Re: Hail to a great man. (condolences to OZ)
He was born to a very wealthy and sucessful publisher. Hence he went to the 'best' schools, but by his own admission was academically an 'idiot'. <br />He survived by excelling in sports. Apparantly his father use to introduce him (when he was an adult) as 'my idiot son', but when the old man croaked, he took over the business and made it grow. <br />We all knew he was a big gruff man that stood no B/S and hard on his staff, but at the same time very respected. What we were never told was of his generosity, not only to staff, but to organisations that would benefit the average persons life. <br />He had polio as a kid, was plagued by health problems throughout his life. <br />A close friend reported days before his death he said "I can't eat what I want, can't do what I want". <br />About 5 yrs back his helicopter pilot of 25 yrs donated one of his kidneys to him, not for financial gain or anything, but just because 'he was a good friend'.<br />I am saddend by his loss as he was one of those 'real men' and not just another dogs-tail playing the game of being important.<br />I personally despise these business leaders of today who all have the correct credentials (education and political correctness) and are a bunch or self-serving weasels.<br />We need more Kerry Packers, and hopefully his son, once he has learnt his lesson from the current debacle he is in, will rid his wardrobe of the dogs-tail that surround him and follow in his father footsteps.<br />He looks like he will.<br />We will miss Kerry Packer.<br />While I am on the subject, every cricket-er who is an international or aspires to be one, should say a prayer every morning to Packer, as without him (25yrs back approx), their life would be a very sorry one. And that is fact.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip
