Remembering the lives of billionaire mogul Lang Walker (78) and Neighbours star Troy Beckwith (48)
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The Australian property landscape has lost a titan with the passing of billionaire property developer and philanthropist Lang Walker AO at the age of 78.
Meanwhile, the Australian television industry is also mourning the loss of one of its own, as news of Troy Beckwith's untimely death at the age of 48 has been confirmed by his former co-stars.
Walker spent his last days at his Woolloomoolloo home in Sydney, surrounded by his family.
In a statement, his family said that their hearts were 'broken' and remembered him as 'a great man who changed the lives of so many through his visionary projects and philanthropy'.
'Lang loved creating incredible places where people can live and work, but he loved his family more than anything else in the world, and his generosity and affection had no boundaries,' the Walker family’s statement read.
'His zest for life and his relentless pursuit of perfection lives on within everyone in the Walker family.'
'We kindly request privacy during this difficult time and thank everyone for all the messages of condolence.'
His health had reportedly been deteriorating for some time, and has had been in and out of the hospital over the holidays.
Walker's legacy extends far beyond the skyline of Australia's major cities.
His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a man whose passion for creating incredible spaces was only surpassed by his love for his family and his commitment to making a difference in the world.
Lang Walker's journey to becoming a property magnate began in 1964 when he founded what would later become the Walker Corporation with his father, Alec.
The company initially specialised in earthmoving, excavation, and quarrying before transitioning into residential property development in 1973.
Under Walker's leadership, the company expanded its portfolio to include the development of apartments, industrial parks, and commercial centres, employed about 500 staff around the world and boasted a project portfolio that spans across Australia and extends to Singapore and Malaysia.
Lang Walker's vision has left an indelible mark on Australia's urban landscape.
His property empire includes over 1000 projects, such as the transformation of King Street Wharf in Sydney's CBD, the Collins Square transformation in Melbourne, and the Riverlea development in Adelaide.
His innovative approach to urban development earned him the reputation of a 'visionary' and an 'inspirational leader' who was not afraid to 'creatively tackle the challenge of urban transformation', according to Managing Director and Chief Executive David Galland.
'Lang’s vision will remain an enduring force through the Walker DNA and the Walker Way, which he actively passed on—it is embedded in our culture and our modus operandi,' he said.
Moreover, Chief Executive Mike Zorbas also added that Walker’s contribution to Australian life was 'immense', saying, 'He was a great champion of the property industry and a great contributor to many Australian cities and communities.'
'Lang lived and breathed property for more than five decades.'
'During that time, he housed and employed tens of thousands of Australians while investing in and shaping our cities for the better.'
Lang Walker was also known for his philanthropic efforts.
He was a long-time supporter of the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation and the foundation’s neuroscience research at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
He was also the benefactor of the Lang and Sue Walker Centre for Hearing Research, the Garvan Institute, as well as a supporter of St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Centre and the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia.
He also financially supported the Australian Olympic sailing team and the Youth Sailing Academy.
In recognition of his efforts and service to the community, Walker was awarded an Order of Australia in 2015.
In 2017, he was also inducted into the Property Council of Australia’s Hall of Fame.
Despite the loss of its founder, the Walker Corporation is set to continue its operations under the leadership of the executive team.
The company has assured that its project portfolio will continue to be managed, curated, and added to for the long term.
Walker is survived by his wife, Sue, his children Blake, Chad, and Georgia, and his ten grandchildren.
As we remember Lang Walker, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to excellence, his visionary approach to urban development, and his generous philanthropy. His life serves as an inspiration to us all to strive for excellence in all that we do and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
On the other hand, Troy Beckwith, best known for his roles in the iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours and the children's series Pugwall, passed away under undisclosed circumstances, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a grieving circle of friends and colleagues.
The news was first shared by Beckwith's former Neighbours co-star, Kym Valentine, in a heartfelt social media post on January 27.
'It pains me so much to have to say this,' Valentine began, alongside a nostalgic photo of herself with Beckwith.
'Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away. Another member of our TV family gone way too soon.'
Valentine's message revealed that there would be no funeral, as per Beckwith's request, and she concluded with a poignant tribute to her late friend: 'Thanks for all the memories, my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.'
His sudden passing has left a void in the Australian television industry, particularly among those who had the privilege of working with him.
Brett Blewitt, who portrayed Brett Stark on Neighbours, responded to Valentine's post with his own tribute to Beckwith.
'He was such a lovely person,' Blewitt said.
'Deeply thoughtful and empathetic. Cheeky and playful once out of his shell. Way too soon. Love you, mate.'
Selina Laine Bonica, a close friend of Beckwith, shared a bittersweet message: 'We lost a star and the heavens gained one. Troy, you were a pain in my a**, but I loved you dearly. I'm just glad you're free from pain.'
Beckwith's Pugwall co-star Ricky Fleming also paid tribute to the actor in an emotional message shared on January 25.
'RIP to my brother from another mother,' Fleming wrote on social media.
'From birth, we were trouble together and joined at the soul, no one will ever know the adventures and joy we had as the [mischievous] two (Tricky and Roy) in this life.'
'I can honestly say there was never a dull moment when we were together.'
'May you be in peace and still be the infectious joy of those who are in your presence now. Troy Beckwith, love you, buddy.'
Beckwith's career in the Australian television industry spanned nearly a decade, with his most notable roles being the villainous Michael 'Sicko Micko' Martin in Neighbours from 1991 to 1998, and Jeremy 'Bazza' Bazlington on Pugwall, which he played from 1989 to 1991.
After his stint on Neighbours, Beckwith continued to act in shows like Blue Heelers and State Coroner.
Despite his success, he moved away from acting and lived a quiet life in Melbourne, away from the public eye.
As the Australian television industry mourns the loss of one of its own, Beckwith's legacy will live on through his memorable performances and the impact he had on those who knew him.
Our thoughts are with Lang Walker’s and Troy Beckwith’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Their contributions to their respective industries will not be forgotten.
May they rest in peace.
Meanwhile, the Australian television industry is also mourning the loss of one of its own, as news of Troy Beckwith's untimely death at the age of 48 has been confirmed by his former co-stars.
Walker spent his last days at his Woolloomoolloo home in Sydney, surrounded by his family.
In a statement, his family said that their hearts were 'broken' and remembered him as 'a great man who changed the lives of so many through his visionary projects and philanthropy'.
May Lang Walker and Troy Beckwith rest in peace. Image source: Walker Corporation (left), Facebook/Selina Laine Bonica (right).
'Lang loved creating incredible places where people can live and work, but he loved his family more than anything else in the world, and his generosity and affection had no boundaries,' the Walker family’s statement read.
'His zest for life and his relentless pursuit of perfection lives on within everyone in the Walker family.'
'We kindly request privacy during this difficult time and thank everyone for all the messages of condolence.'
His health had reportedly been deteriorating for some time, and has had been in and out of the hospital over the holidays.
Walker's legacy extends far beyond the skyline of Australia's major cities.
His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a man whose passion for creating incredible spaces was only surpassed by his love for his family and his commitment to making a difference in the world.
Lang Walker's journey to becoming a property magnate began in 1964 when he founded what would later become the Walker Corporation with his father, Alec.
The company initially specialised in earthmoving, excavation, and quarrying before transitioning into residential property development in 1973.
Under Walker's leadership, the company expanded its portfolio to include the development of apartments, industrial parks, and commercial centres, employed about 500 staff around the world and boasted a project portfolio that spans across Australia and extends to Singapore and Malaysia.
Lang Walker's vision has left an indelible mark on Australia's urban landscape.
His property empire includes over 1000 projects, such as the transformation of King Street Wharf in Sydney's CBD, the Collins Square transformation in Melbourne, and the Riverlea development in Adelaide.
His innovative approach to urban development earned him the reputation of a 'visionary' and an 'inspirational leader' who was not afraid to 'creatively tackle the challenge of urban transformation', according to Managing Director and Chief Executive David Galland.
