Launceston has lost a legend.
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City Park train driver Peter ‘Pops’ Douglas spent more than 20 years spreading joy to children and their families.
The beloved driver retired about two years ago, and sadly, died this week.
But the 79-year-old’s legacy lives on with thousands taking to social media to share memories of the jolly man after news of his death spread.
While most locals and tourists would remember him for his love of City Park and the train, his son will always remember his sense of humour and his “remarkable knowledge”.
Gray Douglas described his father as a man who treated everyone equally and was always up for a chat.
“There weren’t many subjects he didn’t know about, he was like an encyclopedia,” he said.
It didn’t matter how rich you were, how poor you were, what the colour of your skin was or your nationality, all of that was irrelevant to him and he treated everyone with respect.
- Gray Douglas
“Dad’s body had been failing him for years, but his mind didn’t deteriorate.
“I’ve been like a yo-yo the past few days, going from near tears one second to smiling the next because I remember things about him. He was funny, man was he a funny bloke. ”
His family knew he was a popular man, but were “blown away” by the amount of memories shared online in the days after his passing.
“He was just a really good person and got along with everyone,” Mr Douglas said.
“It didn’t matter how rich you were, how poor you were, what the colour of your skin was or your nationality, all of that was irrelevant to him and he treated everyone with respect.
“That was one of the biggest lessons I learned from Dad.”
During his train driving career, Pete travelled more than 120,000 kilometres around City Park, and met hundreds of thousands of children and families.
“It wasn’t just a job to him,” Mr Douglas said.
Speaking to The Examiner in 2013, Pete shared a little bit about his career.
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“I was only going to do it until I retired, but I'm already nine years past retirement age. I enjoy coming here. I enjoy the people,” he said.
“You have to remember that the people who come into the park 99 per cent of the time come in to enjoy themselves, you will get the odd one or two crabby buggers . . . in the time that I have been driving I have carried over 600,000 people, and look at the size of it [the train].”
City Park Train owner Quin Partis said it was Pete’s love for his community that made seeing him at City Park a highlight for many visitors.
“He was known to every child in Launceston,” he said.
“He was into the third generation of people riding on the train, because grandparents and parents had ridden in their youth then they brought their kids along. As much as the train was an icon, I think the driver was the focal point.
“He never saw it as a job, it was what he did and he was absolutely devoted to it. His aim was to put a smile on every kid’s face that came into the park.”
One of the three current City Park train drivers, Nathen Youd, said he still gets asked about Pete.
“He was a well-loved person,” he said.
“It’s an honour to continue in his train tracks, I know exactly why he did it for so many years.”
The theme among the thousands of tributes shared online was Pete’s friendly face and his ability to entertain.
“He always had a smile and waved to everyone and had time for a chat,” Ian Lockett wrote.
“Toot toot Pete! Remembered in the hearts of kids forever, and your knowledge of our park was incredible, so much joy. Both of our children since babes have been on the City Park train,” Colleen Griffin added.
A funeral for Pete will be held on Wednesday.
He leaves behind his son, Gray, as well has his daughter-in-law Natasha, grandchildren Claire and Ryan, his good friend Judy and five great-grandchildren.
His two other children, Scott and Yvette, are deceased.