UPDATE:
Roy Huggins was one of those rare gems – an “extraordinary” man who dedicated his life to preserving history and heritage.
His rooms were filled with old books and his mind brimming with knowledge about Ballan’s deep history. He was a man who wanted to know about “the birth of something, not just its teenage years”.
If you wanted to find out about the history of a building, Roy was the man to go to – he’d tell you on the spot, according to those who knew him.
The well-respected 92-year-old died after his mobility scooter tipped as it crossed a gutter last Wednesday.
Mr Huggins was travelling north on Cowie Street about 3pm when the accident occurred. He suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital but died on Thursday morning.
Roy’s friend, Paul Tatchell, remembered the elderly man as a “warm soul” who would be missed dearly in the community.
“Roy was independent, strong,” Cr Tatchell said.
“He lived through some extraordinary periods of time – he’d seen the best and worst of times in Australia.
“But he was one of those great Australians – the ones who keep a humble and low profile but make this country great. He actually cared and gave a stuff.
“And he always made it very clear that you can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve come from.”
EARLIER:
An elderly Ballan man has died after his mobility scooter tipped as he crossed a gutter on Wednesday afternoon.
The 92-year-old was travelling north on Cowie Street about 3pm when the accident occurred. The man suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital but died on Thursday morning.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
