Frank Hilliard, the much loved owner of Melbourne’s Eastern Press, has passed away suddenly after a short illness.
Eastern Press managing director Cormac Deffely says the Hilliard family and all staff at Eastern Press have been left in shock by the sudden passing of Frank Hilliard on Monday night.
“It is with great sadness that we advise Francis Gerard (Frank) Hilliard passed away peacefully yesterday evening Monday 6th April after a short illness. It was unexpected and all too sudden,” Deffely said in a statement.
“Frank was a well-known and very well liked figure in the print industry. Together he and Irene purchased Eastern Press in 1983 and over the last 36 years under his direction it has become a well-known and successful print company with a name for quality and service. A family run business by Frank and Irene where staff have always been treated like family.
“Frank would keep a close eye on the wellbeing of his employees and he was available at any time without fail to listen to a problem or help with a personal situation. The high esteem Frank was held in by his staff is reflected in the 321 years of combined service between the current staff at Eastern Press.
“Frank was one of a kind. He was known for being fair both in his business and personal dealings with honesty being one of his strongest traits. Many will have shared a laugh with Frank over the years as he always saw the funny side of life.
“He will be missed by all those who ever had the pleasure to meet him. He will be sorely missed by the family he leaves behind and the family here at Eastern Press.
“A light has gone out for us all ……we will celebrate his life and wonderful legacy of conduct and example of leading from the front in business , finance and life.
“Rest In Peace Frank.”
Due to the coronavirus restrictions a maximum of 1o people will be permitted to attend Frank’s funeral.
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Sad news indeed.
I hope there is a nice golf course on the other side for Frank to enjoy.
Frank was a very special person. He was loyal trusting compassionate kind hearted and generous .The O’ Grady family are shocked by his sudden passing. Our heart goes out to Irene and the family. We will miss him dearly. RIP. Frank.
Very sorry to hear this very sad news. I always enjoyed Frank’s company and sharing a joke or two. My thoughts and prayers go out to Irene and the rest of the family.
RIP Frank.
Frank Hilliard, He was one of kind, loved by his staff and truely respected by all that new him! He was passionate about our industry and understood the importance of both customer and supplier relationships. Both he and Irene were an amazing team and built an amazing business, he was a true gentleman!
RIP Frank!
SEMTOOL ENGINEERING Jurgen Semrau says :
Frank was a very dear friend and I am very said that he has passed away.
Jason and I will remember him fondly.
RIP Frank !
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Irene, family and team at Eastern Press.
I can still hear and see your faces where we last chatted at Agnes and Donals at Christmas. An amazing man gone all too soon. RIP
Sending love and thoughts to Irene and all of Frank’s family and dear friends.
He will be painfully missed but for certain joyfully remembered!
Mentor. Friend. Confidant.
Keep on sailing my friend