'Lang’s vision will remain an enduring force through the Walker DNA and the Walker Way, which he actively passed on—it is embedded in our culture and our modus operandi,' he said.
Moreover, Chief Executive Mike Zorbas also added that Walker’s contribution to Australian life was 'immense', saying, 'He was a great champion of the property industry and a great contributor to many Australian cities and communities.'
'Lang lived and breathed property for more than five decades.'
'During that time, he housed and employed tens of thousands of Australians while investing in and shaping our cities for the better.'
Lang Walker was also known for his philanthropic efforts.
He was a long-time supporter of the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation and the foundation’s neuroscience research at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
He was also the benefactor of the Lang and Sue Walker Centre for Hearing Research, the Garvan Institute, as well as a supporter of St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Centre and the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia.
He also financially supported the Australian Olympic sailing team and the Youth Sailing Academy.
In recognition of his efforts and service to the community, Walker was awarded an Order of Australia in 2015.
In 2017, he was also inducted into the Property Council of Australia’s Hall of Fame.
Despite the loss of its founder, the Walker Corporation is set to continue its operations under the leadership of the executive team.
The company has assured that its project portfolio will continue to be managed, curated, and added to for the long term.
Walker is survived by his wife, Sue, his children Blake, Chad, and Georgia, and his ten grandchildren.
As we remember Lang Walker, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to excellence, his visionary approach to urban development, and his generous philanthropy. His life serves as an inspiration to us all to strive for excellence in all that we do and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
On the other hand, Troy Beckwith, best known for his roles in the iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours and the children's series Pugwall, passed away under undisclosed circumstances, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a grieving circle of friends and colleagues.
The news was first shared by Beckwith's former Neighbours co-star, Kym Valentine, in a heartfelt social media post on January 27.
'It pains me so much to have to say this,' Valentine began, alongside a nostalgic photo of herself with Beckwith.
'Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away. Another member of our TV family gone way too soon.'
Valentine's message revealed that there would be no funeral, as per Beckwith's request, and she concluded with a poignant tribute to her late friend: 'Thanks for all the memories, my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.'
His sudden passing has left a void in the Australian television industry, particularly among those who had the privilege of working with him.
Brett Blewitt, who portrayed Brett Stark on Neighbours, responded to Valentine's post with his own tribute to Beckwith.
'He was such a lovely person,' Blewitt said.
'Deeply thoughtful and empathetic. Cheeky and playful once out of his shell. Way too soon. Love you, mate.'
Selina Laine Bonica, a close friend of Beckwith, shared a bittersweet message: 'We lost a star and the heavens gained one. Troy, you were a pain in my a**, but I loved you dearly. I'm just glad you're free from pain.'
Beckwith's Pugwall co-star Ricky Fleming also paid tribute to the actor in an emotional message shared on January 25.
'RIP to my brother from another mother,' Fleming wrote on social media.
'From birth, we were trouble together and joined at the soul, no one will ever know the adventures and joy we had as the [mischievous] two (Tricky and Roy) in this life.'
'I can honestly say there was never a dull moment when we were together.'
'May you be in peace and still be the infectious joy of those who are in your presence now. Troy Beckwith, love you, buddy.'
Beckwith's career in the Australian television industry spanned nearly a decade, with his most notable roles being the villainous Michael 'Sicko Micko' Martin in Neighbours from 1991 to 1998, and Jeremy 'Bazza' Bazlington on Pugwall, which he played from 1989 to 1991.
After his stint on Neighbours, Beckwith continued to act in shows like Blue Heelers and State Coroner.
Despite his success, he moved away from acting and lived a quiet life in Melbourne, away from the public eye.
As the Australian television industry mourns the loss of one of its own, Beckwith's legacy will live on through his memorable performances and the impact he had on those who knew him.
Our thoughts are with Lang Walker’s and Troy Beckwith’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Their contributions to their respective industries will not be forgotten.
May they rest in peace.
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