All,
It is with overwhelming sorrow that I write of the passing of our dear friend, Chris Rigby. Our condolences go to Michelle and to the kids. Chris was so proud of his kids. For some years, has been undergoing treatment for cancer. We thought that we had it beat but it was not to be.
Christene and I feel like we have known the Rigby's forever. Chris arrived in Bougainville in 1972. He lived at Loloho where he was in the employ of BCL and I was with Bechtel, in Panguna. Christene first met him subsequent to her joining the Commonwealth Bank in 1973. Michelle transferred from Rio, Brisbane to Panguna in 1979. The family returned to Australia in 1985, settling in Murrumba Downs.
Chris entered this world on the 8th January, 1950. He completed his apprenticeship with British Leyland in the UK in 1970. On arrival in Australia he stayed with the Leyland product, at UK Motors, in Brisbane. This was followed by a short stint at Garden Island prior to that exciting adventure that was Bougainville.
It was while he was at Loloho that he survived a spectacular accident on the company wharf. He tumbled several metres from a crane. Fortunately he landed like a cat, on his feet. The bones in his ankles were smashed. Amazingly he recovered to such an extent that he eventually played A1 level squash. It is said that Sally Haig and her fellow nurses, at Arawa Hospital did a fine job during the recovery process.
On returning to Australia, over time, he was employed by several of the hydraulic hosing specialists including Pirtek, Enzed, Tyco and Hose Solutions. He then tried himself as an entrepreneur in the field of marine maintenance. It was during this time that he completed his first contract assignment with JDA. He was a Diesel Fitter with Mendi Motors . . . . . what an experience ! Chris took it in his stride and he went on to be one of our most prolific contractors. He spent several years at both Ok Tedi and Lihir Gold.
JDA and our clients were always so fortunate to have Chris in the team. The success of JDA was in no small measure due to the enduring high performance of the likes of Chris Rigby. Chris was so versatile. He could swing, just in an afternoon, from motor mechanics, to heavy diesel maintenance, to high level hydraulics and then to the repair of the largest of mineral processing plant.
Chris and I loved playing squash. When I was forced from BCL by the Bougainville Crisis I played veterans squash in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. It was at the time that BCL was wrapping up their business and I was considering my options. I had several people who believed in the potential of JDA but no one believed in us more than Chris. When it was my turn to drive to squash he gave me much intense coaching. He called these sessions “motivational talks”. However late in the evening after a few drinks I did not get much value. It was then that the Wigan accent would kick in. I never did fully master the Wigan language.
I cannot conclude this without mentioning Chris`s wonderful sense of humour.
We had some fun times old mate. We did not have you for long enough. We will miss you.
The funeral is set for 1.00 pm on Monday, the 21st August at the Great Southern Memorial Park at 1774 Mt Cotton Rd, Carbrook. Thanks for your help, Bob.
Warm Regards
Davo
John@johndavidson.com.au
http://johndavidsonbougainville.blogspot.com.au
0418 784 186
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