PATHOLOGY staff at Toowoomba Hospital have honoured their fallen leader by ensuring the production of quality work for which he strived.
Current and former staff of Pathology Queensland’s Toowoomba laboratory paid tribute to MH17 victims Dr Roger Guard and Dr Jill Guard during a private service at Toowoomba Hospital this afternoon.
Roger had been due to return to work as director of the department from an overseas holiday on Monday.
However, staff members close to him had their worst fears confirmed on Friday after news of the plane crash tragedy broke.
Laboratory manager David Stranger had worked with Roger for the past 13 years.
Roger had been working in Toowoomba for 30 years and oversaw the work of about 70 staff in Toowoomba and the surrounding area.
“When we were informed on Friday there was just absolute disbelief and we were shattered,” Mr Stranger said.
“We couldn’t believe that both Dr Guard and his dear wife were on that plane.
He said histology staff knew the Guards were on a Malaysian Airlines flight home.
“They suspected that it well could be.
“They were, of course, hoping that it wasn’t that flight.”
Yesterday’s service was a chance for Dr Guard’s colleagues to remember his many qualities.
“The outstanding thing about Roger was that he was a very strong advocate of public pathology.
“He prided in producing quality work.
“Staff are doing exactly what Roger would want us to do.
“Getting on with the job and providing pathology for the people of Toowoomba.”
AN old pair of running shoes, medals and toy dinosaurs were on display yesterday as dozens of workmates gathered at Toowoomba Hospital to remember MH17 victims Dr Roger Guard and his wife Jill.
āHe loved his overseas trips, he was a man that thrived on adventure and thrived on knowledge.ā
Mr Stranger said his friend was also an avid collector of snakes, plastic dinosaurs and National Geographic magazines.
He said Dr Guard was a keen marathon runner, often running barefoot and covering 100kms on the weekend.
āHe loved all things nature,ā he said.
A collection of Dr Guardās possessions were placed on a shrine, with Mr Stranger saying it was hoped a permanent memorial could be constructed for the dedicated pathologist.
Friends listened to an opening prayer at the private memorial service yesterday afternoon, which said the events seemed āunreal yet too realā.
āThe downing of MH17 is not an accident but an evil crime performed by man,ā the opening prayer read.
Those at the memorial also promised to comfort each other and honour their cherished memories of Dr Guard and his wife.
Plans are under way for a public memorial service to the Guards.
Making a difference
The children of Dr Roger and Dr Jill Guard have asked that in lieu of flowers, people donate to a cause close to their parents’ hearts.
Their Supporter Page for Medecins Sans Frontieres:
Ā https://msfinmemory.everydayhero.com/au/jill-and-roger-guard
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation:
http://www.toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au/support-us