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Paul Lockyer Obituary
In a career spanning more than 40 years, he has worked as a correspondent in Washington, Singapore and throughout Asia and won a Logie Award for best TV reporter.
"There's a certain kind of genius that can find the simplicity on the other side of complexity and that's what Paul could do," ABC Managing director Mark Scott said.
"He could take these very complex stories and find compelling ways to illustrate them ... so we could all understand these very significant issues."
253 Entries
Deidre and Shirley Lockyer
March 27, 2017
Dear Paul, wish we'd a chance to meet you. A relative we didn't get to meet on Earth, we will meet one day, Elsewhere. All our love to those who remain, we know they will go on missing and loving you, and our thoughts and condolences are with them.
So proud of what you accomplished.
Blessed Be.
Shirley Innes
May 11, 2012
Deepest sympathy to Paul Lockyer's family. A great loss and he had so much more to give. I never got to meet Paul and only realised after his death that we were related as my grandmother is a Lockyer too. RIP Paul. Shirley and Jeff Innes
Marilyn
April 26, 2012
To watch a Paul Lockyer report was always insightful and the information & pictures were never doubted because of his credability. He was an exceptional talent & yet appeared a very 'down-to-earth' character. A great loss to the industry and humble viewers like myself. Marilyn at Mornington, Vic
Lynette Lockyer
October 30, 2011
Paul James Lockyer family member will never be forgoten RIP
Lynette & Arnold Lockyer Goomalling WA
How you can show support
denise lockyer
October 3, 2011
deepest sympathy
Liz Freeman
September 4, 2011
As a semi housebound ABC and Landline Viewer this sad news packed a whammy.This wonderful voice for Rural Australia is gone.Thankyou Paul for enriching my Life.
Such integity intelligence and skill are always apparent.
I am hoping this loss will an inspirational beacon to those who follow this voice of the bush, Paul Lockyer.
Jen Shaw
August 26, 2011
Vale Paul Lockyer,I grew up with you, admired you and was influenced by you, yet I was only a viewer!
Daniel Marzolla
August 26, 2011
We worked together from time to time at Channel 9 and the ABC over more than 20 years. Paul was always great to work with, plus had a cheeky sense of humour. I will miss him, as well as Gary who was a great flyer. No doubt they are already doing some pre-production planning for a special up there in the clouds.
Pip & Ron W
August 25, 2011
Such a sad time for family and friends.
A huge loss for the ABC. Have always enjoyed immensely Paul's reports - from wherever he was in the world. Sincere condolences to all concerned.
Maureen and Ron Tadd
August 24, 2011
We were devastated to hear of this shocking disaster. The passing of these fine men has left the world a much poorer place. They will not be forgotten. Our condolences to their families and friends.
Helen Lock
August 24, 2011
I for one will miss Paul Lockyer's reports..he was such a credible journalist. I hope one of his many legacies is that the 'new' generation of journalists learn that the real stories and people are out there, go seek them and deliver from within your true self! My sympathy to his proud family..
Peter V
August 23, 2011
Peter V. Melbourne Vic. The best of the best,
Rachel Crane
August 22, 2011
As a devoted ABC viewer and listener I was devasted to hear of the helicopter crash which killed Paul and his colleagues last week. When I heard the initial reports of the accident near Lake Ayre the name "Paul Lockyer" instantly sprang to my mind without even realising he was involved. Being so familiar with his work and his many reports and documentaries on the area, his name and Lake Ayre were automatically linked in my mind. I will remember his stories always with fondness and now great sadness. A huge loss for the ABC and Australia.
Rachel Crane, Adamstown Heights NSW
August 22, 2011
"I did not know any of these men. What I do know is that such a loss is beyond tragic for their families and friends and for the ABC as a whole. It makes me realise what a precious gift is the ABC and how it attracts people of the calibre of Paul Lockyer, John Bean and Gary Ticehurst. I feel such sorrow for their families. Vale" Nikki Brown (Leichhardt, Sydney)
Cheryl Massey
August 22, 2011
As a long-time viewer of ABC and also a resident of regional NSW, I was very sad to hear the news of Paul's tragic death. His stories were always so well presented and real without the embellishments that some seem to add - he just seemed like a beautiful person and a true friend.
Sophie
August 22, 2011
To all of Paul's family, friends and colleagues. I am thinking of you all at this incredibly difficult time. The ABC reported on this tragedy with such professionalism and courage, which must have been so difficult to do. I thoroughly enjoyed Paul's work and he was one of the best true Australian journalists, whose work reflected his commitment to quality and dignified journalism. Paul, Gary and John will be very missed yet will live on in their life's work, which they should be very proud of. Rest in peace...
