Hall of Fame 2026
The information in this Hall of Fame was, to the best of our knowledge, accurate at the time of publication. If you believe any details require correction or updating, please contact the Association.
† Deceased denotes deceased members.
Silvio Apponyi
Letter cutter, well known sculptor, worked for S D Tillett Memorials and A L Nalty Memorials
Mark Bansemer
Sales person S D Tillett Memorials
Frank Barnes
Letter cutter, Mason, foreman at SD Tillett Memorials at West Terrace
Quentin Blunden
Past President 1994 – 1995. Executive Committee Member. Manager of W H Martin
Damien Braley
Awarded 2025
Began working for Goerecke Memorials in Moonta in April 1990, as a 21-year-old. In those early days, it was mainly Cemetery work—mixing concrete, washing boards, and helping lift granite into place. We didn’t have a crane on the truck back then, so everything was done by hand. Early on, I was handed a small polisher and a few wheels and given some very basic instructions: “Start with this one and work your way through.” I began polishing flower blocks and other small pieces that were too little for the main polishing machine. I would also used the front-end loader to load the truck, shifting sand and gravel from the pile out the back. Granite slabs were brought into the workshop with slings and a spreader bar. Without a crane, we’d load granite curbs by hand, sliding them onto sand and gravel. Ledgers were loaded onto a carpet-lined trailer and towed behind the truck.
In 1992, we installed a Löffler T600 bridge saw—a major upgrade from the old saw that needed constant supervision to stop it jamming. The new machine allowed us to set multiple cuts and walk away, just keeping an ear out.
Around that time, the Moonta Cemetery suffered severe vandalism—dozens of upright marble headstones were pushed over. We were contracted to repair them. I spent countless days drilling, doweling, and gluing. One moment I’ll never forget: lifting a headstone and suddenly finding myself waist-deep in a grave, straight through the floor. Lesson learned—always keep your feet away from the centre!
A couple of years later, there were just two of us workshop staff left. Keeping the saw running full-time was a job in itself. I also used the Tebow multipurpose machine to mill and polish headstones and ledgers. We had a homemade edge polisher too—once set up, it could run on its own, only needing a quick wheel change. Between managing machines and prepping the next slab for the saw, I was constantly on the move.
By the mid-90s, we finally had a new truck with a longer tray and a crane. After all the manual lifting, it felt like luxury. We even started making trips to Adelaide to pick up 30mm granite slabs for kitchen countertops. Driving back to Moonta with a couple of slabs on an A-frame was nerve-wracking—especially on rough roads. I cut and shaped many benchtops for homes and businesses, working from plans and templates, finishing edges by hand into half or full bullnose profiles, and polishing them to perfection.
By 2007, I was the only full-time worker left. A few casual helpers came and went, but the core work fell to me. I had to learn how to stencil and blast headstone lettering and taught myself how to mark out and hand-cut inscriptions for older memorials. I especially enjoyed the challenge of recreating hand-drawn artwork that couldn’t be matched on a computer—using carbon paper rubs to trace the designs, then carefully cutting them out by hand.
I spent 29 years with Goerecke Memorials, working not just across the Yorke Peninsula but also in Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Darke Peak, Kimba—and even flying to Port Lincoln for regilding and background restoration work.
In 2019, my wife and I purchased Pearse Memorials in Clare, after Steve Pearse decided to retire. I’ve continued with both workshop duties and installation work, and now I’m lucky enough to work side by side with my wife, Karen. She handles administration, client communication, lettering proofs, and stencil cutting—and looks after me too!
Taking over a workshop in a new regional area was a steep learning curve after nearly three decades. Everything was different—the truck, the workspace, even finding where all the cemeteries were, since I hadn’t worked much in the Mid North before.
It’s great to now be working with my family. As I said before, Karen runs the office; and our 16-year-old daughter Abby helps on-site and in the workshop when she can. She’s currently completing a school-based apprenticeship in stone/monumental masonry. From what we’ve been told, it’s been nearly 20 years since someone has studied to become a monumental mason in South Australia! Our other children, Natasha and Toby, also lend a hand when needed—whether it’s computer programs or workshop help. I’m a proud dad, for sure.
Thank you, one and all, for this award. I feel truly honoured and privileged.
— Damien
Mads Carl Bom
Pre Association. He established a business in Hahndorf. One of his daughters married Johannes Schubert, He moved his business into Adelaide where the business became known as Schubert and Bom. A precursor to the Schubert and Sons we have today
Barry Budgen
Awarded 2025
Barry started his apprenticeship with his Father Norm Budged and trained in all aspects of the trade. When Norm retired, Barry worked from his home and started up his own Company B W Budgen. Barry maintained the reputation his Father had established and grew his business over the next 30 years. Retired at the age of 60.
Norm Budgen
Awarded 2025
Norm started his own business N F Budgen Memorials in the early 1950’s having previously worked in the memorial trade. He reportedly trained with GE Morgan before working as a foreman for A S Tillett Memorials at Brighton. He worked at home in his back shed at Glenelg. A workaholic, Norm relished early starts and late finishes. In the 50’s thru to 70’s N F Budgen Memorials had a monopoly on the Nth Brighton and St Judes Brighton Cemeteries. Well known for taking great care and pride in his workmanship. He took his son Barry into the business and worked together until he passed in 1977.
Alan Burt
Letter cutter, worked for S D Tillett Memorials and Garner Memorials
Fred Caruso
Sales Person S D Tillett Memorials
Celene Cerocki
Association Secretary from 2013 – 2017
Saverio Chesini
Awarded 2025
Past Vice President 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021. Executive Committee Member. In 1984 and not quite 16, Sav began manufacturing benchtops in Angle Vale, this being the start of his lifelong career working with stone. In 1986 Sav moved his business to Waterloo Corner. In 1992 Sav saw an opportunity and decided to start manufacturing Memorials and thru dedication and hardwork he installed block saws and polishing machines and became one of the 4 stone wholesalers in SA. Sav has been priviledged to work on some of SA’s heritage buildings including the Magistrate Courts Bldg, the State Librabry and Government House. Being an immigrant Sav’s proudest memorials were the installation of 3 immigrant monuments in SA. First in the city at the Migration Museum, 2nd is in Berri and the 3rd and most recent at Murray Bridge. As of 2025 Sav employs over 30 staff and imports 25 tonne of natural stone per week and currently owns, Italian Monumental Art, Enfield Memorials, S D Tillett Memorials, H L Jordan Memorials, Helbig Memorials and Complete Marble & Granite. Sav continues to be passionate about the Industry and is looking forward to seeing how the Industry will evolve going forward.
Frank Cleveland
Pre Association
Brian Clune
Nickname of “Nugget” due to his stature. He trained at G E Morgan as a Letter cutter and Mason.
