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Subscriber only Queensland s sugarcane industry is mourning a man who led growers through one of the most turbulent periods in its history. Fred Soper, a Marian region grower, died peacefully at Mirani on Friday night aged 86. He is survived by his wife Nola, four children, 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Mr Soper was the Queensland Canegrowers chairman from 1982 to 1989. He began his career representing fellow growers when he was elected to Marian Mill Suppliers Committee in 1964. He later served as Canegrowers Mackay chairman from 1979 to 1989 and, in 1982, became one of the youngest men to lead the organisation at a state level.