St Kilda Boat Sales - Andy Varga R.I.P 1947-2012
10 January 2012
Andy Varga R.I.P 1947-2012
It is with total shock and much sadness that we learn of the passing of an industry stalwart and terrific bloke - Andy Varga.
Andy suffered a Stoke and passed away on Jan 6. Andy was very well-know to all of us here at St Kilda Marina where he served as the St Kilda Flotilla Commander for the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (AVCG) for just on 30 years. Andy leaves behind his wife of 40 years Val, two sons and his first grandchild.
A Jewish funeral service was held at Springvale Crematorium on Sunday 8 Jan, where 300+ people attended, representing the Marine Industry, Coast Guard, SES and Victoria Police.
His two sons spoke as did a Coast Guard senior official where he asked all Coast Guard members in attendance, to stand and sulute their Friend and Commander. At the end of the service, the Coast Guard and Victoria Police formed a guard of honour. It was very moving indeed.....
Andy would have quite possibly hated all the attention because whilst everyone from search and rescue attended the funeral service, 'WHO THE BLOODY HELL' - was looking after the water, he would have said! That was Andy, we'll miss his sense of humour and especially those dirty jokes. Andy Varga was a true gentlemen who loved the water.
Andy will be missed by all of his friends here at St Kilda Marina.
Our sincerest condolences and 'Long-Life' go out to his family and relatives.
In 2007, the Governor General of Australia presented the federal EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM) to Andy, for services to Search and Rescue. Below is the transcript that accompanied the award.
Mr Andrew Thomas VARGA, 24 Nola Sheet, Doncaster Vic 3108
Mr Varga joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard as a regular member in 1982 at the St Kilda Flotilla where he began his training and where he still serves today, as the Deputy Flotilla Commander and SAR skipper. Mr Varga has been a most capable and resourceful member of the Coast Guard, providing many years of dedicated and distinguished service. He was responsible along with others members for the continued service and development of the St Kilda Flotilla and its base facility and in the procurement of a number of rescue vessels. On operational aspects, he has been exemplary in his attitude and conduct towards the boating public, and dedicates much of his tune to performing the tasks required of’ him. He has been involved in and coordinated many rescues on Port Phillip. Many of these have been by direction of the Water Police and other agencies; most have been serious or, in some cases, life threatening. Mr Varga has held the position of Training Officer on a number of occasions, being responsible for all training aspects and SAR training activities. As SAR skipper he has had the responsibility of liaison with government agencies, in particular the Water Police, and other rescue groups in order that the Coast Guard is properly represented and that coordination between groups is maintained during limes of actual searches and training. He carries out this role with distinction and has gained a great deal of respect from the other groups as well as his own members.
Andy Varga - R.I.P.
