A stalwart of a south-western Sydney town has been remembered as a well-loved and cherished member of the community.
Chris Boardman, who owned The Argyle Gourmet in Camden for 46 years, died on Monday afternoon when the motorbike she was on collided with a four-wheel-drive.
Residents of the tight-knit town were left heartbroken by the 69-year-old’s death.
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Macarthur Tyres owner Ken Rudd said the community was “shattered” by the death of Boardman, who had served the community tirelessly for years and had retired recently.
“I’ve seen many men that have had tears in their eyes, the town loved her,” he said.
“I can honestly tell you I’ve never seen a career like Chris.
“Her deli food was hand-done with generous servings and she had a huge following.”
Rudd, who lived near Boardman and her family, said she worked long hours but loved her job.
“I’d often see her coming to work at 6am and I’d see her coming home at 8pm and 9pm,” he said.
“I was told every New Year’s Eve she’d work all night.”
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Boardman was born in Camden to a local dairy farming family and went on to marry the son of another prominent dairy family.
She had three children and opened her business 46 years ago.
Twenty years ago, Boardman tragically lost her son after he was involved in a crash at The Oaks on the way to his school formal.
“She threw herself into her work,” Rudd said.
Tributes have flowed since news of the business owner’s death became public.
“Such a great loss to Camden, no one will ever replace Chris’s beautiful nature,” one resident said.
“Chris made my sandwiches and focaccias for 15 years whilst I worked in Camden. The most lovely, friendly hard working woman I ever met! She will be missed!” another resident said.
Local MP Angus Taylor described Boardman as “a familiar face, a kind and generous woman and a cherished part of the Camden community”.
“Her tragic passing is a great loss, and my heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends,” he said.
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