Asbestos Victims Association (SA)

Tributes

Bryan McGuinness

Died 2 April 2017.

Brian Alloway

10-3-1954 to 5-3-2018

Alan J Sandys

1938-2002

Arthur James Beadle

1927 - 2007

A Reliable and honest man, Arthur enjoyed life and his work and loved his family. He was loved and is missed very much by us all.

Alexander Campbell

10/4/1934 - 20/09/2014

Born 13/04/1934 in Edinburgh Scotland. He served his time as a plumber, met and married Isabel Parker Thompson on the 25/03/1960. They had 4 sons Michael, Allen, Paul and Simon. They migrated to Australia in 1971, where Alex worked in the BHP Shipyard, he then worked as a roofing plumber and tiler. Alex was actively involved in the Mount Laura Pipe Band as well as Entertainers, Whyalla Players and the Happy Tappers.

Arthur Clake

1929 - 2012

Attilio Carbone

01/04/1931 - 09/08/2009

Barrie Frick

1930 - 2009

My Father died from Mesothelioma he was so special, and will be sadly missed.

Berend (Ben) de Vries

1939 - 2011

Bernie Banton

1946 – 2007

Bernie, the passionate and courageous campaigner, sought justice for victims of asbestos diseases, and their families.

Billy Verhaaf

1943 - 2008

Bill loved life, especially rock and roll, football and taking his little dog for walks.

Bob Betts

1934 - 2008

Bob worked for the UK Government and also for the Government Public Buildings Department here in SA. He was exposed to asbestos for close to thirty years. He started to feel ill at the beginning of 2007 and by May of that year he decided to see a doctor. It was not until August that he was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and given a few months to live. He passed away in March 2008 aged 73 years. We all miss him terribly but he is now at peace and free of pain.

Brian Hitchman

17/04/1937 – 21/11/2010

Bruce Sanders

1928 - 2003

Christine Anne Sanders

1954 - 2007

Christine, a brave and courageous woman, a loving and devoted mother and wife who will always be remembered for her cheeky humor and caring nature. She was diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma two weeks before she passed away at the age of 53. Christine’s exposure was linked to her first husband who once worked with asbestos related materials.

Colin Arthur

1936 - 2007

Colin, the asbestos victim who founded AVA, survived to see it grow into a strong advocacy and support group for victims in SA. He was particularly proud when AVA established a permanent memorial stone and plaque in Pitman Park, Salisbury.

Darcy Joseph Clifford

1934 - 2002

A wonderful man. The best and loving husband and father one could ever wish for. Missed so much.

David Boanas

25/03/1927—25/06/2014

David Gullidge

11/12/2012

I lost the love of my life, best friend and confidant to mesothelioma. Dave was diagnosed in May 2011 and put up a great fight, but passed away on 11th Dec 2012. He left behind a family that loved him so much - Travis & Jennifer, Glenn, grandchildren Jasmine, Ashlea and Ameliah. We miss him so much. Susan

Don Atkinson

1927 - 2007

Don lived and worked always towards a better world for everyone. He was a good man and highly principled. Asbestos and related diseases are a horrifying way to die.

Francis Sydney Thorpe

1928 - 2001

Born in Streaky Bay and passed away at Port Lincoln.Never forgotten – many things keep his memory alive for Joy, Wayne, Karen, Cherie and Dick and his grandchildren and great-grandies.

Frank Charles Hearn

1931-2001

I would like to post a tribute to my Father, Francis Charles Hearn. Frank was diagnosed with mesothelioma eight months before his tragic death. His exposure was eventually traced to his employment situated in the National Bank building in Adelaide in the 1970s, during which time renovations took place in his office without the proper safety precautions we now have. My Father lived in Adelaide and was born 01/10/31-29/01/01. Peter Hearn

Gladys Booy

1924 - 2003

Bombs during the war, and polio, was nothing compared to asbestos.Adored Mum of Jan, Kerry, Kay and families.