Andy Collins
Letter cutter, Mason. Worked from many sites across Adelaide. He is well known for his donation of the memorial of the Unknown Man who was found at Somerton beach in 1948
David Cook
Past President 2015, Past Vice-President 2013, 2014. Executive Committee Member. Started at Monier / Rocla with Franz Wenger as a stone mason. Owner D R Cook Monumental Works in Balaklava
Jack Cruet
Pre Association
Arnie Dale
Master carver, Letter cutter and Mason. Employed for approx 50 years at S D Tillett Memorials Pty Ltd
Don De Giglio
Awarded 2023
Don joined Pat Saracino (brother in law) in Northern Memorials as a partner in 1973. Both Don and Pat operated as partners from 1973 – 1986. Don took over Northern Memorials from 1987 – 1997. Due to illness Don retired in 1997. He was a stone mason and a fixer
Saverio De Gilio
Awarded 2023
Letter cutter, Mason. Owner of Northern Memorials Port Pirie
Doug Dick
Supplier to the trade W H Martin, Founder Life’s Memories
Jack Draper
Awarded 2025
Jack Draper worked for Morgans before striking out on his own as a contract letter cutter. He work in all areas of the state and besides being a letter cutter he became proficient in masoning and fixing.In 1949 Jack went into partnership with his brother Don. This partnership lasted 40 years. During this time, they imported granite and marble from overseas as well as using local granites. Draper Memorials were commissioned to produce granitie features for public buildings and prominent hotels across Adelaide and Interstate. In the 1970’s Draper Memorials expanded by acquiring Neill and Shelton and renamed the business Draper Memorials Neill and Shelton. Jack was known throughout the Industry as being disciplined, focues, creative and hard working. In the 1990’s as retirement approached they sold the business to Commercial Ceramics and Jack then became a fixer for A L Nalty Memorials
Don Draper
Awarded 2023
When Don Draper walked into the kitchen of his family home after his last day at high school, his mum told him in that he was to start a job on the next Monday at GE Morgan’s monumental factory in Victoria Square, which he obediently did. Being the new kid, he was expected to do all manner of menial tasks and one of his jobs was to take marble vase blocks which had been cut by a wire saw and rub them against a slab, using nothing but beach sand, water, and elbow grease to grind away score marks and produce a smooth, saleable finish. This task was his to perform, day after day with only broom pushing duties as an alternative. For this back breaking graft, Don received just a couple of pounds per week, in a small brown envelope, which his mum instructed him to present to her unopened, to pay for board and rent. He gratefully accepted the small amount his mum gave back to him as pocket money. It was a different time!
His next job in the monumental industry was for Stan Tillet, at his yard in Wakefield St, moving on a short time later to another factory on Brighton Rd, where he worked until he went into business with his brother Jack, in Coglin St, at Brompton. The block of land they called their business premises was vacant, save for a rickety shed which was soon to house a rattly compressor and a polishing machine that was hand built by a welder friend from around the corner, in Dudley Park. This was the humble beginnings of Draper Memorials. Business started slowly but soon picked up and provided the brothers with a reliable income. Improvements followed, including new equipment, machinery, and buildings such as an office and a roof to cover what had been an open-air work area. Don tells me that the first truck they owned was an old Chevrolet “C” cab. For those of you who are unaware what that is, just imagine a road going antique with very little power, very little comfort, and very little reliability. Still, it was a start.
Don and Jack worked together for just over 30 years, building along the way an enviable reputation for honesty, hard work, and excellent workmanship. Don was proficient in all aspects of the monumental industry, but his preferred job was fixing. As soon as they fitted a hand winched crane to a more modern truck, he was able to head into the country by himself for weeks at a time to install memorials. Nothing else in work life, gave him the satisfaction of standing back at the end of a hard day’s yakka and seeing a perfectly erected, new monument where earlier that day, there was nothing but a mound of dirt and a wooden cross. But fixing was not his only skill. Don was a remarkably good and fast letter-cutter and was more than capable of executing all varieties of memorial lettering with equal levels of mastery. Hand polishing granite and marble was also a skill he took great pride in, never settling for anything less than a perfect finish. Indeed, Don became one of those tradesmen others sought out for advice. Apart from the manual labour side of the industry he also had to run the office work and do after hours sales. He was a very busy bloke.
Following the sale of Draper Memorials in 1989, Don’s intention was to retire and fill in his time pottering around the house, cooking, and gardening. He managed to do this for all of about a week until he received a phone call from a colleague in the industry, asking him if he would be interested in doing a bit of contract, letter cutting. In no time this part time work turned into a full-time concern which became known as Draper Lettering Service, and Don was back running another small business. So much for the gardening.
This venture continued for another 20 or so years, during which time he was joined by his son, who continues in the business to this day. Don decided once more to retire in 2012 at the age of 80, and this time, it stuck.
John Draper
Letter cutter, Draper Memorials & Owner of John Draper Lettering Services
Nadine Dwyer
Treasurer / Secretary of the Association from 2007 – 2013
David Francis
Awarded2025
David entered the Industry at 16. Started work at Neill and Shelton where he became established as a letter cutter. David was taught by Bruce Breeding, Harold and John Glasson. Over the years he worked for Rocla Granite, Jordan Memorials and Draper Memorials. Learn how to become a versatile Mason at Neill and Shelton under the mentorship of George Tsarouhas. Worked for A L Nalty Memorials, S D Tillett Memorials and finally established his own business Francis and Hornby. Four years later he went out on his own and changed the business name to D J Francis Memorials. Still contracting to other Masons during this period. David has been in the Industry for 50 years plus and is nearing retirement.
Steve Garner
Awarded 2025
Vice President 2022. Executive Committee Member.
