CRAIG Hadrick's death was senseless, but the Cairns plasterer had decided long ago it would not be in vain.
The 35-year-old father-of-one’s family was by his bedside when his life support machine was turned off on Monday afternoon, less than two days after he was knocked unconscious during a fight at Fretwell Park sporting club.
His mother, Maggie Thomson, who flew from Newcastle on Sunday, said his decision to donate his organs and save the lives of others had provided some comfort amid her grief.
"Like they (medical staff) said, he was super-healthy," she said.
"He just looked after himself.
"They’d already done the blood tests not long after Craig was in there."
Two brothers have already been charged with grievous bodily harm over the altercation that left Mr Hadrick on life support.
Det Sen-Sgt Glenn Horan said yesterday police would review the case before determining whether the charges would be upgraded.
Mr Hadrick arrived in Cairns about 15 years ago during a trip around Australia with a few mates.
"He fell in love with the place and stayed," Ms Thomson said.
She said her son, a self-employed plasterer who had shares in a dive boat, was determined to set himself up early in life.
"He always said he’d retire at 50," Ms Thomson said.
"He said, ‘Mum, by then I’ll have everything. I’ll be sitting back, drinking champagne and celebrating the life I’ve had’."
His sister, Kylie Reynolds, said: "He always wanted to get his business up and running and wanted to be successful.
"He achieved that and he loved life."
She said Mr Hadrick doted on his five-year-old son, Jake, and was a happy-go-lucky family man.
The family also pleaded with people to consider their actions before resorting to violence.
"I was shocked to find out how much violence you have in your town," Ms Thomson said.
"I just imagined Cairns to be a lovely tourist attraction.
"It’s frightened me now to walk around your streets while I’m here."
To register as an organ donor, call 1800 777 203 or visit medicareaustralia.gov.au.
