LOCAL LIFE
ONE OF THE HAWKESBURY ’ S FINEST ...
A match made in heaven – and at the footy ! Nicole Lindsay and her beloved partner , Maurie Hyde . by Greg Martin
It is with a sad heart that I write Maurie Hyde , the subject of this month ’ s article , passed away on September 10 , just a week after our interview . Following is the heartwarming and revealing story I penned about this wonderful man . The Independent team sends their deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and friends .
On returning home after interviewing Maurie Hyde for this article , I cranked up the computer , went on YouTube and was spellbound watching and listening to the revered French songbird , Edith Piaf , singing her signature number , Non Je ne regrette rien .
Which translates in English to “ No , I have no regrets ”.
If Maurie was to have a headstone placed above his mortal remains , those final two words of the song would be etched on the marble slab .
This remarkable man has lived nigh on 58 years and says he has been blessed to have lived a loving and fulfilling life – with no regrets about dying .
Since being diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2023 , Maurie has fought the good fight in trying to beat the disease , and at one stage he had the mongrel being battered against the ropes .
But the cancer ducked and weaved out of the corner and is close to delivering the knockout blow .
Maurie ’ s oncologist has informed him that
he may have shared his last Christmas with his loved ones and a multitude of admirers and friends .
“ Of course , no one in their right mind wants to die , but I will be able to leave this place knowing I have wrung out of it a truly fulfilling life ,” Maurie said . No tombstone ? “ No , I want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered on Windsor Wolves footy field ,” he said . Non Je ne regrette rien ? Well , Maurie does have just the one regret
– and it is a biggie .
When Academy Award-winning actor , Yul Brynner , died of cancer on October 10 , 1985 , six months later an advertising campaign was released with the actor pleading with people , “ don ’ t smoke ”.
“ My only regret is that I foolishly didn ’ t ‘ do the test ’ when I had ample opportunities to use the free bowel cancer screening test kits ,” Maurie said .
During my interview at the lovely home in Richmond he shares with his cherished true love of 17 years , Nicole Lindsay , I asked Maurie if it was OK for me to mention his diagnosis .
“ Please do ,” he stressed . “ Shout it to the heavens - hopefully knowing my story will motivate people into using the bowel cancer screening test .” Maurie Hyde is that sort of bloke . But let ’ s get away from this sadness and look at the life Maurie has led to him being able to leave this mortal coil with no regrets . Before Maurie Hyde , there were two
KURMOND
Your Local Independent BP
Full Convenience Store OPEN 24 HOURS
EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
Not just a place for great coffee but also great service !
DELICIOUS FRESHLY
HOT ROASTED CHICKEN !
PLUS .... Gourmet Pies , Sausage Rolls & Great Coffee
Independently owned & supporting the local community for over 35 years 501 Bells Line of Road 4573 1324
6 ISSUE 173 // OCTOBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT