Source : Perth Now news
A local pub and suburban footy club are leading tributes to a “much loved member of the wider Gosnells community”, following the death of Perth man Paul Dougan in Bali.
Mr Dougan was allegedly beaten by a group of four Australians at a bar in Kuta, along the south-west coast of Bali, two weeks ago.
The father-of-four is understood to have been holidaying with friends when he was attacked at One Tribe One Life Lounge and Cafe.
The Southern River Tavern was Mr Dougan’s local in his hometown of Gosnells
Staff member, Melinda Raphael told PerthNow that Mr Dougan, or ‘Rabbit’ as he was known, was a kind, caring and hospitable person who never caused trouble.
“Rabbit was a top bloke. He was always so caring, and he would be at the aide of anyone in need,” Ms Raphael began.
“(In late April) a lady got hit by a car right outside (the tavern) Rabbit was there straight away with some locals who were doing CPR on her and he went and collected the old woman’s shoes and her things that were scattered around.
She continued: “If you had known him you would’ve thought the world of him. His peaceful, warm, welcoming, supportive energy could be felt without him even saying anything.”
Sasha Fehervary, also from the Southern River Tavern, described him as “a top bloke with a huge heart.”
“He was always willing to help anyone who needed a hand and would go out of his way for people. He was kind, caring, generous and well-loved by so many people,” she said.
Mr Dougan is also being remembered by his local footy club, with the Gosnells Hawks Football club remembering him as a “much loved father, grandfather and member of the wider Gosnells community” in a Facebook post.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him,” the post read.
“On behalf of everyone at the Gosnells Football Club, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s children and their partners, his grandchildren, family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with the entire Dougan family, and we hope they find strength and comfort in each other and in the love and support of those around them.
“The entire Gosnells Football Club community stands with you during this heartbreaking time.”
On Thursday, Mr Dougan’s heartbroken son Liam confirmed his father had passed away after spending several days in a Balinese hospital.
“It wasn’t meant to be this way Dad,” he shared on Instagram.
“I will love and remember you for the rest of my life and I will continue to make you proud.”
An earlier online post from Mr Dougan’s family said that Mr Dougan was victim to a “brutal attack” at the hands of other suspected Australian tourists.
“It looks to be a group of four of the suspects that we’ve got (on CCTV), who were beating him, heavily, while he was on the floor, causing him to be in ICU here for the last 10 days.”
An online fundraiser, started by the family to cover medical bills accrued while Mr Dougan was treated in a Balinese hospital, has received more than $75,000 in donations.
