FJ Banfield Dies, “Confessions of a Beachcomber” died after 25 years on Dunk Island
FJ Banfield Death – FJ Banfield, the naturalist and author of “Confessions of a Beachcomber” and other books, has passed away. FJ Banfield died at the age of 70 at Dunk Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, where he had been living alone with his wife for twenty-five years. A member of his family broke the news to the rest of the family. FJ exemplified everything that it means to be a beautiful person in every way imaginable. He had a reassuring presence and was exceptionally friendly; he warmed the hearts of a great number of people and served as an example to all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
When the steamer Innisfail was sailing by the island, the crew on board observed a woman waving from the shore. After landing a boat on the island, they discovered that Mrs Banfield was the only one living there at the time. Her husband had already passed away. The ship’s lumber was fashioned into a coffin by the crew, and the ship’s Chief Officer delivered the eulogy at the funeral. Mrs Banfield was adamant about remaining on the island, so the captain solicited help from anyone willing to accompany her.
About Dunk Island
Dunk Island, known as Coonanglebah in the Warrgamay and Dyirbal languages, is an island within the locality of Dunk in the Cassowary Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It lies 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) off the Australian east coast, opposite the town of Mission Beach. The island forms part of the Family Islands National Park and is in the larger Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The island is surrounded by reefs and has a diverse population of birds. The Bandjin and Djiru peoples once used the island as a source of food. Europeans first settled on the island in 1897. Dunk Island was used by the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. In recent years the island and its resort facilities have been adversely affected by both Cyclone Larry and Cyclone Yasi.
The family will release an obituary and funeral arrangements for FJ Banfield.
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