The Cape to Cape Track has lost one of its founding fathers with the passing of Frank Mouritz, who left an incredible legacy. He was aged 98. Anyone who has hiked the Track would remember crossing the suspended steel Frank Mouritz Bridge (pictured below), which spans Boodjidup Creek between Prevelly and Redgate Beach.
Frank’s founding role in the Cape to Cape Track
Frank was a pilot who fought in World War II. Then he returned home to Western Australia and pursued a career as a mechanical engineer. But his role in the Cape to Cape Track began when he retired at the young age of 55 and in the 1980s he and his wife Kath moved to Busselton.
They immersed themselves in the community and were involved in the Butter Factory Museum, Probus Club and Naturalistes Club. Frank loved bushwalking. And he organised many trips with friends to try new trails. At this point he become one of the founders of the Cape to Cape Track.
Huge effort to install Cape to Cape bridge
In 1999, Frank celebrated the opening of a bridge he designed and organised funding for. It saved hikers the wet and often difficult crossing of Boodjidup Creek.
Frank and Kath’s son Barry (one of six children) said it was a massive effort because they had to take the bridge to the location, including a steep descent into the Boodjidup Valley. And then put it together on site. Frank and Kath are pictured below at the official opening of the bridge.
Frank leaves an “enduring contribution” to hiking in WA
Family and friends remember Frank’s life and contribution
Frank’s funeral will be on December 17. He will be remembered by Kath his wife of 73 years, six children, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Read more about Frank’s incredible life and contribution in this Busselton Mail article.