlenburg lived in Nhill but moved to Ms Dahlenburg's May Park Comfort Inn in Horsham in March last year.
Ms Dahlenburg said her father was a social person who loved seeing people coming in and out of the hotel.
As coronavirus restrictions decimated the industry, Mr Dahlenburg celebrated with his daughter every time someone booked into the accommodation.
"He was a big supporter of everything," Ms Dahlenburg said. "He had a good life."
Mr Dahlenburg served as a councillor for the former Shire of Lowan from 1972 to 1979, including a stint as mayor in 1976-77.
He was recognised for his many years of service to conservation projects, the environment and the community.
Mr Dahlenburg's dedication to conservation and the environment saw him establish the Mt Elgin Swap Committee of Management, now part of Trust for Nature.
His involvement spans over 24 years, as the inaugural chairman for the committee and a member until 2012.
Mr Dahlenburg was a former committee member for several years at the Avonlea Aged Care Facility. On four occasions he was the chairman at the aged care facility.
In 1989 he was awarded life governor.
Mr Dahlenburg was a committee member for the Nhill Anti-Cancer Council in 2006.
He was also a strong supporter of Wimmera Community Care, as well as the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of Victoria.
Mr Dahlenburg was the inaugural chairman of the Nhill Sports Complex, and a committee member for several years.
He was involved with the Nhill Apex Club 1957 to 1970, when he received life membership.
He was also the past chairman of the Nhill High School Council.
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Cassandra Dalgleish
Digital specialist at the Bendigo Advertiser, via Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Formerly a news journalist and sub-editor. I do the behind-the-scenes work to help journalists bring their stories to life online.
Digital specialist at the Bendigo Advertiser, via Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Formerly a news journalist and sub-editor. I do the behind-the-scenes work to help journalists bring their stories to life online.
