Toowoomba pathologist Dr Roger Guard and his wife Jill have been confirmed as two of the nine Queenslanders to die in the MH17 crash.
Dr Guard, a long-time Queensland Health employee was due back at work on Monday and was returning from a European holiday with his wife.
The 68-year-old was an avid runner and member of the Toowoomba Road Runners group.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the loss would be felt throughout the Darling Downs community.
“It’s a tragedy firstly for the family involved, but it’s also a tragedy for the medical profession in Toowoomba,” he said.
“They’ll be affected profoundly by this, as will the whole community.”
Cr Antonio said while he was still waiting on absolute confirmation, it appeared Toowoomba hospital had lost its head of pathology.
“I know him by reputation. He’s highly respected and absolutely passionate about what he does for the community,” he said.
“The community is in shock that a conflict on the other side of the world could take away one of our great people and his wife.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and workmates.
“Everyone is very upset with what has happened and we share their grief.”
Earlier on Friday morning, Premier Campbell Newman said Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop had informed him of nine Queensland deaths in the plane crash.
Further information about the Queensland victims, such as their ages and where they lived, had not yet been made available, Mr Newman said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs was still in the process of notifying the next of kin.
Source: Brisbane Times
Queensland Health’s statement:
A respected Queensland Health clinician and his wife have been confirmed as passengers travelling on the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has contacted the family of Dr Roger Guard and made the confirmation earlier today.
Dr Roger Guard, Director Pathology Queensland (Toowoomba Hospital laboratory), and his wife Jill were reportedly returning to Australia after attending a medical conference and travelling on holidays.
Director-General Queensland Health Mr Ian Maynard extended his condolences to the family.
“I can’t imagine what they are going through but I hope they know they have the entire Queensland Health family behind them, and that we are here to offer support in any way we can.”
Mr Maynard said Dr Guard was a highly-regarded and respected registered general pathologist, who had been with Queensland Health since 1970.
In his role as Director he oversaw the Warwick, Dalby, Roma, Charleville and Longreach district laboratories.
Dr Guard was active in supporting pathology services and providing clinical pathology advice to a number of Hospital and Health Services.
Throughout his extensive career in the public service he also spent time in the Cairns pathology laboratory and provided many years of service to the Queensland Coroner.
Dr Guard’s dedication, professionalism and strength of character meant his colleagues held him in the highest of regard.
“His expertise in pathology, in particular forensic pathology, will be missed; particularly his rapport with students and his willingness to assist them with their studies and development.”
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Dr Guard was admired by all who knew and worked with him over his long and outstanding career.
“Dr Guard’s professional and personal achievements leave us with a legacy of achievement that we can all aspire to.”
“We all would like to wish Roger and Jill’s families our sincerest condolences at this time.”