Around 150 members of the Kiama community, including friends old and new, called into Bouquiniste bookstore and coffee shop last Saturday to honour the memory of Arthur Comber.
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Arthur passed away three weeks ago, after a battle with cancer. More than 700 people attended his funeral, which showed how loved and respected he was in the Kiama region.
On Saturday, January 19, his family hosted ‘Have a Coffee on Arthur Day’ at Bouquiniste to share stories about Arthur, while also raising money for the Story Factory charity.
Arthur’s son Clayton owns Bouquiniste and his good friends Edwina Bartholomew and Neil Varcoe offered to shout a whole day of coffee for friends and family Arthur left behind.
More than 150 people visited the cafe throughout the day to remember Arthur, and the kind and generous work he did for the communtiy.
Arthur’s whole family was there, including his wife Joan and mother Alice.
Long-time friend of the Comber family, Janelle Matilla remembered Arthur for his kind and giving nature.
“My lasting memory of Arthur is of a kind, gentle man who always had a smile on his face and who was always interested in the welfare of everyone other than himself,” she said.
He was best known around the community as the owner of Comber Optometrist. His annual Christmas light displays for charity also made him a big hit with people young and old.
Several people visited Bouquiniste just to place a donation in the tip jar. Close to $1500 was raised for the Sydney Story Factory, which will help young people build their literacy, confidence and creativity; essential skills young people need to shape their future.