Jackie Mahony
August 21, 2011
Deepest sympathies to his friends, family and work colleagues. Such a very sad and devastating loss.
Liz Webster
August 21, 2011
Paul was my uncle and God father and he was the most sterling man I have ever met in my life. I can't imagine a world without him and I am holding his wife and sons in my heart. His legacy will live in for many years to come. May he rest in peace.
Susi Inglis
August 21, 2011
Dear Maria and family,
I am so devasted and so terribly sad and sorry to hear of Paul. I cant begin to imagine your shock and grief. So many happy times shared, laughter, jokes, long conversations, a bottle of wine the kindest person and so dear. I wish I had your address to write to you so please forgive this public letter. My heart goes out to you and the boys.
With much love Susi Oldham (Inglis)
Ross & Helen Fidge
August 21, 2011
We are so saddened with this great loss. Sympathy to his family and to all who worked with him at the ABC. We loved him for his voice, face and mostly his empathy towards those in need. What a huge loss to the ABC and Australia to lose Paul and his two colleagues.
Helen Coleman
August 21, 2011
My sincere sympathy to his colleagues & family. An amazing news reporter. Will be sorely missed.
R. Matheson
August 20, 2011
Simply devastated on hearing the tragic news. Paul's style of journalism was a step apart from his peers. He was a genuine storyteller with enormous empathy and passion. To hear him speak was just wonderful. Will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and his ABC colleagues.
Patricia Cook
August 20, 2011
It was a pleasure to know you Paul.
Anne Bowman
August 20, 2011
Sincerest sympathy to friends and family and ABC colleagues. Paul Lockyer will be sadly missed as one of the best in his field. Like the late Andrew Ollie, an iconic journalist.
Richard Hampton
August 20, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Paul!s family and those that were close to him, a brilliant Journalist who's depth of reporting was second to none, may he and his colleagues Rest in peace.
August 20, 2011
SO SAD
Rhonda James
August 20, 2011
Sincere and deepest sympathy to the families, friends and your many colleagues. RIP
TJ Aran
August 20, 2011
Our deepest condolences to families of these three fine men. May their souls rest in peace.
Rachel Meyer
August 20, 2011
a shock to hear such a nice man died so early
we feel for his family at this time
Brad Pauley
August 20, 2011
Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Paul Lockyer. Australias Greatest and Respected Reporter. Watched your reporting for years. Your interest in The Qld Floods especially The town of Grantham will always be in my memory. RIP Paul
Lynne Elliott
August 20, 2011
He was a great journo and a lovely man. My condolences to his family and friends.
danny cadder
August 20, 2011
i am sorry
Jean McLay
August 20, 2011
What a great journalist and gentleman Paul was..a very sad time.. he will truly be missed...my heartfelt sorrow and love go to Maria James and Nicholas.
Sue Crombie
August 20, 2011
Paul Lockyer always brought any documentary to life. I was brought up on Glengyle Station and he always made a me relive my childhood for which I will be ever grateful. God Bless Paul.
Chris
August 20, 2011
Sincerest sympathies to Paul's family, friends and colleagues. I grew up watching him tell the stories he covered with good humour, compassion and a genuine passion for his work. He will be missed.
August 20, 2011
Truly a sad day for the ABC.Sincerest sympathy to all the families.A very well liked group of men.They really did a great story every time. Commiserations to all .The brown family
M Fisher
August 20, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to family and friends. Thank you to a brillant Australian iconic journalist, a man of dignity and integrity.
Diane Johnson
August 20, 2011
Paul Lockyer alway made me stop when channel hopping, he brought the real Australia alive, he will be greatly missed
Peter & Karren Motley
August 20, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Paul's family, friends and colleagues. we have grown up with you on our TV you are going to be missed YOU ARE IRREPLACEABLE RIP
Heather Gilpin
August 20, 2011
This tragedy has left us all poorer - their talents have been taken from us far too soon. Deepest condolences to their ABC "family" , their family and friends. No one can replace Paul Lockyer - he was ahead of the rest.
Barbara West
August 20, 2011
We feel so sad for his family.
he was a unique journalist who you always felt you knew.
Christine Roach
August 20, 2011
very sad day. deepest sympathy to family and friends
Christine Rosch
August 20, 2011
Very sad day. Deepest sympathy to family and friends
August 20, 2011
I never knew Paul personally, but I always felt a sense of companionship whenever he appeared on my television. There are very few journalists out there who deliver news with compassion, integrity, and attention to detail, yet Paul was definitely one of them.
