Judge Connolly - Gone at 49

Justice Connolly has been awarded the ACT’s first state funeral since self-government.

Canberra Times:
http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=1060326&category=general

Lets be serious about this JD114. After all, a surprising number of people die of heart attacks while doing “indoor sports”. More than die from heart attacks caused by cycling no doubt. You wouldn’t suggest banning “indoor sports” would you?

I think that in keeping with the anti-cycling rhetoric so prevalent by a narrow-minded section of this community, we should call for a ban on cycling by all ACT taxpayer-funded workers. the risks are obviously too great.

My condolences.

I wish Higgins would retire!

Although ABC had a story yesterday about his death, this morning their focus is already on the court being left short-handed: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/26/2043361.htm
They make the point that Judge Crispin *was* due to retire this Friday.

Shocking news. A good friend, who used to work for me, had a heart death sentence over him. He joined the cycle people, he lost weight, he did everything, he was running. And he died at his desk.

I hope Connoly had no idea that anything was going to happen, and I hope it was very, very quick. It’s a real loss. We all lose.

Do we have state (territory?) funerals in the ACT?
From what I’ve heard about this gentleman, he would certainly deserve one. It wouldn’t be unprecedented, Audrey Fagen received a grand send off.

As a court transcriptionist, Justice Connolly has been the greatest pleasure to listen to every day with his eloquence and profound thought. Our office shared a quiet moment in thought of him this morning.

Cycling! hmpf!