Vale: Peter Shanahan

"Last night (Friday 13 March) at 7.45 pm our friend Peter Shanahan passed away. He had been ill for some time and was finally overtaken by cancer.

"Peter is survived by a number of caring local relatives and friends. His cousin, Anthony and his wife Julia, were at his side most of the time and have been living in Peter’s house for more than 9 weeks looking after his menagerie and providing care for him.

"Peter requested that there be no funeral. He did agree to a gathering of friends at the Cairns Botanical Gardens in the future. The Friends of the Botanic Gardens will host this occasion and a special tree, attractive to butterflies, will be planted in his honour. We will keep you informed as to time and date.

"Peter was known to hundreds of local people. The display of his insect collection annually at the Carnival on Collins and other public events was viewed and appreciated by thousands. Peter also attended many schools each year to show his collection and related to the children the importance of insects to their lives. His collection was augmented by his “microscope” because he felt the many children might never have the chance to see an insect or a bird’s feather under magnification. In addition, Peter led many groups of visitors around the gardens relating the interactions of plants and animals. In all these activities, Peter will be sorely missed.

"David Rentz, Patron, Friends of the Botanic Gardens Cairns"