Gordon Shears

1946-2014

Gordon Shears was born in Dagenham, England, in 1946. He and his wife came to South Australia in the early 1970s to give their children a better life. Gordon spent most of his working life at ICI (later Penrice Soda). He would do anything for his family and friends. He bravely fought mesothelioma for seven months and passed away at the Mary Potter Hospice on 12 November 2013 with his wife and children by his side. We will always love and remember him.

Helen Pridham

1959 - 2006

Helene Edwards

1943 - 2002

Herbert Roffey

1930 - 2007

Jack Alpers

1936 - 2007

Professor Jack Alpers AM - a dedicated and compassionate expert medical advisor to sufferers of occupational lung diseases. Following his retirement, Jack shared his breadth of knowledge and exceptional clinical skills as a highly regarded expert in medico-legal cases to those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses, particularly mesothelioma.

Jack Watkins

Jack was an Asbestos Safety Officer for SafeWork SA; an active union organizer and advocate of Occupational Health and Safety and workers rights and conditions; Asbestos and Toxic Waste Liaison officer for the UTLC; member of the state government Asbestos Advisory Committee; and is credited with the formation of the workplace Asbestos Exposure Register. The Jack Watkins Memorial Park in Islington stands as a tribute to workers who have died form an asbestos related disease.

He worked tirelessly to help those less fortunate himself, including any stray animal that wandered into his path! He was also a wonderful dad and great friend to his two sons, for which they are eternally grateful. Losing his wife, Cathy, in 1993 was a great blow and he struggled for years with her loss. They were very close and loved each other dearly, and we hope they are now together. Bill and Paul Watkins

James William Hooper (Jim)

1926 - 2007

A good man who loved his family, friends footy and jazz. A true dinky di Aussie.

Jim Forrest

1924 - 2004

I had a very happy and long married life until I lost my Beloved Husband Jim. Jim was diagnosed with Mesothelioma after working for 20 years at the James Hardies factory in Elizabeth, South Australia. Jim only lived for twelve months after he was diagnosed with this terrible disease.

Jeff Cockerill

1949 - 2012

Mesothelioma. A funny man, much loved by family and friends

Joe Alderuccio

1948 - 2012

Born Francofonte Sicily 05Oct 1948. Died Swan Hill, Vic Aust 10 Jan 2012.Loved and Loving Partner of Vickie. Step Dad of Jodie, Chris and Bec. Step Nonno of Rach, Anthony, Zach, Violet, Kayne and Charlotte. Forever in our Hearts .Rest peacefully until we meet again.

John Finlay

1933 - 2011

John Hinks

1934 - 2010

John lived life to the full, including trekking the Himalayas after his initial diagnosis. He created a lifetime of memories. John was loving and very much loved and will be in our hearts forever.

John Mackaway

1929 - 2004

Kevin Smallacombe

1937 - 2008

Kevin was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2006 and battled bravely until April 2008 when this dreadful disease finally ended the life of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Keith Beaumont

5/10/1935 -- 21/07/2014

Malcolm M R Cameron

1928 - 2011

Margaret June Campbell

1952 - 2007

Sadly missed by her two sons and extended family, Margaret was a much loved primary school teacher; kind-hearted, peaceful and loving, dedicated to the wellbeing and happiness of others. The reasons for her horrendous pain and mental anguish should never be forgotten.

Margaret Coggins

Margaret Delbarre

1936 - 2008

A lovely lady lost to mesothelioma.

Max Roesler

1923 - 2008

Melissa Haylock

1963 - 2008

A special person, a special face, a special someone we cannot replace. Treasured wife and best friend of Garry. Adored mother of Imogen, Molly and Ethan. Loved and cherished by all her family.

Merv Milverton

1926-2006

Our lives have been enriched by Merv’s generosity and sense of humour, and genuine interest in people. Faithful, honest, strong and vibrant in life. Valiant in death.

