The Ocean Grove community farewells one of its favourite sons today (Friday, November 4) as Rex LeMaistre is laid to rest after a long battle with Huntington’s disease.
The second of three generations of LeMaistre builders in Ocean Grove, Rex is followed by his son Mark, who has taken over the reins of LeMaistre Builders.
Mark said his father would be remembered as a man who was always willing to pitch in for his community.
“He was always smiling, always happy and keen to have a joke, but the Ocean Grove community knew he was there for them and had their back,” Mark said.
“We’ve been able to help many families in need, doing backyard blitzes for people who had a family member, maybe a tradesman, who was suffering from cancer or some other illness.
“Dad was always there for people; he always used to say, never be second in line to help anyone. That’s just how he was, and that’s something that, as a son, you’re pretty proud of.”
The most important thing Mark remembers from his childhood was how much Rex was there for his children.
“Dad was always building cars and things for us when we were tiny, and then as we got older we were into skateboarding, so Dad would build the skateboard ramps, half-pipes and cubby houses,” he said.
“Him being a chippy dad, we were very lucky and spoilt growing up, not only with what he could do with his hands, but the time he spent with us. It was very special.”
Mark said his dad had lived an amazing life, and one that not many people knew all the details of.
“There are good people right in our backyard and often we don’t get a chance to hear their life stories or find out who they’ve impacted in a positive way till they’re gone,” he said.
“You find out some incredible things about people when they’re gone. Most people in Ocean Grove have known the LeMaistre name for forever and a day because it’s such a silly surname, but not many people knew Dad was adopted into the LeMaistre family.
“His birth mother, Joyce Lillee, searched for him for 60 years. So now we’ve got this whole other family, it’s quite amazing.”
Rex finally succumbed to Huntington’s disease after defying his projected life expectancy, which Mark said was typical of his dad’s toughness.
“He lasted probably an extra 10 years, he was maybe a bit too tough for his own good,” he said.
“He was one of the toughest human beings you’d ever meet. He’s famous for having a thumb completely crushed on site and not saying a word. He’s legendary for how tough he was, he’d just put a bit of old grey ducting tape around anything he smashed or cut up.
“But that was the hard thing when he got Huntington’s disease, because when he couldn’t communicate it was hard for us as a family, not knowing whether or not he was in pain.
“It was very hard to watch that suffering, but we had the best care, and Mum was absolutely amazing for him.
“As a family we’re so grateful for the love Mum had for Dad and the nurses we’ve had, who were second to none, and everyone involved in the Huntington’s community. We just can’t thank them enough.”
Rex LeMaistre’s funeral will be held at the Shell Road Pavilion at 1pm Friday, November 4, and can be watched via livestream at www.tuckers.com.au.
