Essendon players to don black arm band as club and charities pay tribute to Mario Biasin
The Metricon founder has been remembered as a ‘deeply passionate’ person whose sudden death leaves an enormous void in the industry as well as the sports and charities he championed.
Vale Mario Biasin has been remembered as a “deeply passionate” person, a “good friend” and someone who helped “champion” the lives of young cancer victims.
The 71-year-old founder and chief executive of the nation’s biggest homebuilder Metricon unexpectedly passed away on Monday. It’s understood he was dealing with mental health issues.
A wave of support has flown through to Mr Biasin’s family from friends, relatives and some of the biggest names in the construction industry and AFL.
Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell said Essendon players would sport a black armband on Saturday in a game against Richmond as a tribute to Mr Biasin.
“Mario was a gentleman and a pleasure to be around. On more occasions than I can remember, Mario was a confidant to myself and many others at Essendon,” he said.
“He only ever cared about what was right for, and in the best interests of, the Essendon Football Club. Mario will forever hold a special place in the heart of the Essendon Football Club.”
Club president Paul Brasher said Mr Biasin was one of the club’s biggest supporters.
“There has never been one more positive, generous or selfless in support for the club and the people in it,” he said. “Everybody at Essendon loved Mario and we send our deepest condolences to Glenda, Jason, Michelle, Bradley and Brent.”
Gold Coast SUNS chief executive Mark Evans said Mr Biasin had a big heart.
“Mario was a wonderful person, talented businessman and great supporter of sport in Australia,” he said.
Chief executive of not-for-profit charity Canteen Peter Orchard said Mr Biasin’s support helped thousands battling cancer.
“Canteen is deeply saddened by the passing of a champion in the lives of young people living with cancer and their families,” he said. “Mario Biasin’s support for Canteen through Metricon, has seen us change the lives of thousands of families grappling with the shocking impact when a family member has been diagnosed with cancer. Our hearts are with Mario’s family and the staff at Metricon and Melbourne Victory”.
Master Builders Victoria chief executive Rebecca Casson said Mr Biasin would be irreplaceable.
“Mario’s passing leaves an enormous void in our industry, and he will be greatly missed by Master Builders Victoria,” she said.
Housing Industry Association Managing Director Graham Wolfe said that Mr Biasin was always happy to teach others.
“Mario was a longstanding friend of the HIA family, always keen to debate critical industry issues. Always there to share the vast wealth of knowledge and expertise he amassed during his challenging, yet very successful career. Always there to offer support and counsel to those of us he touched,” he said.
Acting Metricon CEO Peter Langfelder thanked the industry for its support.
“We are very much appreciative of the kind messages of support from our business partners, suppliers, trades, contractors, government agencies and finance partners,” he said.
If you are experiencing mental distress, call or text Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 0477 13 11 14.
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