As you will be aware, there has been tragic news in our Blackwood Uniting Church community. A few days ago, beloved member, Tony Otworowski, went missing during a fly-fishing trip with friends in New Zealand, with his body being discovered the following day.

A post-mortem has now been conducted in Dunedin NZ, and cause of death established as sudden heart failure. Tony would not have suffered, which is some comfort to Jackie and the family, as they endeavour to come to terms with the shock and the grief of losing him.

Jackie and family are now working through the complexities associated with Tony having died in New Zealand. Jackie’s sons, Ryan and Thomas, plan to fly to New Zealand, to organize cremation, to attend to all necessary paperwork, and to collect their dad’s luggage, before flying home. Tony’s ashes will be shipped back to Adelaide, perhaps as many as ten days after the cremation.

We will keep you informed of developments, including a date for Tony’s funeral, which will be held sometime after Tony’s ashes have been received. In the meantime, please continue to hold Jackie and her family in your love and in your prayers.

Michael Dowling

Minister