Boydtown's visionary and fearless pioneering property developer Bruce Lyon was farewelled in a fitting memorial held at Seahorse Inn function centre last Friday, August 23.
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Notable politicians including Labor MP Mike Kelly and local councillors Mitchell Nadin and Russell Fitzpatrick, along with a large crowd of familiar Eden locals, filled the function centre to farewell the man whose ambitious visions for Boydtown have been compared to those of the founder, Scottish entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd.
During the two hour ceremony Mr Lyon's future visions were unveiled by Lyon Group Australia's managing director Mike Milliken and connected associates all vowing to continue on the legacy left behind.
Rowan Gietz, director of Leffler Simes Architects, discussed plans to create a 24-room boutique hotel that would work in conjunction with the Seahorse Inn.
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"The Seahorse Inn would become the centre piece. He [Bruce] saw people walking through landscaped gardens and pathways, going back to their rooms after a lovely function and relaxing in comfortable accommodation," Mr Gietz said.
"He envisaged all types of accommodation to suit the needs of the varying markets (including cabins and upmarket hotels). What it means is people would be able to stay together after a function such as a wedding."
Senior urban planner from Jacobs Group, Myall Stevens described Mr Lyon's vision as achievable.
"He wanted something that was completely unique...and that's what we are charged with now. We are beginning to see a clear way forward to see his vision in action and see things built around here," he said.
"You will see some changes over the next year or so but that's just the start. It should change the face of Boydtown and really put it on the map for anybody that doesn't currently know it's here."
Eden Realty real estate agent Glenn Brunette labelled the Boydtown vision as a unique opportunity that may never come up again and urged councillors to embrace the opportunity.
"I don't think with future developments along the south coast we will see this opportunity again. Eden is landlocked and we have no more room to grow. Boydtown is the only place we can realistically expand into," he said.
"I very much hope we will see Bruce's vision come into reality. However time is upon us."
Managing director of Lyon Group Australia Mike Milliken noted although Mr Lyon was a city businessman he truly held the country within.
"He was at his happiest when he was down here in Boydtown - he truly was at peace here, he loved all facets of Boydtown, the visions and the business opportunities he could grow here and he loved the beach."
He also referred to the morning's meetings with the Bega Valley Shire Council which he admitted "didn't go too well .. Bruce would've been proud of me," he joked.
Drawing on comments from BVSC Mayor Kristy McBain regarding Mr Lyon's character, Mr Milliken said he was determined to follow on with "Bruce's dreams" with all of the same gusto and determination that Mr Lyon had.
"Bruce certainly believed and proved anything is possible and I am committed to continue to chase his vision."
The memorial concluded with three hearty cheers to Mr Lyon.
