Former Queensland Premier Wayne Goss died of cancer at the age of 63 on November 10. His former associates and local politicians paid tribute to the deceased politician.

Goss succumbed to cancer after fighting against it for several years. He passed away during the early hours on Monday. He was diagnosed with brain tumour 17 years ago when he had his first surgery. According to Goss' former Treasurer Keith De Lacy, his public image of someone aloof and cold was not true. De Lacy called him a warm human being with a wonderful sense of humour which was wicked at times. However, that part of his personality was not commonly presented in front of the public. Brisbane Times quoted him saying that Goss was a "very shy man in real terms" but he was often confused to be an arrogant man.

De Lacy said that Goss was "uncomfortable in big crowds." The former treasurer continued to appreciate Goss' qualities. He called Goss a decent and deep man. He was a great thinker and great thinker, according to De Lacy who also said that Goss had a "passion for change." Former Labor Party politician Terry Mackenroth echoed De Lacy's take on Goss' character. Mackenroth too said that Goss' shyness was often misunderstood as arrogance. He said that Goss was the life of a party when with friends. His joking nature, on the other hand, was not exposed in front of the public. Mackenroth called him great as a friend.

Goss' media advisor Dennis Atkins said that Goss was a great admirer of legendary Hollywood actor Clint Eastwood. He talked about their mutual love for Eastwood as he mentioned watching "Unforgiven." Logan mayor Pam Parker said that Goss had left a rich legacy to Queensland as its Premier. He said that Goss had represented the city and the community to the rest of the country. Parker quoted Goss saying that he wished to leave Queensland a better place than it was. "And this he certainly did," Courier Mail quoted Parker. Premier Campbell Newman said that he was saddened by the news of Goss' death. He said that his Cabinet colleagues and the Directors-General immediately observed a minute's silence.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au