Peter Molineux

24/05/1956-18/10/2013

Peter was true gentleman – always had a smile, was bright, gentle, a sailor, and an enthusiastic handyman. He was tragically taken by Sarcomatoid Pleural Mesothelioma eleven months after being diagnosed. Peter began his working career as a Ships Carpenter and joiner at the BHP in the Whyalla Shipyards in the mid 70’s prior to OH&S rulings re the use of Asbestos products. Pete (Molly) was a loving husband and brother in Christ to Kerry, Father of Benjamin and Timothy, Grandfather to Jayden, Son to Melita and Neil, And brother to Bruce, Paul and Geoffrey And work mate to staff at Housing SA, Port Augusta. Kerry Jane Molineux (wife of 33 years)

Michael Francis Scanlon

1945 - 2006

Nicola Nihill

1969 - 2009

Nicola you were a special person. As a daughter kind and loving, as a sister you loved your little sister Anna. As a friend you were always willing to lend a hand. As a niece you were always polite and respectful, as a cousin you had fun and created great memories. You were witty, creative, fun, silly and serious. We love you forever and will never forget the years we were privileged to call you ours. May an angel be at your side. Love Mum and Anna

Reuben Jack Bennett Magor

1932 - 2009

Loved Life, Always full of energy, Workaholic and very honest. Worked at the Central Power Station as a Diesel Fitter at Broken Hill for 31 years and obtain the Asbestos from the pipe Lagging. Central Australian Go-Kart Champion 1971. Loving Husband to Fay and Fantastic Father to Gail, John, Debbie and Brett. Thank you for everything Mate!. Always Loved and will be always missed.

Peter James Beinke

1956-2014

Richard Hansen

1958 - 2007

Richard's life has been cut short, taken from us by Mesothelioma. He was my life & love, proud father of James and Tom, dear to all family. He believed in family, valued his friends, and had a successful business; with staff he was very proud of. He was passionate about his community (the pivot of the universe) and lived life to the full. He has left us with the most treasured memories and we have been fortunate to have shared living with him. We will never forget Richard, our hearts smile and cry. Always a part of us. Rest in peace.

Shirley Trask

1934 - 2012

Theofanis Arvanitakis

1940-2013

A husband and father who dedicated his life for one thing only, his family. He came to Australia from Greece his birthplace with one suitcase filled with hope and searching for a better life. His work life came at a price. A price no one can ever replace, but his dedication to us all will always be his legacy forever. We love you, we miss you and you will never walk alone. Your devoted family forever. Antonia Arvanitakis and family.

Jeffery Saler

1944 - 2011

Thomas Paul

1930 - 2010

We had 59 wonderful years.

Tony Kovacevic

1935 - 2007

Trevor John Reynolds

1940 - 2007

To my Father, on behalf of my Mother Glenis (they were married in July 1960), my two sisters, Karen and Amanda and his 8 grandchildren. Dad always taught us all to tackle every adverse situation head on as he did with his diagnosis of mesathelioma on January 11th 2006. This fighting spirit was never more evident than his brave fight, not only against this insidious disease, but his battle to receive the type of treatment, care and equipment the Commonwealth Government should have been paying for, not only for him, but others to follow after him. Despite the severe detrimental effect it had on his health, he was also part of the public face in the battle against the State Government and their lack of legislation for all asbestos litigant victims. Dad we all love you and you can rest assured the battle you begun, we will not rest. To quote you - You have let the dog loose, they don't know what they have done.

Trish Dillon (Patricia Anne)

1960 - 2011

Trish, you touched us all with your love, spirit and fun.

Walter Wade

Passed in 2007

Walter worked for BHP all his working life.he lost his wife in 2006 and was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in Feb 2007 and lost his struggle in July 2007.

Norman Couch

1919 - 2009

Mesothelioma - he fought it to the very end. Sadly missed. Linchpin of his family, he was the major carer for his wife.