Australia lost an icon today. Paul, you will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.
August 20, 2011
To a fantastic friend of our family, especially my Dad who has been friends since school days. You will definately be missed by all of us. Lot of love to the family. xo
Rick Vredenbregt
August 20, 2011
When i first heard the news this morning that 3 ABC news gatherers were killed in a chopper crash, the first name that popped into my head before names were mentioned was Paul Lockyer. I think this is because he always seemed to be `THE` Journalist with the courage and conviction to follow a story with passion. The journalists journalist. RIP.
Paul Smith
August 20, 2011
What a loss. A sad day.
Nikki
August 20, 2011
I have grown up watching Paul. Such a sad loss. Thank you for all the wonderful information you have shared with us over the years. RIP
Claire Jacoby
August 20, 2011
To a great friend, father and husband...you are a well cherished part of our family..x x
Betty French
August 20, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Pauls family and friends. A wonderful journalist,a very sad day.
Bill Young
August 20, 2011
I never met him but I felt I had, he seemed to have an innate ability to really communicate.
libby
August 19, 2011
Paul I celebrate your life, you were a thoroughly decent human being first and foremost and a compassionate journalist! r.i.p.
Paul Lowe
August 19, 2011
Thankyou for your work and integrity
Jo Delacy
August 19, 2011
A very sad loss to the craft of journalism. We have all been captured by your ability to convey the story without selling your soul
dave hayley
August 19, 2011
my favourite aussie journalist sadly missed
Mike Parker
August 19, 2011
Paul, Enjoyed you reporting for more years than I can remember.You will never be forgotten.
Lyn Phillis
August 19, 2011
You will be forever remembered
By family and Friends
Another legend gone
Stuart Setzer
August 19, 2011
Paul
Your professionalism and your charisma gave us so very much~
You gave us so much pleasure with your documentaries.
Along with your good mates, you will be sadly missed.
Nola Mcalinden
August 19, 2011
Such a great talent wasted ... So sad for his loss
Tilly Vervoort
August 19, 2011
What a tragedy.
" Paul Lockyer reporting" brightened up my days & evenings during prolonged bedrest because of chronic illness. He came across as a genuine person and I'm sure his team behind the scenes made his job easier.
My heart grieves for his wife, sons and colleagues.
A true gentleman and all round professional.
Through sad tears I try to celebrate the man and his team whilst watching his Lake Eyre DVD.
Mariana Breitbarth
August 19, 2011
Cannot Believe the News this Morning,
The Best Ones Taken Too Early,
This is a VERY SAD DAY
RIP
Jason Best
August 19, 2011
Hi,
I met you a few times up in Grantham while i was volunteering with the flood clean up, you were a great guy, very genuine and very friendly! glad i got to meet you... its a very sad loss for th media world, and all who you met and helped by telling/helping to tell their stories.
Jason
August 19, 2011
A fantastic journalist who will sadly be missed.Sincere condolences to his family.
Barbara Roestenburg
Helena Valley
aaron
August 19, 2011
The best reporter I think I've every seen from anywhere in the world! The way he captured the Qld flooding caught the attention of everyone. Was there to help people and brought out everyones real soul when interviewing. Even looked at times like he hated having to question people he would rather spend his time helping. We may never again have a real person in the media again.
Annie Booker
August 19, 2011
Such a sad loss. Sympathy to his family and friends.
Paul Rowe
August 19, 2011
A truely professional journalist and an all round nice man. A tragic and untimely loss. My sincere sympathy to both Paul's family and his colleagues at the ABC
August 19, 2011
Sad such sad news. That all 3 of you were lost in such tragic circumstances, it's beyond me.
Liz McCormack
August 19, 2011
RIP Paul - You will be sadly missed. Deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.
Bob Devitt
August 19, 2011
The gentleman of journalism sadly missed.
Keri McInerney
August 19, 2011
Horrendous news...heartbreaking. All these men were just outstanding media people and wonderful human beings, loved by so many. I feel like I have lost a family member. :-( Proud of your stories your many brilliant works RIP Paul Lockyer RIP John Beam RIP Gary Ticehurst
Alex Gorringe
August 19, 2011
Well done Paul.
I grew up watching your reports, I have a passion for river systems and the blessings that water provide.
I will sorely miss your reporting, god bless.
Victoria Clark
August 19, 2011
I am saddened to hear the terrible news. I thank you for your TV coverage and your passion of the outback.
