Rosevale man remembered as 'easy going' person with a 'very big heart'

The 79-year-old retiree had been working on the van ahead of a trip to Nullarbor with his wife, Gwen Cuthbertson.

Mrs Cuthbertson said she went to ask him if he wanted lunch when she found him trapped – he did not survive.

Spending the majority of his life living at Rosevale, Mr Cuthbertson’s death has been described as a ‘shocking tragedy’, which has left a community in mourning.

He was on the Rosevale Memorial Hall Committee for about 55 years, played football for Hagley and played both cricket and badminton for Selbourne.

“He loved fishing, old time dancing and loved going to the football,” Mrs Cuthbertson said.

His wife also described him as “very handy” on the farm after he had worked on his uncle’s property at Selbourne for about 15 years.

Throughout his life time, he was also a shearer, shepherd, log splitter, wood salvager and truck driver.

The couple met when they were 16 after they both attended Hagley Farm School.

Married for 56 years, Mrs Cuthbertson said it was her husband’s “easy-going ways” that made her fall in love with him.

They went dancing together, had their very own orchestra and were part of the campervan and motorhome club for more than 14 years.

“We got on really well together, we had hardly any arguments,” Mrs Cuthberston said.

“He got on with everybody and he loved meeting people.”

The Cuthbertson’s had three children together, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Since the devastating news, family, friends and community members have extended their love and support to Mrs Cuthbertson who said she was “doing okay”.

“I have my family with me and I have received so many phone calls,” she said.

Kevin Cuthbertson will be farewelled on Monday.