We’ll start at the beginning (a pretty good place to start). Stephen didn’t like school much, but was quite good at working with his hands, doing woodwork and thought he would like to be a carpenter, but wanted to leave school. At the end of Year 10, his parents advised him he must get an apprenticeship, as his brother and sister both had trades, so in the summer of 1975 he looked in the paper for an apprenticeship and saw an ad – Letter Cutter wanted. He had no idea what that was, but he’d had enough of school. He applied for the job and later found out that the interviewer was none other than Stan Tillett. After several missed phone calls Stan Tillett rang on the house phone for the third and final time. Steve answered the phone, and Stan offered him the job. Luckily I answered the phone or this story ends now! Steve started that job in January 1976. His first day was quite strange as the tradesman (Helmut Schneider) who was going to teach Steve, had not been informed of his impending arrival and was not impressed. Helmut started Steve with hand polishing strip kerbs by hand with no grinder. Steve hated it. This was not what he expected to do when he was only fifteen. He wanted to go back to school, but his parents said to stick at it and he would never be out of a job. “Death & Taxes”. To further progress his apprenticeship, Steve was told you’re going to Monier Granite, a wholesale granite company, to be trained under the tutelage of John Glasson – who was a great man and freelance letter cutter. Steve worked with many masons at Monier Granite and got to know the icons of the industry such as John Hall, Ray Martini, John Craeghan and Ivor Sorich to name just a few. Steve honed his letter cutting skills for many years under John, and his brother Harold, but young Steve thought Harold he was a grumpy old bugger but good letter cutter. After 4 years Steve returned to A.S. Tillett and resumed working with them, and the parent company Murray Bridge Monumental Works operated by Stan Tillett. Steve travelled back and forth to Murray Bridge daily. Steve trained an apprentice named Jeff Jolly and he became a very good letter cutter. Eventually he had enough of the daily grind of travelling that distance and rang S.D. Tillett for a job. Steve Tillett didn’t want to upset his half-brother Stan Tillett so couldn’t offer him a job. Steve got a job with A.L. Nalty as a contract letter cutter under Mark Nalty, working alongside many skilled letter cutters including Lloyd Glasson, Bruce Breeding, Dave Francis and Hans Petiet. Also, the great sculptor Silvio Apponyi who taught Steve some unique skills in sculpturing and many other techniques with granite and marble. Over many years, Steve eventually worked for S.D. Tillett and Chris Tillett and many talented craftsmen including John Draper, Ken Slater and Simon Follett. Steve returned to Stan Tillett in the coming years, after being coaxed to return by Mick Bradley (Stan’s son-in-law) until they closed in Adelaide and moved their operation back to Murray Bridge. He knew then it was time to operate his own business. John Glasson had retired leaving his small workshop and equipment at the Monier Granite Wholesale Factory. A perfect opportunity. They had lost an in-house letter cutter to service their wholesale monumental clientele, so manager Franz Wegner, the manager of Rocla, was approached, and he agreed for Steve to purchase the equipment, which Steve still has in his new factory. Steve called his first business Memorial Lettering Service and obtained a number of contracts with Memorial companies to engrave their memorials which were ordered directly through Monier Granite. Over the years Steve also began selling memorials direct to the public and the business grew from there. The name was changed to Garner Memorials as the general public thought he was only a Lettering service! Due to Monier Granite / Rocla selling the company and premises to a granite kitchen company it became apparent that Steve needed his own premises so a small shed in Waterloo Corner was leased, next door to Italian Monumental Art who were also wholesale granite merchants. Perfect! He didn’t have to go far to pick up his material. During this time, Steve was lucky enough to poach one of the best employees you could wish for. Alan Burt. Chris Tillett was not happy. He is a great person, great letter cutter and great friend and Alan is still working with Steve today. After 10 – 12 years in the small shed it became obvious that they had outgrown it and the business was expanding in the industry with more contracts with councils, etc. Garner Memorials opened a sales office in Salisbury and then needed more sales staff. Once the sales increased, they needed more room to move, so they took a giant leap and built a new factory in 2020 in Salisbury North. Steve believes they currently employ the best sales staff anyone could wish for. For the past ten plus years they have had a sales office in Gawler which Cathy Garner, Steves’ wife, operates from. Steve has been a member of the MMMA for over 30 years, 20 years on the executive committee and also held the position of Vice President for 3 years. Steve has been in this trade for almost 50 years and has enjoyed this time immensely. Steve will acknowledge to his amazement that over the years he worked alongside so many masons and sculpturers and the knowledge he has gained from these experienced tradesmen – AND IT WAS ALL FREE!
He hopes, one day, to hand down the business to his children as they have both been part of Garner Memorials over the years. Steve has been fortunate enough to have only had ONE job in his lifetime, which he can thank his parents for telling him – “Stick at it, you’ll never be out of a job”. They were
Harold Glasson
Awarded 2025
Foreman Neill and Shelton, letter cutter. Harold was born on 26th January 1912, in Broken Hill, NSW. He was one of a large family of boys, and one sister… Ella, William (Bill), Ross, Mick, Lloyd, John, and Allan. The family lived on Second Ave, Sefton Park, SA. Harold started working at Neill & Shelton’s at a very early age, around 13 years, learning the trade. Then along came the war…During the wartime years he spent time at Parafield Airport, where he was part of the essential services on ground support, covering maintenance and repairs to planes. After the war back at Niell & Shelton’s, he continued to be a true craftsman of his trade. Harold married Constance Lillian Moody at the Methodist Church, Enfield, on 31st October 1936. Sometime after they moved to Angove Road, Somerton Park, then having two children Virginia in 1945 and Mark in 1947.
We both remember him as such a caring and loving Dad, taking us camping and fishing, along with other family members and our cousins, we had a wonderful childhood. When Mark was in his teens, he went along with Dad to work, often visiting country cemeteries wherever the work took him. He taught Mark how to set out letters ready for cutting, and then polishing the finished job. Then later, helping with some of the sandblasting and gilding. Mark remembers collecting cuttlefish at the beach for Dad to polish marks on the stones, like a soft polish clean up. He used to give Mark 10/- a bag for them, good pocket money in those days Dad always advised Mark not to follow his line of work, as it was a “dying trade” and being taken over by new technology . Dad always was a motor cycle fan, riding his BSA bike in the race meetings on Selleck’s Beach, also all the way to work from West Beach to Neill & Shelton’s on Main North
John Glasson
Awarded 2025
John started work with Neill & Shelton Monumental Works at the age of 13 where he was taught the trade of letter cutting on granite and marble. John remained with them for 10 years. In 1952 Lloyd and John started their own business providing contract letter cutting services to the trade. Lloyd joined AL Nalty Memorials and in 1958 he was lured across to S D Tillett Memorials with the promise of offering him space in their factory at Gepps Cross. John continued to work at these premises when taken over by Monier Granite and remained until he retired in 1994. John continued to sub contract his letter cutting skills to the entire industry. John was probably one of the best letter cutters in the Industry. John also applied his skills to buildings and artworks and was contracted to install granite panels in the Sydney Opera House. John passed away in 2022.
Lloyd Glasson
Awarded 2025
in the late 1930’s, LLoyd joined his brothers and worked at Neill & Shelton Monumental Works at Collinswood, concentrating on lettering and artwork for headstones. In 1952, Lloyd with his younger brother John started up their own business in the backyard of Lloyds home at Sefton Park. The business was a success then Lloyd accepted a job at A L Nalty Memorials and continued there until his retirement. Lloyd never married and passed away in 1999.
Keith Goerecke
Started his own business in 1932. Purchased the site where this business still stands today. Trading as K C Goerecke. Learnt some of the trade from Neils, but mostly self taught. He did it the hard way with block and tackle for lifting granite or marble. A lot of manual work for making memorials without mechanical lifting equipment. Hand cut chisel lettering. All erected out in the cemetery without the aid of lifting equipment as we have today. His brother Lance Goerecke worked for him from 1942 for many years. Keith took an active interest in the business until his passing in 1987.
Paul Goerecke
Joined the family business in 1969 straight out of school. Worked alongside his father learning the trade. Learnt how to mark out and hand cut lettering for headstones. Hammer and chisel for doing the rock edges on granite. Over time came improvements with cranes for lifting and damon saws for cutting granite. Then came the computer cut lettering. His time was spent making and erecting memorials and client sales. The business did change its name to Goerecke Memorials. More time was spent within the office in latter years. Retired in 2018 with the sale of the family business.
Linda Goerecke
Started in the family business in 1975. Helped out in the workshop, while children were at school. Could cut & prepare granite plaques. Could also do backgrounds and regilds. Started fixing which also included helping to load the truck and operate the crane, 10 years of fixing ended when they decided to sell the business in 2018 and retire. Linda was the first female fixer that we know of.