R.I.P. and my deepest sympathy to your family, friends and colleagues. You will be sadly missed.
Cheryl Jenkins
August 19, 2011
What a terrible tragedy. My deepest sympathy to Paul's Loved Ones and also sympathy to the ABC Family.
Elle
August 19, 2011
I feel so much empathy for Paul's wife and children, his wider family and for all his friends and colleagues at the ABC. His death has been such a terrible shock and it must just feel like a bad dream for those of you that knew him in person. My heart goes out to you. Paul's sudden death seems all the more difficult to believe as he has been such a stable presence in our collective minds for so long. I am so grateful to you Paul for your very calm and measured and somehow tender rendering of news - a total art. As many have said, it was evident from your presence on screen that you were a man of great integrity and warmth and humanness. I will look more carefully now at all the body of work you brought to light for humanity, in a most beautiful and singular way. I feel so very sad that contribution has ended in this way. x
Debra Clarke
August 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to your family and friends. You were a terrific journalist. I loved watching your reports. You will be sadly missed
Karen Crosson
August 19, 2011
One of the worst days in Australian history. My thoughts are with all three families
JOANNE ROBERTS
August 19, 2011
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY TODAY. R.I.P.
Ian Provest
August 19, 2011
Paul Lockyer, you gave all and continue to do so. Such a light ! Much Sympathy to Family, Friends and all.
tenpa
August 19, 2011
What a terrible loss. The concern, empathy and compassion you shown in 2008 when you interviewed me in Sydney re political uprising in my homeland-Tibet. My prayers.
sally anderson
August 19, 2011
paul was one of those journalists that you paid attention to when his stories were on air. My sincere
condolences to his family. You will be missed.
Penny Sutherland
August 19, 2011
Huge respect for a colleague from his first days in the ABC Perth newsroom.Love and sympathy to his family.
August 19, 2011
What a tragic loss, we are so shocked - you have been a huge part of our TV viewing for so long - sincere condolances to Pip, family and friends
Addison Family - Tasmania
Diane White
August 19, 2011
Rest in peace, the ABC will be lost without your reporting. My condolences to
your family and friends. God Bless -
CHRIS LOCKYER
August 19, 2011
Paul Lockyer
Your talent will be very much missed Condolences to your family & friends.
R.I.P
Lucy Macnaught
August 19, 2011
Maria, I cannot imagine your grief at the loss of Paul who was one of the greatest Australians. What he contributed to this country will never be forgotton and your support of his work so adimirable. Huge hugs and love to you and your family
August 19, 2011
God makes the back for the burden. R.I.P
Your work is done
August 19, 2011
We have lost another valuable journo, cameraman and heli. pilot. Paul, Gary, John your work over the years will be treasured and you will be remembered.
Lyn Townsend
August 19, 2011
Such a tragedy. One of the best journalists ever. Condolences to his family and friends.
Mel T
August 19, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Lockyer family, such a tragedy.
August 19, 2011
Paul, you have made many Australians aware of our wonderful country by your magnificent contributions through the ABC. I will miss your face and voice, RIP. Amanda Manning Mittagong NSW
LIZ McLENNAN
August 19, 2011
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THOSE WHO KNEW PAUL AND TO HIS FAMILY WHO LOVED HIM.
Laurel Myles
August 19, 2011
Very sad thinking of you all
Luisa Low
August 19, 2011
RIP Paul Lockyer. You will be greatly missed.
Chris Bruce
August 19, 2011
Great journalist, will miss his stories, deepest sympathy to all
Jan Jordan
August 19, 2011
Condolences to all your family and friends. Always remembered
August 19, 2011
Whilst I didn't know Paul he was a wonderful journalist and you could tell he loved his job and we loved his sincerity.M.McKenzien N.S.W
Merete Torpelund
August 19, 2011
Mr Paul Lockyer will be missed.
No words can express this sad day.
I am so saddened and send my sincere condolenses to all his family for their loss.
I shall remember Paul through his stories his beautiful films his legacy he leaves us, let us touch him there and send him our love.
Be at peace Paul and may god bless you and your family.
trish Tully
August 19, 2011
I have never felt this way about a journalist I come from the bush that is probably why it feels this way. What a great journalist I hope the family is well
August 19, 2011
An unbelievable loss. A real journalist in a time when journalism is under threat by hacks who pretend they are journalists. Paul was a true professional who always told a great story. Well done Paul you are a true Australian of whom we can all be proud. Bronwen Smith Coffs Harbour NSW.
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