Long-time pump professional and PIA life member, Antony Grage sadly passed away on 30 December 2016, aged 76.
Over his 22 year career in pumps Antony worked at Thompsons-Byron Jackson; Thompsons, Kelly & Lewis; and Flowserve. He was also involved with Pump Industry Australia, including a period as president.
Antony’s career began in the road transport equipment industry after joining Transpec Ltd as a part-time draftsman in 1963. After working at Transpec for 23 years, including in the position of Technical Director, Antony joined the the pump industry in 1986 as Sales and Marketing Manager at Thompsons-Byron Jackson.
This was shortly before the company took over Kelly & Lewis, forming Thompsons, Kelly & Lewis (TKL). Years later TKL took over Ingersoll Rand Pumps and was then acquired by Flowserve.
Antony’s passion for pumps was evident throughout his time at these organisations and he was held in high regard by his colleagues and the industry.
In Antony’s last four years working in the industry he was the Business Development Manager for the mining industry at Flowserve, before retiring at 68.
After retirement, Antony continued working part-time at a small industrial company that made emergency flashing beacons and kept in touch with many of his pump industry colleagues at regular lunches and PIA events. It was after retirement that Antony was also made a PIA life member.
Outside of pumps, Antony also loved sailing and had a long association with the Flinders Yacht Club, serving as Commodore for a number of years. He also satisfied a lifelong interest in aviation history as the president of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia.
Antony’s funeral was held on 9 January at the Flinders Yacht Club with was attended by more than 200 friends, family members and former colleagues including Keith Sanders, Les Boelckey and Bill Coulter from the PIA.
“It is clear that Antony had a rich and meaningful life. He will be sadly missed by all of his industry friends and colleagues,” said PIA President Dave Alexander.
Antony is survived by his wife Deirdre, sons Paul and Nick, daughter Anna and his six grandchildren.
You can read more about Antony’s career and life in Pump Industry’s 2013 profile on him, which can be viewed at www.pumpindustry.com.au/antony-grage.
