“He was a lovely, kind, wonderful man”.
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Those were the words used by the devastated partner of a man who died crossing the road in Launceston on Monday.
Janet Gillow was working at Calvary St Vincent’s Hospital on Monday when police arrived – they were there to deliver tragic news.
Her partner and best friend of 20 years, Ian Palmer, had died.
The 65-year-old Newnham man was in town running errands when he was hit by a car.
Witnesses tried to revive him before emergency crews arrived, but Mr Palmer died at the scene.
Ms Gillow said not only had she lost her partner but “a wonderful friend”.
“We only met late in life … but we had a lovely life,” she said.
“He was so kind.”
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The couple did not have children together, but Ms Gillow said her partner was “very close” with her son and grandson.
“He loved and accepted my family as his own family,” she said.
She described Mr Palmer as a community man who would “do anything for anyone” and said he was always the first to put his hand up to help.
A keen shooter, Mr Palmer was involved with the Tasmanian Clay Target Association.
The club shared a tribute to him, describing him as a “true gentleman who will be fondly remembered by all who knew him”.
“Ian has been a hard-working and well respected delegate to the association on behalf of the St Helens Gun Club for many years,” the tribute read.
Mr Palmer was also involved in the Newstead Athletics Club, with his 15-year-old grandson Sam Clifford regularly competing.
Volunteering alongside him for about six years was Gary Armstrong, who said Mr Palmer was a “good mate”.
“He was always there no matter what, even when his grandson wasn’t running, Ian was there, helping the club,” Mr Armstrong said.
“He was a quiet man, but always put his hand up to do things. Everyone at the club is in total shock, they just can’t believe it.”
The athletics club also shared an online tribute to Mr Palmer, encouraging members to wear black arm bands at an interclub event on Saturday in honour of him.
“We are saddened by the loss of our wonderful club volunteer Ian Palmer, who was awarded a club contribution award at our recent end of season dinner,” they wrote.
“Our thoughts are with Janet and the Clifford family. May he rest in peace.”
A funeral will be held at Punchbowl Christian Centre on Monday at 1pm.