Mount Gambier businessman Ken Gazzard, who passed away in mid-July, was paid tribute in the South Australian House of Assembly last week by local MP Troy Bell.

The Member for Mount Gambier rose to speak about the founder of Carlin & Gazzard, a “giant in the community of Mount Gambier”, during last week’s sitting in state parliament.

“Today, I rise to pay tribute to Kenneth Harold Gazzard, born October 21, 1929 and deceased July 12, 2021. He died peacefully surrounded by family and his wife of 63 years. He was the adored and deeply loved husband of Lorraine,” Mr Bell said.

“Ken Gazzard was a giant in the community of Mount Gambier. He was born in Casterton on October 21, 1929, the second child of Harold and Ann Gazzard. It was evident that Ken had ambition and was not afraid of hard work. Borrowing £100, he purchased a truck and spread superphosphate. He then bought a milk round and soon after added a bread round as well. When these rounds finished, which was usually about 11am, he would then work as a printer after 5 o’clock.

“Ken met his wife, Lorraine, in 1951 at a woolshed barbecue at Casterton and they were married six years later in 1957. It was in 1954 that Ken started selling cars in Casterton.

“Always on the lookout for opportunities, Ken purchased a car yard in Elizabeth Street, Mount Gambier, in 1958 and so began the dynasty of Carlin & Gazzard caryard. From such humble beginnings, C&G not only has a second-hand dealership but also has a number of new car franchises – Mercedes Benz, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Honda, LDV and Ram Trucks.

“I had the great pleasure of knowing Ken through his son Peter, who is a very good friend of mine. Ken was always liberal with his praise and often gave sage and thoughtful advice. Some of Ken’s regular quotes are as follows, ‘Will not matter one day,’ ‘Yesterday’s gone forever,’ ‘We’re only passing through,’ ‘Cannot take it with you,’ ‘You know, I will not be here one day,’ and, ‘In any case, make sure peace at any price’.”

Mr Bell said it was Mr Gazzard’s love of family that really shone through.

“If you know the Gazzard family, it is a name that is synonymous with Mount Gambier and Tenison Woods College,” he said.

“I think most of them hold sporting records for that school.

“Family is a word that you would associate closely with the Gazzard family. It is not only a very successful business but a proud tradition in our area.

“Ken’s legacy lives on through his family. I pay my respects to a great man and a great Mount Gambier resident, Kenneth Harold Gazzard.”