Loved community member is remembered

By Ashley Priest, Bond University journalism student

The man affectionately known as the “Lord Mayor of Varsity” passed away suddenly last month.
 
Brian Holdsworth, a well-loved and respected community member, died on October 4.
 
“And his office was the Lake Café,” said local business leader Andrew Stevenson.
 
“He was an honorable man who loved his sport… he touched everyone in the community.”

Lake Café and Bar owner Gerhard Bruess said Mr Holdsworth was a well-known regular at the café, which he himself helped build 10 years ago when he owned a local timber company.
 
“‘Here comes that Mayor’ we’d say, you’d know when he entered the room,” Mr Bruess said.
 
“He was a big powerful man who had a booming voice; sometimes we’d see him here three times a day, sometimes four.
 
“He was the first customer every morning, ordering his short black with his newspaper… he’d be back later for his second coffee and then at 2pm was his red wine time,” said Mr Bruess.
 
Mr Holdsworth is sorely missed in the café; in fact, they have kept his favourite coffee cup in his honour.
 
Mr Holdsworth was involved in the early days of establishing a business community in Varsity Lakes, and was a keen supporter of community events.
 
“Brian was an amazing man and was always making sure everyone was contributing to the community, he was interested in everybody,” Mr Bruess said.

 
 
Caption: Lake Café and Bar owners Nicholas and Gerhard Breuss hold their tribute to the ‘Varsity Mayor’ Brian Holdsworth.