Allan Yarrington, local of 33 years, passed away in the arms of his three children at Tweed Hospital.
Infamously known as the The Box King, Allan was an iconic character of Byron Shire.
He first started making a name for himself by selling old soft drink timber Cottees boxes at markets, which paved the way for a successful business employing over 35 staff for ten years manufacturing in the building behind Mitre10.
During that time, Allan contributed to many local fundraisers, hosted Sea Shepherd events at his Belongil property, and Africa Leaf fundraisers, among many other local charities.
Allan was passionate about community, human rights and health.
Box King
After the closure of The Box King, he went on to open up The Conscious Cafe with me, his daughter.
It was the first 100 per cent organic cafe in Australia.
The Conscious Cafe quickly became the popular number one local gathering spot, hidden in the old Woolworths car park, draped in vines, plants, daybeds, crystals and the like.
It was said that locals of 40 year’s residence would come down from the hills to eat at The Conscious Cafe, as it was reminiscent of the old hippie Byron days.
Devastatingly Allan lost his younger daughter Bonny Yarrington, 26, in an accident at Billinudgel, leaving the family shattered.
Allan’s entrepreneurial endeavours also included the big orange, which is still at the local markets 26 years later.
Then there’s the Humble Pie van, and Uncle Tom’s Pies, introducing its first gluten-free pies, JING shack cafe, The Whitehouse Byron Industrial Estate.
Al was never short of business ideas.
The entrepreneurial DNA has been passed down to his children; Adam, myself and Daniel.
Allan was a member of Byron Chamber of Commerce, and was very vocal on issues regarding over-development of Byron and social issues like coal seam gas (CSG) fracking and international human rights.
But he was not only known as a business man, he was the life of the party.
Iconic parties
Hosting the largest, most iconic parties Byron Shire has ever seen at his Belongil property those that attended left in awe. A few of those parties ended in large fines and court cases.
One thing is for sure, Allan knew how to throw a party.
A character larger than life, he will be greatly missed by family, friends and the community. Allan’s legacy lives on through his children and in the hearts he touched.
A celebration of his life will be held for Allan on December 21.
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