Independent MP Bob Such dies after battle with brain tumour
POLITICIANS from every point on the spectrum have put aside their differences to pay tribute to one of the nice guys of politics, the member for Fisher, Bob Such, who died yesterday.
POLITICIANS from every point on the spectrum have put aside their differences to pay tribute to one of the nice guys of politics, the member for Fisher, Bob Such, who died yesterday.
Dr Such, who battled a brain tumour for six months, died yesterday, aged 70.
Dr Such’s family this evening issued a statement to inform that their beloved husband and father had died at the Daw House Hospice earlier on Saturday.
Dr Such’s wife, Lyn, said she and some of Bob’s family were with him at the time.
She said the family was devastated at their loss.
“Bob was such a lovely man and I will miss him dearly,” Mrs Such said.
He has been the sitting member for the state seat of Fisher, which takes in southern suburbs Aberfoyle Park, Happy Valley and Woodcroft, since November, 1989.
He first held it as a member of the Liberal party until 2000, when he quit citing a lack of support from his party colleagues. He subsequently held it as an independent.
Premier Jay Weatherill said he was saddened by the news.
“Bob was a kind and thoughtful man who dedicated his life to public service,” he said.
“I spoke to Lyn and offered my sincere condolences to her and her family and passed on the
South Australian community’s gratitude for Bob’s extraordinary contribution to public life.”
Liberal leader Steven Marshall also paid tribute to Dr Such’s public service.
“Since my election in 2010, I enjoyed a close friendship with Bob, and always appreciated the time he took to provide me with advice and mentorship on the ways and workings of the parliament,’’ Mr Marshall said.
“Bob was a parliamentarian of great dignity and principle. He pursued his policy passions with enthusiasm and his contribution to South Australian politics will endure into the future.’’
Independent senator Nick Xenophon, who worked with Dr Such in the state Parliament before heading to Canberra, said the state had lost a man of ideas.
“The Parliament and the state have lost a great thinker, an initiator of good ideas and, above all, a really good bloke,’’ he said.
Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne tweeted his condolences but added he was was “always sorry that he felt he couldn’t stay in the Liberal family and hoped he’d return’’.
Former Premier Mike Rann also expressed his sadness: “I am so sorry to hear of the death of Bob Such, former Minister and long time MP in South Australia. Deepest sympathy to his family.
“Bob will be also be remembered for his decency, and for his advocacy for awareness, research and early intervention in prostate cancer.’’
Dr Such sought indefinite sick leave only days after winning his seat in the 2014 state election in March, when he and fellow independent MP Geoff Brock held the balance of power.
It was soon revealed Dr Such had undergone surgery for a brain tumour and he did not indicate who he would support in minority government.
However, Mr Brock announced he would side with Labor, allowing them to form government.
Last night Mr Brock added his tribute: “I am very saddened and my thoughts are with Bob’s wife, Lyn, and the family.’’
In an interview with The Advertiser in early April, Dr Such said he was “in God’s hands” as he battled the brain tumour but would do what he could to keep fighting for a better future for South Australia.
He also thanked wellwishers for an overwhelming outpouring of support.
“People have been wonderful and very kind and overwhelming with their generosity,” he said at the time.
He also took to his Facebook page to express his gratitude to supporters after his surgery.
“I am very touched by the overwhelming number of people who have contacted my office to pass on their best wishes,” he posted on April 1.
“Whether it was done via email, by phone, by card, via Facebook or by stopping by the office — thank you for all the wonderful and very kind words.”
Former premier Dean Brown also paid tribute to a man he has known since they started debating together shortly after leaving university and whom he installed in his cabinet after winning the 1993 election.
“He has been a close personal friend throughout and I have the highest regard for him,’’ Mr Brown said. “He was absolutely dedicated to his electorate and helping his constituents and that was his passion in life.”
In emotional scenes on May 7, Dr Such took his seat for the opening of State Parliament, where he was warmly greeted by colleagues across the board.
It was announced on June 17 that Dr Such was taking a further three months of sick leave, and again in mid-September that he would take a further three months off.
Dr Such had requested a private funeral but a public celebration of his life is expected to be
organised at a later date.
His death will trigger a by-election in Fisher.
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