"This would be Ash's wish"

Pictured: Ash Bannister with his wife and children at Seaworld, on the Gold Coast.

Friends of Ash Bannister, who died suddenly last week, have launched an appeal to help give his three children the "best education available".

The 37-year-old from Rothwell passed away on September 12 after a short illness. He left wife Aimee and children Konner, 12, Marlee, 14 and Xander, 16.

Mr Bannister had two jobs and worked six-or-seven days a week to “offset the cost of providing a good education for his children” at Mueller College.

To continue Mr Bannister’s work, friends Hayley Lakers and Katie Adams have started a GoFundMe page aiming to raise $30,000.

"Adored his kids"

“This (education) was of his utmost importance,” they wrote on the fundraising page. “If you knew Ash, you knew how much he adored his kids. He spoke of them often and with deep pride.

“We, as his friends, want to continue his life ambition for his children to receive the best education available.

“Nothing will bring back their dad, but if we can ensure they stay in their current school, surrounded by consistent support, they will have a better chance of coming through this without negative long-term impacts.

“This would be Ash’s wish.”

Mr Bannister met wife Aimee at high school near Agnes Water in 2004. They moved to Rothwell in 2007, married in 2009 and had their reception at the Bayview Hotel.

Mr Bannister was head roaster for Tim Adams Specialty Coffee, on the Sunshine Coast and a barista on the team at The Northey Street Organic Farmer’s Market.

"His no fuss approach to work and life made Ash an amazing employee and friend," Tim Adams said.

"Nothing was ever an issue and he would give me the shirt off his back if I asked.

"Just a fun man whose energy around the roastery is already missed and has left a big hole in our team. Love ya mate. RIP."

'Loyal friend'

Hayley and Katie added: “Despite working two jobs, and raising children alongside his wife Aimee, Ash found happiness spending time each Thursday with his grandma in her care facility. 

“He made sure she was not without want and would watch TV and have tea and biscuits together."

On the GoFundMe page , Hayley and Katie said Mr Bannister was "funny, quick to smile and make others laugh. He was a fiercely loyal friend, dropping everything to support those in need.

“He would go out of his way without a second thought, a gesture he demonstrated many times for our families. Ash was a confidante for many. A warm, calming and grounding soul.”