Family’s heartbreaking tribute for ‘popular bloke’ who loved his mates

The family of Peter Desalis who tragically lost his life in a crash on Noonamah has remembered him as a ‘popular bloke’. READ THEIR TOUCHING TRIBUTE

The family of Peter Desalis, 54, who was tragically killed in a crash at Noonamah on Tuesday, remembered him as a popular bloke who loved his friends.

Mr Desalis mum Wilma told the NT News of the grief she’s suffered and hopes other mothers won’t experience the same pain.

“I feel devastated. If I could die I’d be happy,” she said.

“He’s the second son I’ve lost.

“I lost his brother 20 years ago.

“It was going to be Peters 55th birthday this Saturday.”

Peter Desalis (on the far right) pictured with friends last week. Photo: Supplied

Mr Desalis was riding his motorcycle on the Stuart Hwy when a 4WD turning right hit him on Tuesday evening.

He passed away at the scene.

Wilma said he loved spending time with his mates and would do anything for them.

“He was highly popular with so many friends, he will be so sadly missed,” she said.

“He thought his friends were the best friends in the world.

Recently, Mr Desalis attended the Darwin Triple Crown with his friends.

“He loves V8s, he loves his cars, he loved his life,” she said.

“He loved his mates he’d do anything and he was highly so popular with him.

“He was always a Ford man.

“Ford was the only car to barrack for at the races.

“He went to the Darwin Triple Crown and he was so happy to go there.”

Peter Desalis (second from the left and wearing high vis) hours before he tragically passed away in a crash at Noonamah. Photo: Supplied

Wilma said her son used to play footy for their local club in SA.

“He played football for the Mount Torrens and then he went on to play B grade with Mount Torrens as well,” she said.

“He goes for Port Adelaide Football Club, he’s has always been a Port supporter.”

Brother Paul, told the NT News that Mr Desalis was a loved son and brother.

“He lived life to the fullest, always happy among his mates.

“Mum and I will be ever grateful to all his mates for their support.”

Mr Desalis relocated from South Australia to the Territory two years ago was known among the Top End community as a “top bloke”.

Wilma said he moved up north to work on the wharves.

“He loved his work and he was doing extensive training, unloading cargo ships with a big crane,” she said.

Mr Desalis’s previous manager Amanda Holtham said he was a dedicated employee of Qube.

“He was always kind to me and showed great respect,” she said.

“He was friendly and had a great relationship with his colleagues and was a worker to be relied upon.

“He will be missed on the Darwin waterfront.”

Qube released a statement about the devastating news of the loss of their employee.

“Tragically one of our employees was involved in a motorbike and vehicle accident in the Northern Territory on Tuesday evening,” it said.

“He was a valued member of our Qube business and will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Qube is providing ongoing support for our employees.”

Tributes roll in for ‘top bloke’ killed in Noonamah crash

TRIBUTES have poured in for Peter Desalis, a “top bloke” who was tragically killed in a collision between his motorbike and a car at Noonamah on Tuesday night.

The 54-year-old was riding his motorbike on the Stuart Hwy when a 4WD collided with him.

Mr Desalis, who moved to the NT “years ago”, according to a mate, was photographed with a group of friends earlier on Tuesday, not long before the 7.45pm crash.

The mate said Mr Desalis had friends from South Australia visiting to go to the Supercars with him last weekend.

It is understood many of his family still live in SA.

Mr Desalis was remembered by staff and patrons at the Noonamah Tavern as a “top bloke”.

A man, who asked not to be named, described him as friendly to all.

“He was a top bloke,” he said.

“Everyone knew him, we would catch up at the pub.

“He was going to the Supercars over the weekend, I hope he ended up going.”

He said Mr Desalis was a local who lived just down the road.

“I’m sorry to see him go, he was a genuine bloke.”

Carmen Jayne said Mr Desalis was like a father to her.

“He was like a stepfather to me for many years,” she said.

“He’s my mum’s ex partner, however they remained dear friends.

“To hear about his loss is absolutely devastating to my whole family and to many of his close friends.”

NT Police said Mr Mr Desalis’ next of kin had been notified.