Keith Cunnington, my friend and colleague, passed away this morning.

Keith was a rough diamond with a soft heart, which shone through when he spoke of his son, his brother, and his friends. I was lucky to call Keith a friend, and honored that he called me one.

Keith rarely pulled his punches, always spoke his mind, told it as it was, and was never short of a wise-crack or joke - right to the end. He was always willing to help his friends and they were never far from his mind.

He was a lesson on life.

He was the Captain, and his friends and family will feel adrift as we come to terms with his passing.

He didn’t get to ride his new motorcycle and do the traveling he often spoke of, and was excited by. I know he was excited, because his enthusiasm was obvious as he quizzed me on my own travels, and whenever I mentioned some adventure or another.

So, Keith... See what I see, and let the road unwind before you. Feel the wind on your face and the sun at your back. Watch the green grasses turn parched and dry, only to be followed by swathes of desert wild-flowers. See the sky open up as you leave the rolling hills behind and head out onto the open plains. Enjoy the scents and smells of the wide open spaces. Chase the Sun west, and as you roll into Longreach, the Stockman’s Hall of Fame is on your left and the Qantas Museum is on your right. Your friends can’t come with you this time, but perhaps you’ll be riding along with us as we continue our journeys. Take notes, and tell me all about your travels the next time we meet.

Rest in peace Keith, you are, and will be, sorely missed.