Wally Haebig
Monumental Mason in the mid north of SA
John Hall
Awarded 2023
Past President 1992 & 1993, Executive Committee Member. Completing his schooling at Rostrevor College in 1955 John began his working life taking up a position at the Post Master General (PMG) as a technician in training working in electrical systems and telephones. After a year at the PMG John was scouted by AW Baulderstone (now Baulderstone Hornibrook) where he was offered a paid cadetship where he undertook study towards a building technology degree at the University of Adelaide, whilst undertaking a variety of other roles within the company. John worked in a variety of departments – their plastering shop, plumbing shop, electrical shop, and joinery shop – all based in their head office in Norwood. At the time AW Baulderstone boasted 500 employees and John enjoyed his time there as a young man. Albert Baulderstone took a liking to John and would often have him working on special projects. It was during this time that John developed a love of design and drafting and as a 19-year-old was drafting up various projects including a number of schools and the Unley Swim Centre which at the time included several pools including an Olympic sized diving pool and kiddy pools, bathroom facilities and administration buildings. AW Baulderstone was building a factory at Gepps cross for a consortium which included John Tillett, his son, Bob Tillett, Florani and Del Fabbro (Pioneer), and Harmon and O’Grady Solicitors. Having now worked at Baulderstone’ s for 2 years John was asked by Albert to draft up the factory layout and machine foundation layouts. John completed most of this work during his semester breaks from university. As the factory neared completion Albert convinced John to quit his internship and take up a position working at the factory 2nd in charge to Bob Tillett. As many would know this factory located on Baulderstone Road in Gepps Cross was synonymous in the stone industry in Australia and would be John’s working home for the next 35 years. Early projects at the new Gepps Cross site included Sydney Sandstone at the Bennet and Fischer in the city where John completed shop drawings for every piece of stone, and Angaston Marble for the lift lobbies at the Teachers Training College on North Terrace. At the time John was doing all of the drafting work and shop drawings for these often-complex buildings. By 1961 the Gepps Cross factory had 25 employes including – Ivo Sorich (carver/stonemason) and Fred Frogley (Factory Manager). At the time the factory had only one gang saw, a couple of polishing machines and a couple of diamond saws. The industry at the time, and for the next decade, was inconsistent – there were good years and bad years. As time progressed the Angaston and Black Hill quarries were pegged out and developed as working quarries and John was tasked with managing the quarries. This involved weekly visits to the quarries – something John undertook for decades to come – in the early days delivering the pay in envelopes. In the age with no mobiles, no internet and limited phone contact it was and important link to the outside world. Bob Tillett left to start Calca Quarry and Rex Rolley was appointed as the Manager of the stone business, and John as the Operations Manager running the factory and quarries. John had a lot of respect for Rex who was a qualified Geologist and over time they became good friends. After several years Rex was appointed the State Manager. and John was appointed the Manger of the stone business. By the middle of the 1980’s Rex Rolley had left and John continued as the Manager of the stone business. The company was undergoing numerous ownership and name changes – from Monier Granite, to Amatek to Rocla Granite. Work began to boom with John winning the contract for Parliament House in Canberra. The Calca granite coming from Streaky Bay and the Adelaide Black Granite working with Martins 50:50 to meet supply. Demand was so great that blocks were being transported to Melloccos’ in Victoria to be cut up. At one stage the parliament project required a 12ft x 12ft block for a reflection pond which is still a centerpiece today – at the time the block so large they had to cut a larger hole in the factory entrance to get it in. Despite the boom attaining capital was difficult. After signing the contact to supply the Sydney Opera House John asked for $500k in advance from the NSW government so they could buy a splitting machine. John travelled to Germany and purchased 2 splitting machines which were set up at the Black Hill Quarry and over the next couple of years Garnet Shultz made over 1 million cobblestones which equated to over 100 semi-trailer loads to Sydney. John still remembers each cobblestone selling for $1. At the time John was overseeing work on the building sites which was also booming. At one stage over 18 staff reporting to John, headed up by Franz Wenger working on projects like Parkes Place in Canberra, Lennox Gardens, the Grosvenor in Sydney, The Regent in Sydney, The Hyatt in Adelaide, The Black Stump in Grenfell Street, Da Costa Arcade, just to name a few. Despite the boom, lots of work and big contracts John was still having difficult acquiring capital so by the mid 1980’s had begun selling blocks overseas. At the time it was due to increased quarrying capacity and poor local demand. Initially John began by marketing Adelaide Black Granite blocks to Italy, but then turned his attention to Taiwan a country which boasted 80 or 90 gangs saws and whose demand was a block a week, and then later Japan. During this time John attended a Japanese language course for 3 years to improve business relations. As the doors to the world opened John travelled widely. At the time John was buying blocks – Carrara from Italy, Blue Pearl & Emerald Pearl from Norway, Balmoral from Finland – visiting the quarries and developing business relationships. He was always looking for new markets and developing international business relations. He was also looking to improve technology bringing what he learned back home. In Norway and Finland it was looking at their sophisticated blasting techniques – using small drill holes (20-30mm) which made quarrying 30 tonne blocks possible. Under his leadership the quarries flourished and expanded and now included Calca In Streaky Bay, Desert Rose in Minnipa, Desert Brown Granite in Wudinna, Desert Lilac Granite in Tcharkultu, Pathway Green & Kingston Blue in Kingston SE, Pink & White Marble in Angaston, Kapunda Blue and Adelaide Black granite. By the early 1990’s the boom of the late 80’s was over and after 33 years of service, and various cost cutting measures, John was tasked with the responsibility of selling the business – a task he reluctantly undertook. With the business proving difficult to sell John was retrenched from his position. The Australian stone industry was in decline and by the late 1990’s the business continued to struggle before closing its doors for good. John on the other hand started his second business life. Having made contacts in Japan, Taiwan and throughout Asia John decided to open his own business, Hall Granite, in 1994. As a local producer for 35 years John was initially torn with the idea of importing but the business began well. Originally John began importing monuments from Italy and China – supplying the local monumental market. As things began to take off, he sold to small regional towns and then interstate, and began to import from India. By 2001 demand was so great and business so successful he asked his son Jason to return from Melbourne where he had worked for 10 years to help with the business. Soon after Barry Smith from Rocla Besser joined as a salesman. John’s wife Denise had by this stage left her position at the Prospect Council and had begun to work for John, at first part time, but then fulltime. John’s daughter Nadine also joined as things got busy and the business became a real family affair. As success ensured Hall Granite moved away from its monumental base and moved into commercial stone work. In 2004 Hall Granite was awarded the contract to supply all the stone for the upgrade of the Adelaide Airport, the first of many significant projects to come. Over the next 15 years John went on to win, and oversee, some of the largest stone projects in South Australia and Australia. This included Hall Granite winning contracts to supply the stone for the Rundle Mall, Victoria Square, Adelaide Oval, secondary stages of the Adelaide Airport, Hindley Street, St. Clair Redevelopment, just to name a few. After 26 very successful years at the helm of Hall Granite John retired in 2020.
