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Obituaries

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Many Herald journalists have received a Shakes caricature when they left the newsroom. This is the self-portrait he created as his last illustration for the Fitz Files when leaving the Herald in August 2024.

John Shakespeare’s illustrations captured the vibe. Here’s a handful of the 20,000 he filed

John Shakespeare, one of Australia’s most loved newspaper artists, completed as many as 20,000 illustrations in his 39 years at the Herald. He died on Monday of cancer, aged 63. Here are some examples of his colourful, humorous, incisive and groundbreaking work over the years.

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John Shakespeare and wife Anna-Lisa Buckland on his last day at the Herald in 2024.

‘Unfailingly big-hearted and generous’: Beloved Herald cartoonist John Shakespeare dies after cancer battle

Shakespeare’s shy smile and boundless kindness were woven into the fabric of the newsroom, and his loss will be felt deeply by generations of staff and readers.

  • Jordan Baker
Sly Stone performs at the Grammy Awards in 2006,

Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82

The dynamic showman transformed popular music in the 1960s and ’70s and beyond with such hits as Everyday People, Stand! and Family Affair.

  • Hillel Italie
See Tuang Tan in the General’s costume on parade at the Bendigo Easter gala parade. 

A life of quiet strength and profound impact

See Tuang Tan was a quiet cultural leader who helped shape Australia’s Chinese heritage revival.

  • Anita Jack
Melbourne academic and art historian Richard Haese.

Expert always drew the highest recognition

Melbourne academic and art historian Richard Haese had the ability to note the overlooked and understand the actual practice of art.

  • Ken Wach
Robert Walls was one of the football’s most respected figures.

The pale, raw-boned boy who became an AFL legend

Uncompromising as a player, coach and commentator, Robert Walls was a respected and influential figure in Australian football for more than 50 years.

  • Andrew Stafford
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Race Mathew in 1989.

Unending struggle to make a better world was much valued

The former state and federal Labor politician Race Mathews was driven by a passion for fairness and justice, and a commitment to equality, democracy and empowerment.

  • Iola Mathews
Holocaust survivor Otto Kohn.

Survivor of five camps built good life in Australia

Otto Kohn’s friendship, goodness and generosity affirmed that you can transform sorrow into success and trauma into triumph.

  • Ralph Genende
Former foreign correspondent Rolf Lie at his Melbourne bakery making  4200 pies an hour.

From late night writing to early morning baking

Being the first political correspondent for The Age in Japan required a gentle touch and proved to be Rolf Lie’s strength.

  • Sandra Lie
Petro Georgiou gives the eulogy at Tony Staley’s funeral on May 17, 2023.

The ‘Greek volcano’ gave a voice to refugees

To some, Petro Georgiou was considered the conscience of the Liberal Party of Australia.

  • Dino Georgiou