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Tributes are pouring in for the “fiercely loyal” father of five, Michael Eaton, after his alleged murder at Cairns Central shopping centre on Wednesday.
More than $4300 has been donated to a GoFundMe launched by Mr Eaton’s niece, Sami Odell, to help cover funeral costs and support his children.
Ms Odell said the fundraiser was at the request of many who had crossed paths with ‘Mick’.
“Michael John Eaton, a local to Cairns who grew up in Holloway's Beach, was very well known to many people,” she said.
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“He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend, a father of five and Uncle Mick to many.
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“With such a calming nature, if he was any more laidback he would fall off his chair.
“He lived a wild and fulfilled lifestyle, living with gusto for a majority of his life.
“Mick’s heart was all for his kids, his animals, his tattoos, fishing, anything with an engine and his Harley.
“There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he held close to his heart.”
Ms Odell said Mick suffered from a severe stroke a few years ago, leaving him paralysed on the right side of his body.
He managed to regain about 90 per cent of his mobility, getting himself back to walking and talking.
“Even with a solid recovery, life after Mick’s stroke was not the same,” Ms Odell said.
“He lived a much simpler life, but nevertheless remained true to his humorous and mischievous self.
“Being unable to work left Mick with a lot of spare time – he developed a routine of walking to Cairns Central almost daily for exercise further assisting with his recovery.
“After many trips, he found comfort at Cairns Central being around society, making friends and interacting with new people.”
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On Wednesday morning Mick’s life came to a tragic and violent end.
Police allege Mick was approached from behind and slashed in the neck in an unprovoked attack by 38-year-old Nicholas Boak.
Ms Odell has described the alleged attack as “malicious, unmerited and fatal.”
“Michael lost his life, leaving behind his five beautiful kids, his family and his friends,” she said.
“Mick was only 51 with so much life left to live and passion to share.
“The memory of his cheeky persona, his crooked laugh and dry sense of humour will live on with us forever.”
Mr Boak is under police custody after being charged with his murder.
The 38-year-old is due to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court in December.
You can support Michael Eaton's family through their GoFundMe.
Main points
- A fundraiser has been launched to support Michael Eaton's funeral costs and family
- The father of five was tragically killed in an alleged murder at Cairns Central on Wednesday
- The accused offender remains in police custody, due to reappear in court in December
