Flags flew at half mast in Gladstone this week with the news that philanthropic businessman Cyril Golding had passed away at the age of 92.

Mr Golding, whose name adorns the Gladstone Campus Library, made such a contribution to community life that he was often referred to as 'Mr Gladstone' and featured on the cover of the local phone directory.

Cyril Golding at the Gladstone Campus Library

The Cyril Golding Library was opened on September 23, 1999, and built from funds donated by Cyril Golding and the Gladstone community.

Mr Golding started his business as a sole operator in 1942 and it grew to become a mining and construction company employing 1000 people and boasting one of the largest privately owned earthmoving fleets in the Southern Hemisphere.

Golding Contractors has played a prominent role in shaping the economic development and prosperity of Queensland, undertaking many major civil infrastructure projects and mining developments. Cyril worked as managing director until he retired at the age of 87.

As well as supporting CQUniversity, Mr Golding contributed to a wide range of worthwhile causes including the Red Cross emergency accommodation facilities and Gladstone Regional Art Gallery.

Cyril was born with a hole in his heart and doctors predicted he would only live seven days. He has since gone on to live the equivalent of seven life-times.

CQUniversity Gladstone Head of Campus Professor Chad Hewitt and Campus Manager Sue Oakey said Cyril will be sadly missed by both the campus and Gladstone communities.

"Not only was Cyril a true gentleman and a visionary held in high esteem by the Gladstone community and its leaders, he was also an adamant supporter of the Gladstone Campus.  He and his wife Shirley were regular attendees at University events, particularly the annual Graduation Ceremony, until recent times when ill health began to take its toll," they stated.