If it wasn’t looking at the night sky it was in the water off Broome where renowned astronomer Greg Quicke liked to be.
In early June, Quicke’s family announced the Broome legend had died at the age of 62.
Today, under the phase of a new moon on a bright morning, friends and family of the astronomer and TV star made their way to the shoreline he loved to honour his life.
Mr Quicke, who was otherwise known as “Space Gandalf” for his distinctive beard, was best known for his astro tours in the Kimberley town where he introduced generations of visitors and locals to the wonders of the night sky.
Hundreds of people gathered at Cable Beach to pay tribute to the astronomer through a traditional surfers “paddle out”.
Mr Quicke was also remembered as a pioneer of the Broome surf scene.
Friends and family took to the water to form a circle after a minute’s silence and laying of wreaths and flowers.
Wil Thomas said his close friend “embodied” Broome and paying tribute to his life in the surf was fitting.
“I’ve got so many memories of being in the surf with Greg, and wet season storms, and just the best memories of life here in this water with him,” he said.
“It made complete sense to do the ultimate surfers’ tribute and have this big paddle out for him.”
Mr Thomas said Mr Quicke’s legacy was evident in his teachings about the night sky and his ability to translate knowledge in a way others could understand.
“Every time I look up at the night sky I remember him and everyone will. That’s one of his legacies, to be good to each other, to love each other,” he said.
“He was the maker of stars, and now he’s gone back to them.”
Emotional tribute for a ‘spiritual’ man
While Mr Quicke spent his childhood in WA’s south west, his motorcycle adventures brought him to Broome in the 1980s, where his interests in the stars took a hold.
He rose to national and international prominence on the ABC and BBC’s Stargazing Live specials, where he appeared alongside Professor Brian Cox.
Over 28 years, it’s estimated more than 100,000 people listened to Mr Quicke’s explanations of the sparkling night sky on his Kimberley tours.
Mark Jones first met him 25 years ago and they soon became friends through their shared interests and time filming together.
Mr Jones said his friend was someone who “had time for everybody”.
“I think that’s reflected in the turnout today and the very emotional circle we had on the ocean,” he said.
“There are a lot of tears out there today and that’s testament to the depth of feeling everybody in the community had for him.
“He left us with wonder and awe at the night sky and for nature, he was a deeply spiritual man.”
In a statement after Mr Quicke’s passing, his family said he was “survived by a legion of people whose lives he touched”.
“He brought the universe to us all and translated it into a language we all understood,” the statement read.
“He was watched by millions of people around the globe and carried out his life work with inspirational spirit and freedom.”
Impact felt worldwide
Luke Huxley travelled from Colorado in the United States for the memorial and first met Mr Quicke while stargazing in the Kimberley.
Mr Huxley said he had fond memories of spending time on Cable Beach with his friend.
“I came to him with a problem once and his big advice was to just walk down Cable Beach here until your worries were gone, until you figured it out,” he said.
“It’s kind of an illusion that he’s crossed over to light up another place — just like the sun when it goes down.”
Mr Quicke is survived by his parents, a sister and an adult daughter.
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