Family pay tribute to grandfather 'killed by gardener'

A heartbroken family has paid tribute to a grandfather allegedly killed by a hired gardener as they rally behind his seriously injured wife of almost 50 years. Nick Reeves, 74, was found dead at his home north of Brisbane on Anzac Day after police conducted a welfare check. His wife Sue, 71, was also discovered at the Burpengary East residence with serious head injuries and rushed to hospital where she remains. Frederick Steel Sayers, 26, has been charged with the murder of Mr Reeves and attempting to unlawfully kill his wife. Police said Sayers was not previously known to the victims and was at their home to do "some form of gardening duties". In a heartfelt statement, the victims' daughters said they were shocked and devastated by what had occurred. "Our family has lost a loving husband, father, father-in-law, Pa, uncle, brother-in-law, friend and local businessman," they said. "Together with our mother, he was the glue that held our family together and a huge part of our daily lives. "While our family and friends come to terms with this shocking news, we are focusing our support on our mum and praying that she can pull through this horrific incident." The grieving daughters said holding a funeral for their father would be important to the healing process. However they added: "At this stage, that is a decision we cannot and are not willing to make without our mum. "His beautiful and loving wife of nearly 50 years is the one who should decide when and how his celebration of life will happen and we are praying she will be with us when that time comes." In the meantime, the daughters encouraged people to "raise a beer to our 'old man' Nick" and remember him for the person he was and impact he had on lives. "To dad, if you can see this, wherever you may be right now, know that the man you were throughout your life, and the love, dedication and devotion you have shown to mum and us girls, is the strength that will get us through this tragedy," they said. The daughters thanked emergency services and hospital staff, saying they would now place their trust in the justice system with the investigation ongoing. "The Reeves girls are fighters, we are strong women, and the universe has provided us with amazing partners, children, family and friends who are wrapping their arms around us tightly and holding us together," they said. The charges against Sayers were heard for the first time at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court last week. The matter will next be heard at Caboolture Magistrates Court on July 26.