Funeral of John Foss held

Police allege John Foss was riding on a motorised bicycle when he was struck by a white Toyota HiAce van on Tuesday, January 3.

James Andrew Mitchell, 53, is charged with murder and dangerous driving occasioning the 60-year-old’s death.

Mourners at St Johns Catholic Church at Mullumbimby gathered to farewell Mr Foss on Monday, a popular figure in the local community.

The local Marine Rescue, which the late Mr Foss had volunteered for, unit provided a guard of honour as his casket was carried from the church as When Irish Eyes Are Smiling played.

Just hours before his death earlier this month he had taken part in the marine rescue of four people whose dinghy had capsized off Brunswick Heads.

A mourner said: “His life was extraordinary, he shared his journey with (the late) Margaret Olley, and like her he was a wilful, naughty and outrageous humanitarian.”

Mr Foss was raised in Ballycastle after being born in India. He later moved to Leeds, England, to study landscape architecture. He came to Australia in later life and worked on prominent landscaping projects in the Hayman Islands and Uluru.

He also made motorised bicycles through his business, Foscatti Motors.