From Queensland to Hollywood: Celebrating two lives that shaped a generation
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Australia and the world are mourning the loss of two remarkable individuals who left indelible legacies in their respective fields.
Sir Leo Hielscher, a titan of Queensland’s public service and economic development, and Loni Anderson, the beloved American actress best known for her role in WKRP in Cincinnati.
Both passed away recently, surrounded by loved ones.
Sir Leo Hielscher died at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that has helped shape modern Queensland.
Born on the Sunshine Coast in 1926, he entered public service at the age of 15 and went on to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.
Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Sir Leo held key roles in the state government, eventually becoming under-treasurer from 1974 to 1988.
He later chaired the Queensland Treasury Corporation, retiring from public life at the age of 83.
Credited with spearheading some of the state’s most significant infrastructure developments, including the original Gateway Bridge, Sir Leo was also instrumental in bringing major events like the 1982 Commonwealth Games and the 1988 World Expo to Brisbane.
In 2010, the Gateway bridges were renamed in his honour. Sir Leo's daughter, Kerri Phipps, remembered him not just as a public servant but as a devoted family man.
‘He’s such an icon, and he’s a wonderful man, a wonderful family man… he loved his family, he loved his grandchildren immensely,’ she said. ‘He just achieved so much… he worked hard, but he was always there for us.’
His grandson, Lyndon Phipps, recalled his grandfather’s humour and resilience, noting that when asked about his secret to longevity, Sir Leo would grin and joke, ‘Good clean living in my youth,’ despite a tough start during wartime.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Treasurer David Janetzki called him someone who ‘towers over Queensland history like no-one else,’ and former premiers and treasurers lauded his impartiality, intelligence, and commitment to the public good.
Sir Leo was knighted in 1987 and appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004.
Source: TEDx Talks / Youtube.
Across the ocean, the world of entertainment farewelled Loni Anderson, who passed away in Los Angeles aged 79, just days before her 80th birthday.
Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s as the glamorous yet quick-witted Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, a role that earned her lasting admiration and firmly cemented her as one of television’s most iconic ‘bombshells.’
Over a career spanning four decades, Anderson appeared in popular shows such as The Love Boat, Three’s Company, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Incredible Hulk. She also had a notable stage presence and authored a bestselling autobiography, My Life in High Heels.
Reflecting on her legacy in a 2021 interview, she remarked, ‘Will there ever be a time when our names won’t be followed by “bombshell” or “sex symbol”? I embrace it. And my granddaughters think it’s a hoot!’
Anderson’s personal life, especially her marriage to and eventual divorce from actor Burt Reynolds, often made headlines. Despite past tensions, she shared that they reconciled before his passing in 2018, thanks in part to their adopted son, Quinton.
‘We were friends first and friends last,’ she said. ‘It’s time to move on… Having a son was a big event in our lives and so everything revolved around him.’
Steve Sauer, her manager of 30 years, described her as ‘the ultimate working mother. Family first… and maintained a great balance with her career.’
She is survived by her husband Bob Flick, her children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. A private service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a celebration of life planned at a later date.
Source: Inside Edition / Youtube.
Though they lived on different continents and walked very different paths, Sir Leo Hielscher and Loni Anderson each left a powerful legacy.
One served his state with unwavering dedication and humility; the other brought joy and glamour to millions. Both will be fondly remembered.
Read more: Sport and music communities mourn loss of two influential figures
What do you remember most about Sir Leo Hielscher’s contributions to Queensland? Did you ever watch WKRP in Cincinnati or follow Loni Anderson’s career? What stood out to you? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below.
Sir Leo Hielscher, a titan of Queensland’s public service and economic development, and Loni Anderson, the beloved American actress best known for her role in WKRP in Cincinnati.
Both passed away recently, surrounded by loved ones.
Sir Leo Hielscher died at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that has helped shape modern Queensland.
Born on the Sunshine Coast in 1926, he entered public service at the age of 15 and went on to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.
Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Sir Leo held key roles in the state government, eventually becoming under-treasurer from 1974 to 1988.
He later chaired the Queensland Treasury Corporation, retiring from public life at the age of 83.
Sir Leo Hielscher, a pillar of Queensland's public service, passed away at 98 after more than seven decades of transforming the state's economy and infrastructure. Image source: TEDx Talks / Youtube.
Credited with spearheading some of the state’s most significant infrastructure developments, including the original Gateway Bridge, Sir Leo was also instrumental in bringing major events like the 1982 Commonwealth Games and the 1988 World Expo to Brisbane.
In 2010, the Gateway bridges were renamed in his honour. Sir Leo's daughter, Kerri Phipps, remembered him not just as a public servant but as a devoted family man.
‘He’s such an icon, and he’s a wonderful man, a wonderful family man… he loved his family, he loved his grandchildren immensely,’ she said. ‘He just achieved so much… he worked hard, but he was always there for us.’
His grandson, Lyndon Phipps, recalled his grandfather’s humour and resilience, noting that when asked about his secret to longevity, Sir Leo would grin and joke, ‘Good clean living in my youth,’ despite a tough start during wartime.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Treasurer David Janetzki called him someone who ‘towers over Queensland history like no-one else,’ and former premiers and treasurers lauded his impartiality, intelligence, and commitment to the public good.
Sir Leo was knighted in 1987 and appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004.
Source: TEDx Talks / Youtube.
Across the ocean, the world of entertainment farewelled Loni Anderson, who passed away in Los Angeles aged 79, just days before her 80th birthday.
Anderson rose to fame in the late 1970s as the glamorous yet quick-witted Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, a role that earned her lasting admiration and firmly cemented her as one of television’s most iconic ‘bombshells.’
Loni Anderson, the beloved star of WKRP in Cincinnati, died at 79, remembered for her wit, glamour, and enduring impact as a television icon. Image source: KTLA 5 / Youtube.
Over a career spanning four decades, Anderson appeared in popular shows such as The Love Boat, Three’s Company, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Incredible Hulk. She also had a notable stage presence and authored a bestselling autobiography, My Life in High Heels.
Reflecting on her legacy in a 2021 interview, she remarked, ‘Will there ever be a time when our names won’t be followed by “bombshell” or “sex symbol”? I embrace it. And my granddaughters think it’s a hoot!’
Anderson’s personal life, especially her marriage to and eventual divorce from actor Burt Reynolds, often made headlines. Despite past tensions, she shared that they reconciled before his passing in 2018, thanks in part to their adopted son, Quinton.
‘We were friends first and friends last,’ she said. ‘It’s time to move on… Having a son was a big event in our lives and so everything revolved around him.’
Steve Sauer, her manager of 30 years, described her as ‘the ultimate working mother. Family first… and maintained a great balance with her career.’
She is survived by her husband Bob Flick, her children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. A private service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a celebration of life planned at a later date.
Source: Inside Edition / Youtube.
Though they lived on different continents and walked very different paths, Sir Leo Hielscher and Loni Anderson each left a powerful legacy.
One served his state with unwavering dedication and humility; the other brought joy and glamour to millions. Both will be fondly remembered.
Read more: Sport and music communities mourn loss of two influential figures
What do you remember most about Sir Leo Hielscher’s contributions to Queensland? Did you ever watch WKRP in Cincinnati or follow Loni Anderson’s career? What stood out to you? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below.
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