A KNOCK-ABOUT genius.

I don't think I could come up with a more fitting description of Pat O'Shea, the man and colleague I grew to love during our 25-year friendship.

The genius was there for all to share in.

Anyone who heard or watched Pat perform on any stage was a witness to his mastery.

For those who were fortunate enough to work with him, his ability to deliver under the greatest pressure and expectation with the coolest of heads was a gift to behold.

The knock-about Pat O'Shea was also self-evident and equally as revered.

That was Pat's most endearing quality. He was the bloke next door - one of us.

Despite his God-given talent which could have taken him anywhere in the world had he chosen that path, he always remained a Toowoomba and Darling Downs man to the core.

Pat shared our joy, sorrow, achievements and failures.

He had the common touch with the same frailties as the rest of us. You could connect with him so easily.

Pat had an underlying shyness about him, but at the same time he was willing to put himself forward as public property to his admiring fans.

People jovially suggested at the height of Pat's media career he had a public following large enough for him to become mayor of Toowoomba.

I don't think that was a joke.

I'm sure had Pat ever been tempted to enter public office he may have surprised even himself with the support I know he would have received.

His knowledge, common sense and practical approach to all facets of life was revealing and uplifting.

I consider Pat O'Shea to be the most influential sport identity Toowoomba has ever produced.

Pat played and coached A grade rugby league in Toowoomba, but it was his off-field contribution to the sporting fabric of this region we are all richer for.

It's impossible to put a number on how many athletes he helped inspire and influenced through his promotion and support of all sporting codes and people in our city.

He helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for sporting groups and charities through his volunteer work at functions.

Pat was just as influential in helping encourage the career of countless media hopefuls learning their trade alongside him.

I was lucky enough to be one of them.

Many others have gone on to become national success stories.

We all dared to dream what it would be like to be as good as Pat O'Shea.

Pat, thank-you for your belief in me. A better confidante I will never find. You lived a good life mate.

Our phone conversations, Saturdays spent together in the Clifford Park broadcast box or our long Monday lunches will remain fantastic memories.

Former Chronicle journalist Robert Craddock said in a tribute this week "every country town needs a Pat O'Shea".

Great call "Crash". But we did better than that.

We had the best.

He was our Pat O'Shea.