The fresh produce business in Australia and around the world is mourning the loss of Laurie Valvo, who passed away suddenly last Wednesday (28 May) after a heart-related problem.
Aged just 44, Laurie was a well-known and much-liked figure in the Australian business with a close network of customers and friendships around the world he had developed over many years shipping produce by air in particular.
Born and bred in Fawkner, Melbourne, with Italian parents, Laurie started work in Melbourne Markets as a labourer, before joining John Holman & Co 22 years ago to work in the company’s Tasmanian division. Four years later, he took over as Holman’s airfreight manager, shipping consolidated loads of Australian produce to the Middle East and a range of other export markets. Through the relationships he forged with global customers, the airfreight business grew to include new product lines while he also developed new seafreight programmes.
In February this year, Laurie left Holman Fresh to join Melbourne-based exporter FruitMaster together with lifelong working partner Colleen Dangerfield.
Leading the tributes to Laurie, she said: “Laurie was an amazing person, friend and workmate to all of us.
“As one of his customers and best friends Jamal Hussain put it: ‘To know him was to love him’.”
Speaking to Asiafruit, Hussain, managing director of Dubai-based importer Kibsons International, added: “Laurie was a champion act. There are two kinds of people in this world – those who give and those who take. Laurie was a true giver to society, expecting nothing in return. We have lost a great soul, a true legend.”
Gagan Khosla of Indian import company NGK Trading recalled talking to Laurie for the first time in 1999 when ‘chasing’ airfreight melons. “He taught me a lot about the business in Australia, the people involved and how it was all put together,” said Khosla. “He knew the trade so well and his infectious smile would endear him to anyone.”
Speaking from Malaysia, Koay Swee Aik of importer Chop Tong Guan said he was filled with sadness by the loss of a good friend and business partner.
“Laurie will be remembered as an honest, jovial, diligent and attentive trader – highly recognised and respected by all the people in the fresh fruit trade,” he commented. “We will miss him very much – he always brought a lot of positive energy into this business with his cheerful disposition and resourceful character.”
Freshmax export manager Tracey Burns, who worked with Laurie during his years at Holman Fresh, described him as “generous, caring, personable, affable”, a real “gentleman”.
“Laurie also treasured his Italian background and heritage, and he loved his boys (sons Adrian (16) and Robert (13)). He was very proud of his boys.”
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