Goulburn mourns passing of music mentor Marky 'McCool' McColl

If it wasn't his encouragement of young musicians, his own love of music, it was helping out society's most vulnerable and lending a listening ear.

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"It's time we gave the legend something back"

As his mother Janice, explained, everyone would tell him he was pretty cool and the name, Marky McCool stuck.

"He was a people person...(but) he always knew where he came from," Mrs McColl said.

Marky's sudden death, age 45 on Thursday, July 21, has shocked a large circle of friends and the Goulburn community. He had been open about his health battles before undergoing weight reduction surgery several years ago. The cause of death is yet to be established.

Born in Goulburn, the middle of three children born to Janice and Max McColl, he attended Goulburn Public and Goulburn High Schools, where he became good friends with Scott Hartnett and his brothers.

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They struck a chord, literally. The Hartnett family was active in the local music scene. Marky did the sound in Scott's various bands. They also combined to run karaoke nights at the Goulburn Workers Club.

"He developed a liking for doing sound and was just so generous in doing anything for you," Scott said.

"...He would drag me off to gigs and always had a love of music."

Several years ago, Marky started Marky's Mixed Muso Nights at the Goulburn Club. They showcased alternative bands, many comprised of young people, who wouldn't otherwise have a forum.

It was not lost on former Goulburn Blues Festival organiser, Geoff Bell.

"He was never short of rolling up his sleeves to help someone out...and worked hard to create spaces for young musicians," Mr Bell said.

"He was a gentle soul who gave a lot and never expected anything back."

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Goulburn Club president, Ron McLaughlin, remembers him in the same way. At one time, Marky was on the Goulburn Club board.

Following school, he worked for Linfox at the Coles Distribution Centre. He subsequently undertook a Certificate IV in Community Services at TAFE, became a youth worker at CareSouth and was on the board of We Are Community, a charitable organisation looking after the most vulnerable.

As a board member of Angels for the Forgotten, Marky helped establish a food bank and cafe for those doing it tough.

He was also a Goulburn Labor Party member. President and good friend, Jason Shepherd said Marky was "all about social justice" and looking out for the poor and homeless. He backed marriage equality and spoke up for local health services when they were under threat. Behind the scenes, Marky did the sound for union rallies to save Bourke Street Health Service and other functions.

"If he had something to say about the Labor Party and where it was going wrong, he'd let us know," Mr Shepherd said.

"But Marky had friends across all political persuasions and would help them out too."

Mr Shepherd started a Go Fund Me page in 2017 to raise more than $8000 for Mr McColl's surgery. Some 20 artists also performed at a Goulburn Club fundraiser.

His passing has shocked his friends.

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"It was way too early," Mr Shepherd said.

"He'd given so much to people and had so much potential to give more. It's a stunning loss at all levels."

Mrs McColl said her son never gave her any trouble and had become her "main man" after her husband, Max's death 13 years ago. He took her to appointments, shopping and helped care for younger brother, Phillip.

She fondly remembered his love of music, including drum and guitar playing, and the fact he really listened to people.

"He was so generous and kind with everyone around him. I'll miss him sorely," Mrs McColl said.

Marky is also survived by his brother, Phillip and sister, Christine.

Funeral details are yet to be announced.

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