Vale Jez Ryan, a vital part of the alternative community

Brian Mollet

Mullumbimby lost one of the more colourful components of its social subculture recently with the passing of Jeremy Ryan at the age of 59, after a long illness.

Chatty and charming, often wickedly witty, talented and tasteful, Jez was an easy person to like. Always at his best for a celebration, to witness Jez at work on a party full of people – dressed up in his post-hippy pop icon gear with a guitar on his knee – was to see a bit of a master at work. He was the jester, the jouster, the judge, the jury and the jukebox.

Friends also remember a peaceful warrior who was generous and caring.

Creative arts came naturally to Jeremy who could sew, cook, draw, sing and tinker with remarkable craftiness.

Over the forty years, he spent here, he wove himself into the fabric of the alternative community.

Jez was cremated last week in a family ceremony, but had expressed the wish that his ashes be scattered at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby, one of his favourite places, so that his friends could farewell him in appropriate style.

At 12pm on Saturday there is to be a sendoff for Jeremy in the park by the old fig, so those who wish to be part of a tribute should dress in colourful clothes, bring some finger food and any musical instruments they have handy, and have a jam for Jez.