Jason Hall
Past President 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012. Vice-President 2006, 2007 & 2008. Executive Committee Member, supplier to the trade, Founder of Beyond Stone
Brian Helbig
Awarded 2023
Growing up on a mix farm, of vines & cropping, 5km Northeast of Greenock in the Barossa, Brian learned that hard work brings rewards. In 1964 Brian married Dianne Haebich, who was the daughter of third-generation monumental mason Walter (Wally) Habich. At that time Brian, was also running a fuel and milk pick up business. Wally asked Brian to come work for him, in the monumental business, on a part time basis. In 1965 Brian started working fulltime, for Habich’s, as he was a keen and hard-working employee. Brian’s skills of blacksmithing, learned on the farm, was beneficial in making chisels and tools for all sorts of work within Haebich’s.
Harold Jordan
Started his family business H L Jordan Memorials with his wife Lil. Harold worked for Laycock’s before moving to 935 Port Road, Cheltenham, in 1920. The office was set up out the back of their home with the factory in the shed alongside. He purchased G E Morgan’s property in High Street when they closed. They also purchased G E Morgan factory further down High Street which became the new factory for their business. Harold retired in the late 1970’s and passed away in 1999.
Kevin Jordan
Awarded 2023
Inaugural Secretary of the Association. President with Stan Tillett in 1987 – 1988. Executive Committee Member until 1999. H L Jordan Memorials was started by his Father Harold along with his wife Lil. It was situtated on corner of High Street and Port Road at Cheltenham. Kevin was trained as a mason and lettercutter, but unfortunately he was not able to finish his apprencticeship due to ill health of his Father and he moved into an admin role in the 1970’s. Kevin was a shrewd businessman who protected ”his patch being the Cheltenham Cemetery” very fiercely. Sold his business (but not the factory) to S D Tillett Memorials in 1999. Kevin passed away 2/5/2025.
Bill Keene
Worked as Factory Manager for S D Tillett Memorials and later Manager at Life’s Memories.
Effie Koulacheris
Sales person for Jordan AAA Memorials at Cheltenham
Peter Lenihan
Sales person for H L Jordan Memorials at Cheltenham
Bob Lewis
Awarded 2023
Started with Neil and Shelton in 1947 and stayed with them until 1957. Joined up with AS Tillett staying until 1959. Bob opened a music shop in Murray Bridge in 1970 and taught Accordian after business hours. In 1963 he joined Golden Fleece as a rep until 1968. He went back into the monumental business as Bob Lewis Memorials and worked on his own up until 2007. Due to ill ill he sub contracted to K Slater and offsider Andy Dickinson to do all of the memorial fixing whilst Bob continued to do the selling. Continued until 89 years of age and then Scott Harrington Funerals took over his areas.
Keith Livesy
Contact letter cutter specialising in hand cut letters
Bill Loechel
Factory Manager for S D Tillett Memorials, General Manager of Life’s Memories, worked in the offices of Italian Monumental Art and Ken Slater Memorials
Nguyen Long
Mason, machinist and fixer for Italian Monumental Art
Les Martin
Founder of W H Martin at Mile End
Peter Martin
Awarded 2023
Inaugural Committee Member, President 1984 – 1985. Then shared a position on the Executive Committee with Doug Dick, Mike Ramsay and Quentin Blunden. W H Martin had a large manufacturing facility in Mile End and was one of the largest processors of stone in Australia. W H Martin will be remembered for their Imperial Black Granite and their Austral Black Granite. The Company also held the first ever patent for Cremation Memorials in Australia. Following the death of Les Martin, Peter took over the reigns at the age of 21. Some of the major projects undertaken by W H Martin were Parliament House Adelaide, the Australian Embassy in Japan, the Leigh Street Project in the city and was done in conjunction with S D Tillett Memorials. Peter passed away is 2025.
Keith Mcinerney
Monumental Mason who specialised in Italian Monuments at Cheltenham and West Terrace Cemeteries
Robin Mcknight
Factory Manager for S D Tillett Memorials, Manager Commercial Ceramics, Curator of North Road Anglican Cemetery
George Morgan
Monumental mason with premises on the west side of Victoria Square in the 1880’s. Traded as GE Morgan and Son. He is claimed to be the most represented Mason in the West Terrace Cemetery. Also owned premises in High Street, opposite the Cheltenham Cemetery and these premises were eventually sold to H L Jordan Memorials.
Anthony Morgan
Sales Person for S D Tillett Memorials for over 25 years
Tony Nalty
Awarded 2023
Inaugural Vice President of Association. A L Nalty Memorials, was founded by Anthony Louis Nalty. Tony undertook his apprenticeship with G E Morgan. He learnt to be a letter cutter with all lettering laid out and cut by hand. Further developing his skills, he became an excellent mason. Tony left Morgan’s and started up his own business, building a factory and home on Exeter Terrace, Devon Park. He also maintained a very strong connection to the Catholic Church. A L Nalty Memorials promoted their business through the Catholic journal called The Southern Cross with the promise of “monuments of distinction and licenced to place memorials at Enfield Cemetery. Tony’s health faltered and passed away in 1975 at the age of 58.
Jan Nalty
Awarded 2025
President 2004 and 2005. Served on the Executive Committee until 2016. Jan came from a banking background and was first involved with A L Nalty Memorials back in the early 1980’s. Jan married Mark Nalty in 1985 and became the unstoppable duo. Following Mark’s stroke, Jan ran the business until it was sold to George Tsarouhas in 2020.
Mark Nalty
Awarded 2025
Mark served as President in 1982, 1983, 1996, 1997 and 1998. Vice President in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Committee Member up until 2016. Mark Nalty was inducted into the family business and trained in all aspects of the industry by his father Tony. Mark started work part time for the business at the age of 14. Mark learnt Masonry, fixing, letter cutting and sales. Following his Father Tony’s heart attack in 1975, Mark aged 25 assumed a stronger role within the business with his Mother Margaret also stepping up and taking on the administrative role. In 1995 A L Nalty memorials were the first to import fully manufactured memorials. Whilst he faced criticism at the time, the practice was eventually adopted by other businesses due to the economies it offered. Mark’s desire to create something different, saw the introduction of Caggiati and Biondan style designer memorials. These came with amazing new and vibrant granites from all around the wordl and the industry and public loved it. His individual flair saw his business grow substantially during this period. Mark was also noted for his innovations in memorial design and if you ever saw a headstone which was “different”, then you could bet that it would have a A L Nalty memorials name plate on it. Mark also had a flair for design in military memorials and the Australian Army Trackers Memorial for Vietnam War Dogs and their Handlers, at Goolwa on the South Coast, is a testament to his innovation. In 2016, Mark suffered a stroke which restricted his ongoing participation in the business, but his wife Jan continued to run the business with the help of of their trained and dedicated staff. Mark will be remembered as a quiet and kind man. His legacy to this Industry is on display for all to see. He was certainly a man of his time! Mark died on the 28th of March 2024 at the age of 75 and has been interred in the family plot at the Stirling District Cemetery.
