VALE RAY ABÉ, AIPM LIFE FELLOW

IN MEMORIAM

RAY ABÉ’S CONTRIBUTION AND COMMITMENT TO THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT (AIPM) WAS SIGNIFICANT, AND THE AIPM IS THE ORGANISATION IT IS TODAY, IN PART, AS A RESULT OF HIS EFFORTS, SAYS FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE STUART HUGHSON.

We have lost one of the greats. Ray was one of the most genuine, kindest, happiest, and professional people you could ever meet.

“It was so sad to hear of Ray’s death. Ray was always interested in the advancement of AIPM, and was always happy as a fellow to help out." - Graham Watt LFAIPM

I met Ray in 2001 when we both joined the National Board. He was elected National Treasurer while I was the inaugural Tasmanian Chapter President. At our first board meeting it was apparent we would be friends forever.

Ray was National Treasurer from 2001 to 2005 when I then took over the role. He remained on the board until 2008. His greatest contribution to the AIPM was establishing the Governance Committee and chairing that from 2006 to 2011. During that period, he was instrumental in replacing the constitution from one that was typically used by not-for-profit organisations that usually suited small community organisations such as charities or sporting clubs. It did not suit a professional organisation that was growing as fast as the AIPM was at that time and was beginning to have a real presence and influence on the project management profession at all levels of government and the private sector across Australia.

The constitutional review took 12 months, commencing in October 2006 and being accepted at the 2007 National Conference held in Hobart in October 2007. Ray led the charge in the development of the new constitution, along with myself, Peter Dechaineux, and with legal assistance (pro-bono) from Chris Richards.

“Ray was a voice of reason with a particularly astute way of identifying issues. He always had a wry sense of humour and a glint in his eye. He was approachable and always answered the call for what needed to be done for the AIPM and its members. His success as a project manager can be attributed to the fact that he put people first on any issue – yet still with the organisation in mind. He even helped me on my PhD by locating interviewees amongst his colleagues and mentoring me throughout my career. He achieved so much in his lifetime, and yet it was almost like he was just starting out. He was always energetic, a family man who loved to travel and contribute to the greater good. He will be missed by us all.” Dr Chivonne Algeo LFAIPM CPPD

Ray and I may have been in different parts of the country, but during our AIPM days together on the board we spoke every week. For most of the time I knew Ray during his working career with Sydney Water; his role was Program Manager. His greatest achievement, as he tells it, was the relocation of Sydney Water’s head office from the city out to Parramatta for 1,500 staff. This project was more about change management, than a physical relocation to a different building. It seemed every time I spoke to Ray, he was dealing with a change of government, or a change of the minister, secretary, deputy secretary, general manager or head of business. Each time he had to re-pitch the business case and go through hoops previously approved. I’m sure it was this project that sent him bald! This project took seven years to complete and after that he took well deserved long service leave and then retired to spend time with his wife Leonie, his kids and granddaughter, and to travel. Indeed, he came to Tassie in the last couple of years and visited my wife and I.

Ray and I had some great times whenever we met, and especially at the annual AIPM National Conference. It was the Alice Springs conference in 2003 where Ray introduced me to the great taste of Kilkenny and stout in an Irish bar at the conference venue. We both loved golf, and both loved a good time. This was how Ray lived his life. From that year on, at every conference, we sought out the nearest Irish bar and would arrive a day or two early so we could throw in a round or two of golf.

“Ray was an honourable, dedicated professional, and instrumental in the AIPM as a fellow, building the project management profession in so many ways beyond count. We all owe him a great deal and I’ll miss him dearly. Best speed Ray, and farewell.” Ian Sharpe FAIPM CPPD

Ray was mentor to me and a mentor to many who worked for him. I will miss my friend, but be forever grateful for having him in my life. Ray is survived by his wife Leonie, Kate (daughter), and Matt (son). Our thoughts and love are with them and the rest of their extended family.

“Humorous, dedicated, personable – in all a great friend. Events will hardly be the same in the future without Mr Abé. Vale old mate, you will be sadly missed.” David Hudson FAIPM CPPE

“Ray Abé was a gem of a person. A man with a generous heart and a great sense of humour. Ray personally contributed a huge amount to the AIPM in all his various roles and director’s activities. Ray was just one of those people that looked at a problem and never saw it as insurmountable; there was always a way forward. We are going to miss you, Ray. God bless you on your journey to heaven.” Dr Bill Young LFAIPM CPPD (AIPM National President 2007–2011)

Author: Stuart Hughson FAIPM, Hydro Tasmania