Tribute to Ivan Vega
On 21st Sep 2009, Workplace Tragedy Family Support Group
members Wendy Lark and Andreia Viegas attended a fitting memorial and
tribute at to Ivan Vega, who tragically lost his life at work on 18th
March 2009 following a fall from a height.
With the help of Leichhardt Council, the CFMEU had organised an appropriate plaque in memorium to Ivan placed at Balmain Shores, ensuring that a dignified and fitting tribute was made close to the site where he lost his life.
The ceremony was attended by Ivan’s wife, Isabella, his daughter Kathy, and son John, together with many extended family members. At the end of the ceremony, following a minute’s silence, the family released beautiful white balloons into the air. Ivan’s daughter Kathy spoke of the pain of their loss, and about what a wonderful father he had been. Ivan was well known in the South American community as a Master of Ceremonies, and an entertainer and is sorely missed by many for his giving character and good humour.
CFMEU Assistant State Secretary Malcolm Tulloch spoke at the ceremony, advising that the Union will continue to fight for the right of every worker to come home at night. Not only does the Union deal with industrial matters – family and community are high on their priority list of activities.
Lord Mayor of Leichhardt Council and Greens Representative, Jamie Parker, also spoke, providing comfort and support to the family, expressing Council’s commitment to acknowledging the loss of every worker who tragically dies in their area, and showing a great understanding of the impact of such a loss on the family. In 2008 Leichardt Council also laid a plaque to pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives at work, providing a safe place for families to spend some time in reflection. It is located in King George Park just beneath the Iron Cove Bridge at Rozelle.
Finally, our Committee member, Andreia Veigas read the following poem, and offered our group’s commitment for ongoing support to the family.
Watching Over You
I know you never had the chance to say your last Goodbyes;
And the pain will be unbearable as you hear each other cry,
You’ll wonder why you have to lay in bed all-alone,
You’ll pray it’s a nightmare and one day he’ll come home,
The heartbreak of this journey may be more then you can stand,
Let me assure you through this journey your husband and father holds
your hand,
He’ll thank you every morning he’ll touch your face at night,
When you feel that you’re alone he’ll be sitting next to you,
And when you feel you can’t go on he’ll be sure to pull you through.
He’ll be the one to make you smile when you feel you need to frown,
He’ll be the guidance in your mind when life has left you down,
He did not want to leave you, he would have chosen to stay,
I guess when God calls for you, there is no other way.
So he’ll wait for you patiently until the time is right,
And when God calls your name he will lead you to the light,
For now he needs you to be brave and help others feel your pain,
He knows that you are strong enough to make a difference in his memory.
He’ll smile at you so gracefully as you go to bed at night,
Knowing that the day will come when you shall all reunite,
So be sure to smile at him when you feel him passing by,
He will help your hearts to mend, and your tears will surely dry.
He will love you from heaven as he loved you on earth.
Written By Joanne Shefki
On behalf of the Workplace Tragedy Family Support Group we would like to
Extend our support through this very difficult time in your lives.
Please know that we share your sadness, we feel your pain and we acknowledge your loss.
