Bob Baldwin died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday 21 July 2017 at his parents' property in Cottonvale, north of Stanthorpe.

Bob was an active member of the QTU from an early time and, on his retirement last year, had committed 35 years to our organisation, working in an array of honorary roles. Bob’s outstanding service and dedication was recognised at the 2017 QTU State Conference with the awarding of Life Membership. Unfortunately, Bob was unable to attend and we never had the chance to present it to him.

Bob became a teacher after studying science at university and spending his formative years travelling the state enjoying life and turning his hand to innumerable jobs. One huge advantage that Bob had was an innate embodiment of the character of a teacher. Those who spoke at his funeral service recounted experiences of kindness, compassion, generosity of spirit and an absolute commitment to young people as characteristics Bob delivered without trying.Tributes at the funeral service recounted that Bob could have been great at anything he put his mind to, but he chose teaching, and thousands of young Queenslanders have been the beneficiaries.

Bob was farewelled at a moving celebration of his life in his home town of Warwick, with more than 200 people in attendance. I had the honour of representing the QTU at the service. I spoke of Bob’s life in our Union and laid his Life Membership plaque on his coffin so that our honour and esteem could accompany him to whatever comes next.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife, and fellow teacher, Janine, their three sons and a significant extended family.

As Bob himself once said, our sadness is great but in the end we must just get on with life because that is what you do.

Vale Bob, rest in peace.