Wilf Pearse
Started Pearse Memorials and handed over business to his Son Steve in 1972
Steve Pearse
Awarded 2023
Executive Committee Member for 1 year. Steve started work with the family business in 1972 at the age of 17. His father handed the business over to Steve on the day he turned 60, with just a hand shake and said that Steve knew where he lived if he had any questions. Steve was 26 at that time of becoming owner of Pearse Memorials. Together with guidance from his wife Cheryl, they made it work. Steve chose to stay as a one man business occasionally seeking help from local part time labourers. Steve was required to be able sell to and guide clients, fix, be a letter cutter, be able to mason a full memorial to a high quality, service and repair his own machinery. New technology proved to be a challenge for Steve. Steve designed and installed their own style of cremation memorials, they were plain but very practical and still widely used today. Currently installed in about 15 cemeteries. Contactors to the Office of Australian War Graves. Pearse Memorials was well respected and with families preferring to use their local mason. Steve sold his business to Shaun Mercer an Damien and Karen Braley in 2022.
Hans Petiet
Contact letter cutter
Mike Ramsay
President 1999-2000, Executive Committee 1996, 1997,1998,1999,2000,2001and 2002. Worked for W H Martin at Mile End. President of the Stone Industry Association
Reginald Rowland
Rowland Memorials
Sidney Rowland
Rowland Memorials
Pat Saracino
Awarded 2023
Pat started his apprenticeship in Adelaide as a teenager following in his Father’s footsteps. Pat worked for his father for a number of years honing his skills by whilst working with a master. One of their masterpieces being the scrolls and pillars on Parliament House. Patrick was multi talented and one of his talents included music, so as a younger person, he had his own radio show called the Kangaroo Club on radio 5AD. Whilst on a tour to the country he met and married the love of his life. After they married, they opened up a fish and chip shop in Adelaide, but Patrick yearned to go back to stone masonry. Patrick and Mary moved back to Port Pirie and he worked with his father in law fishing and also he worked from home as a stone mason developing his own business called Northern Memorials back in 1948. Patrick was multi skilled, not only was he a stone mason, but he was also a letter cutter and used to erect the monuments he created. His motto of “beauty but simplicity”. He developed quite a reputation and travelled far and wide across the state. Patrick was perfectionist who took great pride in his work. Sadly Patrick lost his eldest son in a work accident at a very young age and as difficult as it was, he designed and created a monument for himself, wife and eldest son. In 1986 Patrick decided to retire and passed away in 2003.
John Schubert
Awarded 2023
Inaugural Committee Member. John started work at Schubert and Sons on the 16th of January, 1956, somewhat miffed that his mates from school weere still enjoying their holidays. He was employed as a machinist (mainly on the hand cranked saw) and assistant fixer. The wage was approx $8 per week. Over the years, John was taught the art of letter cutting as well as the basics of hand polishing and masoning. John enjoyed lettering and focused mainly on marble with lead letters. In 1970 he ws asked to join his Father as a Director of the Company and worked with him until his father retired in 1976. John took advantage of his own son coming into the business and started to take some time off. He continued to work with Stephen, doing hand-cut additional inscriptions and decided in 2022 that he had had enough and at the age of 83 – he said no more.
Steve Schubert
Owner of Schubert & Sons
H.J. Schubert
Heinrich Schubert was introduced into the Industry by his father-in-law Carl Bom. Schubert & Bom was established in the early 20th century in Flinders Street
Wal Schubert
Son of Heinrich Schubert
Arnold Schubert
Son of Heinrich Schubert
Bert Sharrad
Worked at Neill and Shelton
John Shelton
Neill and Shelton, Foreman S D Tillett Memorials
Jack Shelton
Founder of Neill and Shelton, Mason / Fixer A L Nalty Memorials
Fred Slater
Awarded 2025
Became a Monumental Mason in 1939 at the age of 16 after spending 3 years working in the coal mines in Lancashire, England. Fred learnt his trade in the UK and emigrated to Australia in 1959. He commenced with Laycock Memorials and he also sub contracted to other Memorial places in SA. He started his own business Imperial Memorials in the early 1960’s but by 1966 it was evident he had serious health issues, believed to be related to the lead he was using for lettering. Fred died in 1989 and his son Ken Slater took on his business.
Ken Slater
Awarded 2025
Ken started working for his Father Fred in 1971 doing sub contract work. Slater Memorials was started in the mid 70’s with Ken and Fred at the helm. When Fred died in 1989 Ken took over the business. Ken has worked for S D Tillett Memorials, Jordan Memorials and finally decided to commit to his own business Ken Slater Memorials in 2005. President 2022 -2025 Executive Committee Member.
Owen Smith
Stone Mason worked for Rocla and Schuberts
J Swaine
Pre Association. Operated a business in Deeds Road North Plympton from 1959 – 1972
Don Sweet
Awarded 2023
Past President 2000 & 2001. Executive Committee Member. Commenced Murray Memorials in the early 1960’s, a division of Riverland Funerals, initially commission sales and completion minor works and additional lettering. This grew to a full monumental business and install lawn memorials and traditional memorials. Purchased Riverland Memorials from Tom Zanetic in partnership with his son Leon Sweet in 2014 and most of the work from Murray Memorials was transferred to the new business. Don retired from the funeral business in 2017 but retained an interest in Riverland Memorials with Leon completion most of th ework. Don assisted where necessary as well with the administrative side of the business. Murray Memorials and Riverland Memorials have been members of the MMASA for most of that time as Don had a strong belief in the value and benefits of strong industry associations. Whilst on the Executive Committee Don was also on the State and National Council of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, (SA President 2004/2006) and on the Board of the Australian Institute of Embalmers, (Chariman 2006/2012). During his time on the Executive Committee, He encouraged and former greater links with the other Associations within the Funeral sector, working together for the benefit of the Industry.
John Tillett
Migrated from Cornwall in 1857 and later trained as a monumental mason under Louisa Kellett and undertook his apprenticeship wth her son Edwin Herring. Later Manager Hanson & Co., in Waymouth Street and thenpurchased the business of Frederick Cleveland. This partnership operated from 1894 – 1904. He also had a business partnership in the mid 1880’s with William Darby. He established Adelaide Monumental Works in Franklin Street. In the mid 1900’s John’s grandson Stephen Tillett incorporated the company S D Tillett Memorials. John had five sons including Robert William (Bob), Alan Stanley (Stan)
Norm Tillett
Stonemason in Mildura
Steve Tillett
Awarded 2023
INAUGURAL COMMITTEE, Founder of S D Tillett Memorials. Stephen Disraeli Tillett was born on the 16th of April 1917 at Kent Town, here in South Australia. He was the youngest of three children born to Alan Stanley and Liglia Anna Tillett. Sadly, Steve’s mother died from Pneumonia when he was just 6 weeks old and he never really learned much about her throughout his life. His older siblings, Margaret and Benjamin, with whom he grew to share a close relationship, all faced a difficult and uncertain future.
Not long after his wife’s untimely death, Alan moved with his children into his parent’s home. John and Catherine Tillett lived on Fullarton Road at Highgate. It was to be the beginning of some difficult years for young Steve. However, his Grandparents and his maiden aunt Rene were always to be stable influences in his young life, after his father re-married in the early 1920’s. Along with Alan Tillett’s remarriage came a stepbrother for Steve – Norman, and later a half-brother, Stanley. His early years were spent moving house many times and changing schools, but Steve’s main education took place at the Highgate Primary and Glen Osmond Schools before then moving onto the Adelaide High School, where he was to meet John Dowie, with whom he later worked on the Victoria Square Fountain.
