Appeal to friends of Wardy to contribute
The call has been put out for people who knew Wayne "Wardy" Ward of Port Hedland to chip in and assist with his funeral expenses.
Wardy died on January 22 after a battle with cancer, and his mates have started a slush fund to raise money should the only option be a State trustee funeral.
Wardy's mates said once a respectful, dignified service had been arranged, the remaining funds would be used for his wake at the ibis Styles, and any money left over would be donated to the Cancer Council.
Port Hedland resident and Wardy's neighbour of eight years Paul Smeaton described Wardy as a grumpy larrikin, who was well-respected by a lot of people and well-known around town.
"We want to fundraise because at this stage we can't find any of his family," Mr Smeaton said.
"We've worked tirelessly with others to try and locate people, (but) if they don't come forward then it will have to be a State trustee funeral so I just want to raise funds.
"He's got a lot of friends out there that want to see him go with a bit of dignity. We only saw him at work and the pub, but he still got around enough to make quite a lot of friends."
Town of Port Hedland chief executive Mal Osborne said the Town was sad to hear of Wardy's passing.
He was a long-time Town employee.
Buckets for contributions have been set up at the ibis Styles sports bar and at North West Liquor Supplies in Port Hedland.
Anyone who would like to make a contribution can call Paul Smeaton on 0400 229 674.
