Remembering Glen Galbraith

Glen Shane Galbraith was a man whose warmth, humour, and genuine care touched everyone who knew him. Known for his cheeky laugh, love of horses, devotion to family, and generous heart, Glen lived life on his own terms while leaving a lasting impression on the Burdekin community. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend—a quiet achiever whose kindness radiated in both grand gestures and everyday moments.

The following tribute article was sent to the newspaper by Glen’s brother, Paul, and has been lightly trimmed for publication.

"In the words of my Father, “Glen was the most wonderful son”.

In the words that have come forward over this past week from so many friends, family members, and the wider circle, the most repeated words to reflect on Glen are: ‘beautiful, gentle, funny and a happy human’… with a cheeky and unforgettable laugh!

In my words, it’s simple… “Glen was the most amazing younger brother and my closest mate”.
Words don’t seem to be enough to explain how many people have been deeply touched by Glen and his kind disposition over his 62 years.

Glen had a big heart and a genuine and honest soul. Never selfish, never judgemental, never a bad word to say about anyone. Glen was beautifully put together and the unique product of our wonderful parents; Don and Lexene. Glen grew up constantly surrounded by family, an abundance of friends, and embraced by good Burdekin people all of his life.

Mum and Dad – you should be so proud of yourselves for creating and nurturing this gift of light that became Glen Shane Galbraith, on the 25th of October, 1963. Equally, I can honestly say, that Glen was so proud to have Lex and Don as his incredible Mum and Dad. I have experienced and witnessed the unconditional love that was shared between the three of them over his lifetime.

No matter how busy, Glen stopped everything each evening at 7 pm to phone home, just to check in with Mum and Dad. Sometimes these conversations lasted five minutes or up to half an hour. Regardless of the length, this came from his loving and thoughtful nature. Glen was not selfish; it wasn’t duty—it was his care.

Being the youngest of three children, there were very few baby pictures of Glen in the Hillier Street home, so Peter and I often teased that he was adopted! As youngsters, Peter, Glen and I spent much of our time playing with matchbox cars under our Grandparents home at 8 Macmillan Street. Glen would shift the hose pipe to flood the dirt and make a mud pit.

Glen spent his childhood energy on sports—Soccer, Swim Squad, Tennis, Squash, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Nippers—but he was horse mad from a young age. I will never forget him running around the backyard with a leather strap in his hands, pretending it was reins attached to an invisible horse. One Christmas, he woke to a broken halter and horse poo at the bottom of the back stairs—Dad insisting his Christmas present had got away! Mum and Dad soon gave in and purchased his first pony, Happy, who became adored by all. Glen and Happy were the after-school Pied Pipers of the neighbourhood.

Glen joined the Ayr Pony Club and spent countless hours riding, competing, and caring for horses. His riding ability was noticed by the late Bob Bourke and his daughter Tracey, who invited him to ride show ponies. This began a lifelong bond with Tracey, a friendship of love, respect, and mutual support that endured across generations.

As a youngster, Glennie had an innocent baby face but a mischievous side. He stashed cigarettes, put sugar in Pete’s petrol tank, or prawn shells in hubcaps—all in the spirit of harmless pranks.

After school, Glen worked at Crowdies Bakery and developed a love for cooking. Later, he joined me in Brisbane, where he thrived in fashion retail and quickly became top salesperson at Tony Barlow’s Menswear, winning customers with genuine, friendly service rather than a pushy sales pitch.

Eventually, Glen returned to Ayr, working as Night Manager at Woolworths, then relocated briefly to Gympie to fulfill a childhood dream of building his own ranch. Returning to the Burdekin, he became Assistant Manager at Coutts Tavern Bottle Shop (now BWS), where his friendly smile and cheery wave became well-known to regular customers.

Glen’s home in Brandon was his pride and joy. Fiercely independent, he created a stylish, welcoming sanctuary, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Glen was often the glue that held family gatherings together, meticulously planning menus and events weeks in advance. He delivered an incredible speech at Dad’s 90th birthday—a first for him, yet done with ease, humour, and heart.

All Galbraith boys inherited the “Lexene Galbraith OCD clean freak” gene, but Glen’s obsession with cleanliness was legendary. He established his own commercial cleaning business, earning a solid reputation for professionalism and high standards.

Glen was also a wonderful uncle. He played an important role in the lives of nephews Jason and Aaron, and great nephews and nieces, as well as Tina’s children, Callum and Ella, whom he affectionately nicknamed Trevor Dag and Ruth Gumby. Glen’s nature, gentleness, and care touched countless lives.
All Peter and I ask from our Angel now, our little brother, is to look down upon us, wrap his arms around Mum and Dad, and keep their lights shining.

Sixty-two years of a fulfilled life which words seem insufficient to define. Glen was loved, liked, adored, and valued by all.

GLEN will remain with us always.

GLEN will remain forever young.

Rest in peace, our beautiful, beautiful boy.

Please remember, if you are struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Call LifeLine on 13 11 14.

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