Steve was a typical boy who was always keen to explore his surroundings. At one time his father and family moved into a lovely old mansion called “Sunnyside” at the foot of Glen Osmond. There was a very tall Norfolk Island Pine Tree in the front yard, which Steve delighted in climbing! Near the old Toll House and Tollgate, there were numerous mineshafts and Steve used to spend many hours walking through the old mine shafts with a jam tin in hand with a candle in it to light the way. Steve spent many hours fishing near the Henley Beach Jetty and collecting worms in the river adjacent to Escort House.
Steve was a lad who was fascinated with gadgets and electronics and when in Grade 7 at school, he built his first radio and he would always be seen assembling some sort of electronic device that he designed and created. He used to also love to tell the story of when he learned in Chemistry Class to make Gunpowder Bombs and he placed them on the tram tracks near the Keswick Rail Terminal. Steve, along with his friends, hid in the parklands and found a great source of amusement every time the tram came along. There would be an almighty BANG! The tram driver would stop, rush out and look around. They chuckled away in the bushes for hours!
Throughout this time, his relationship with his grandparents strengthened even further and Steve used to call to see his grandfather to and from school most days, as his grandfather owned a Stonemasonry and Sculpting business, which by that time was located in Franklin Street. I believe that it was during this time that Steve’s great interest in machinery and tools began and he used to love watching his grandfather carve the letters into the stone and the rose and ivy leaf designs that were so popular at the time.
Steve’s desire after leaving school was always to go into the Navy. He went to the School of Art for three years and the School of Mines to study at night. During this time, he also studied for the Naval College Entrance Exam, which he passed and then had to attend subsequent interviews. Steve made it into a short list of 20 to face the final interviews with four Navy Captains. Unfortunately, he was not chosen in the only five that they accepted from South Australia.
After gaining his license at 16, Steve bought his first car – a 1912 model Standard. He put down a payment of 5 pounds and paid 1 pound every week for 5 weeks until it was his. This was to be the beginning of his lifetime love of cars. Steve began working for his father carving letters in the factory on West Terrace, earning 3-5 shillings each week. They were difficult days as they were living through the Depression and Steve always said that he believed the Depression is what “gave him vision for the future and stirred him into activity”. He also believed that the Depression shaped the generations before the Second World War, it shaped values and made clear the value of self-determination.
To assist with the work in his father’s business, Steve studied Bookkeeping, Building Construction, Drawing, Dimension Sketching and other Architectural subjects. He learnt a lot during this time from his father and two employees – a German Sculptor called Jules Henschke and a Scottish Champion Granite Mason who was brought to Australia to work on the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
It was also around this time that Steve was living in a flat on Anzac Highway and there is a fabulous story that I must share with you which Steve delighted in telling. Apparently, he lived next to a deli that was owned by two ladies. The had a constant problem with the local dogs coming along and lifting their leg on the tiled wall that formed the front of their shop – they were constantly cleaning it. Steve decided that he knew how to fix the problem. He parked his car out the front and connected a wire to the battery, which in turn he somehow connected to the wall. He then went and sat on a seat across the road and waited for the next dog to come along. In Steve’s words: “I waited for the dog to lift its leg on the wall and I let out a tremendous laugh as the dog got an electric shock straight into the bladder!” Needless to say the problem was solved and the ladies in the Deli were delighted.
Steve was with the army cadets between the age of 16 –18 and then he was transferred into the Commonwealth Military, known as the Militia. He was placed into the area of Signals and Communication and this was to be a very important time in his life. He became quite proficient at Morse Code and could easily do twenty words per minute in his role as a Second Class Radio Operator.
When War was declared in 1939, Steve was called up for duty and sent to the 3rd Infantry Brigade Headquarters at Woodside to set up the Signals office. In October 1940, Steve received a promotion and was sent to serve as a Signals Officer in the 43rd Battalion. After Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, Steve was sent to Darwin, arriving a few days after Christmas. At the time Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister and he inspired the Troops to aim for ultimate victory. As a young man stepping into war, Steve said that the general mood always was that they would win. However, it was rather daunting as each soldier only had 30 rounds of ammunition and limited experience. They were petrified that the Japanese would invade by foot. Steve was stationed in Darwin until the middle of 1943 and even though circumstances were very tough, he did enjoy his time there.
Steve returned to Adelaide on leave before then being sent to various parts of Australia to teach Morse Code to other officers and for further training, which was to eventually culminate in specific jungle training in preparation for his time in New Guinea.
Steve was moved to the 24th Battalion and on the 10th of June 1945 he and a “Runner” were on their way to the nearest camp to see if their Platoon could bed down for the night. They were on foot making pretty good time when suddenly, they were ambushed by Japanese soldiers.
Steve said years later, “I felt a terrific thump in my chest and saw the grenade in front of me – I acted within seconds to turn to my left and dive into the bushes, with a grenade in my back and a bullet in my windpipe, missing my heart by 10mm and passing on through my left lung and knocking the ball of my left shoulder completely away.” Steve’s offsider was also hit, but thinking Steve was dead, he kept running. Steve laid low in the bushes and breathed a big sigh of relief when the Japanese soldiers ran past him. When he recollected himself, he stuck his shell dressing under his arm and used the arm of his shirt for a sling. He then set off in the direction of camp.
After about an hour, it became evident to Steve that he would not make it back before dark, so he found a solid tree and propped himself against it. By this time, shock was wearing off; fear and pain were really setting in. His lungs were filling rapidly with blood and every half an hour, he had to push firmly on his chest to drain the blood from his lungs. He knew that if he laid down, or if he closed his eyes, that he would never wake up again. He survived the night by using his good arm to pull leaves from the tree and lick the moisture from each leaf.
Although not a religious man, Steve said that in the long hours of the night and when death confronts you, you automatically “become religious and you pray”. He truly thought that his time had come and about 1a.m. as he was mumbling prayers, he said quite vividly that the figure of Christ appeared before him and he was told that his time was not up and he had to pull himself together! Christ then disappeared and Steve said that not once after this did he feel he would not make it through the night. When telling the story years later, Steve said of Christ, “ He looked as you’d expect, but he spoke like an Army Major!”
When first light came, it took Steve about half an hour to get himself to his feet and he made his way in the direction of the camp, about ¾ of a mile away. He was then assisted by his Troops and so began nearly a year of hospitalization. He was quoted many years later as saying “I would like to see that Nip one more time and look him in the eye and say, ‘You were a good shot, but you weren’t good enough!’”
Once he was released from the Repatriation General Hospital, Steve bought himself a Morris 8 car and drove to Sydney and Melbourne to attend various car shows.
He returned after 6 months and went to work for his father again. Steve managed the West Terrace office and right from day one, showed that he had natural business acumen. He believed that this was from his Army days, as he would sometimes be in charge of up to 300 men.
