By Casey Neill
Greater Dandenong has lost another Living Treasure in Albert Blashki.
The 97-year-old died peacefully on Sunday 19 February and will be farewelled at Springvale’s Church of Ascension at 10am on Monday 27 February.
“You have left a legacy of loyalty and love,” a tribute from his family read.
“Your strength of character, determination and positive approach to life will continue to inspire us.”
Albert lived in the “marvellous melting pot” of Springvale for almost 60 years.
“I’ve seen Springvale grow from a rural town to a city, the highway made into dual lanes, and the shopping centre go from strength to strength,” he said at 90th birthday celebrations in 2009.
Albert started Ace Wire Works in a shed in 1954 and grew it to a multi-million business.
He was a City of Springvale councillor from 1980 to 1991 including a mayoral term in 1985/86, during which time he created the Disability Advisory Committee.
He was the City of Springvale Citizen of the Year in 1979, in 2000 received a Medal of the Order of Australia and was named a City of Greater Dandenong Living Treasure, and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001.
Albert’s philanthropic work extended to Springvale Benevolent Society, Springvale District Community Hospital, Whiteside Primary School, Springvale Secondary College, the Scout movement, Springvale Water Board, Springvale and District Historical Society, the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School, the Bicentennial Youth Music Association, and the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce.
Councillor Sean O’Reilly described Albert as “a dear and valued friend to many of us and a respected and loyal friend of our city”.
Cr Roz Blades first encountered Albert when he was mayor and she and her neighbours sought to address a problem with council planners.
She then served with him on council and Springvale Benevolent Society.
“We’re just lucky to have had him until he was 97,” she said.
In September last year he told Cr Blades he just wanted to stay involved for as long as possible.
“The Blashkis, all they knew was how to give,” she said.
“It’s just an honour to have had them in our city.”
Albert’s wife and fellow Living Treasure Pat, who he married in 1945, died in 2014.
They had six children, 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
His family has welcomed donations to the Springvale Benevolent Society in lieu of flowers.
