Katoomba’s John Shaw has been remembered as a loving, wonderful grandfather and loyal mate, following a tragic accident at Medlow Bath on Monday night.
The 61-year-old was working on his property at Medlow Bath about 6.15pm on Monday when his excavator fell on him.
His daughter Louise Minty described her father as “fiercely loving, the most wonderful grandfather, a loyal mate to many, and a hard worker.”
“Your hands have shaped so many of the things that surround us, your body toiled tirelessly,” she said.
“Every single day you put your mind and your body to work, for the people you loved. Every day of your life you worked so hard for us. Our hearts are broken,” she said.
Mr Shaw and his twin brother Wayne had worked for Blue Mountains City Council in the past, building many Mountains roads.
Mr Shaw also paved the main streets of Katoomba, Leura, Blackheath, Lithgow and Springwood, his daughter said.
In the early days he worked at Blackheath Timber and Hardware, and was also a coal miner at Clarence Colliery and Grose Valley mines.
Having played for the Blackheath Blackcats in the past, Mr Shaw was a huge supporter, and a long-time sponsor through his business.
Blue Mountains Police Detective Chief Inspector Dietmar Almer said Mr Shaw “was driving the excavator up the ramps onto a truck when it is alleged that the ramp has given way.”
Chief Insp Almer said the excavator tipped, throwing Mr Shaw onto the ground, where “the excavator then allegedly fell on him.”
Police said witnesses attempted to free Mr Shaw while emergency services were called but he died at the scene.
Chief Insp Almer said SafeWork NSW were now investigating and a report on the incident was being prepared for the Coroner.
Mr Shaw leaves behind his daughter Louise and Matt, his twin brother Wayne, sister Decalie, step siblings Kenny and Susan, Annie, wife Kerry, grandchildren Charlotte, India, Eva and Maya, extended family from far and wide and an endless list of dear friends.