Now, they say that behind every good man is a good woman and that woman in the form of Jill Blair was to come into Steve’s life in the late 1940’s. Their first date was to Steve’s half brother’s wedding at Bute and Jill had bought herself a beautiful hat to wear. Steve called to collect her in his MG TC! Needless to say Jill felt a bit blown about by the time they reached Bute!
In August 1952, Jill and Steve walked down the aisle of St. Peters Anglican Church at Glenelg to exchange wedding vows and to continue their wonderful partnership through life.
In 1954 they were thrilled to welcome their twin boys into the family, David and Christopher. The day that David and Chris arrived, there was actually an Earthquake in Adelaide –now that says something doesn’t it!
Steve loved his boys and valued any time that he was able to spend with them. They particularly remember being chosen to play a cow in a school play. David was the front end and Chris was at the back. Steve spent hours making the frame for the cow out of wire; he covered it in thick, vinyl tape and painted it. It was the most well-designed cow that Pultney Grammar has ever seen!
He also got very involved in the boys sailing and he would even iron their sails before a race, because he believed it gave them a wind advantage. When Steve gave up his car racing, the boys’ sailing became an extension of his interests and he would quite happily tinker with their boats for hours. Steve didn’t actually know anything about sailing, but they were having lessons with Don Thorpe at the Sailing Club and Steve would read sailing books and try to stay one chapter ahead of them at all times. He was always a great influence and would be patient in teaching them what he learned. He was very proud of his boys and their achievements, right throughout their lives.
Motor Racing was always a huge part of Steve’s life and in 1951, he won the Australian Grand Prix in Narrogin, Western Australia. Steve was a member of the Sporting Car Club and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport. When Motor Racing on Public Roads was banned by the Government after the war, Steve was one of the key people involved in the establishment of the Port Wakefield Race Track and the Sporting Car Club of SA Clubrooms on Portrush Road at Beulah Park. In 1955, the Australian Grand Prix was held at Port Wakefield. Although it was a great success, some 5 years later as motor sport advanced in Australia, the powers that be decided that the 1.3 mile track was too small, too dusty and it was 6o miles from Adelaide. Therefore, if SA was to host the 1961 Grand Prix as planned, they needed a new race track. To cut a long story short, the Mallala Race Track was then formed and after a huge working bee from all the members on the 4th of June 1961, “Operation Uplift” was performed and the new Track was established. Now, in relation to the actual race track, they paid for three top racing drivers from Victoria to come across and offer their expertise on how the track should be formed. They did all of the mapping out of the straight roads but didn’t do the corners. Apparently, everyone was at a loss to know what angle the corners should be made at, as they didn’t want them too sharp so as to cause accidents. Steve Tillett stood up and said that he had the answer. He disappeared and came back later with a long wooden railway sleeper tied by rope to the back of his car. To the amazement of everyone, he then got in his car and put his foot flat to the floor and sped around the racetrack three times with dust billowing everywhere. Where the railway sleeper left its wide berth in the dirt, was the circumference required – how ingenious is that!
I mentioned earlier about the wonderful partnership that Jill and Steve shared over the years and Jill was a great support to Steve in his motor racing days and with the business. When the racetracks were being established, she, along with other wives, were seen working hard, painting clubrooms, providing food and generally being a huge help behind the scenes. I also only just learned the other day that Jill too had a Motor Racing License.
In the mid 1950’s, Steve bought his father’s Stonemasonry Business. Around this time, he also bought a stone business in Port Pirie. He sold off the assets, made good money, which eventually helped with the purchase of land at Hindmarsh, where the factory is today. When the Hindmarsh land was first bought, it was a pug hole, but there was an old house in the middle of it that needed bulldozing. Steve set up his office in this old house and even years later when it was being pulled down, he apparently was still inside at his desk as wall by wall, it fell. He had the attitude that if you had a flash office, people would think you were making too much money!
In his field, Steve was by far an industry leader and visionary. He was passionate about the stone industry and was an encyclopedia of knowledge. He was also very generous with his knowledge and his time. Don Draper, former owner of Draper Memorials, an opposition company to Tillett’s, remembers Steve as someone who would help anyone if it meant advancing the Stone Industry. Don said that when they were replacing their machinery, they consulted Steve on what they should buy and his help was invaluable. Every Saturday for about 10 years, Steve would have lunch at Draper Memorials and he and Don would sit for hours talking about machines, the industry, and its future direction.
Steve’s brilliance with the building and design of machinery is legendary. He has been known to sit for hours staring at a machine; to then arrive the next day with full sketches on what he was going to build next – and he would do it!
Over the years, the Tillett – Mintaro Group has grown to include three Quarries – Black Hill, Calca and Mintaro Slate, which was Steve’s pride and joy and he retained an active interest in Mintaro until recent months. Such projects as the Victoria Square Fountain and the War Memorial on North Terrace are just two of the landmarks that Steve leaves behind. In our family, we have a standard joke about how Steve has his name on more headstones than anyone else around Adelaide!
Considering he had no formal qualifications, he was amazing. It is a true example of how a little bit of innovation, lateral thinking and determination can take you anywhere.
There are some long-standing members of staff at Tillett’s who remember many things about Steve – namely how he loved a chat! Bill Loechel remembers talking to Steve in the factory one day and being aware of the amount of work to be done as time was ticking on. Bill tried to excuse himself many times because he didn’t want “The Boss” to think he wasn’t working. Steve very politely told him that he was the Founder of the Company, he was paying Bill’s time and he wanted to chat!
Tracy Smale recalls the first time that she met Steve. She only ever spoken to him on the telephone and had conjured up a picture of a suit-dressed businessman. When Steve arrived in a pair of casual trousers and a green cardigan and introduced himself as S.D.Tillett, Tracy said that she took one look at this dear man and thought, “You’re not S.D. Tillett, you’re somebody’s Grandpa!”
Mike Harris and Alan Burt recall Steve arriving at work many years ago with a small piece of paper for a sign at the factory. He drew it onto grid lined paper, transferred it over and painted the sign, which is still on the front of the building to this day, and it is about 30ft long!
Eva Treen recalls her early days at Tillett’s when she had a company car. She went on holidays for a few weeks and Steve used the car whilst she was away. The staff decided that once a racing car driver, always a racing car driver, as it needed a new clutch when she returned!
Brett Mattner used to drive Steve home from the factory in his later years and as we all know, Steve had quite a sweet tooth, which does not go well with diabetes! He would ask Brett to stop at the deli for him to buy chocolate and he would then proceed to take Brett to Glenelg from Hindmarsh – via Largs and North Haven – just so he could finish his chocolate before he got home! One day, as they pulled up at home, Jill was out the front hosing. Steve quickly stuffed a chocolate bar in the pocket of his jacket so Jill wouldn’t see it. However, as he got out of the car, it fell to the ground. Quick as a flash, he picked it up and said, “Brett, you’ve dropped one of your chocolates”. Brett assured him that it was OK and told Steve that he could have it. Steve looked truly humbled and said, “Why thank you Brett” and with the aid of his walking stick, he walked proudly up the driveway and into the house!
I am sure that you would all remember the time in Steve’s later years when he said goodbye to Jill and reversed his old orange Valiant (That he used to call “Buttercup”) down the driveway. Unfortunately, he hit the accelerator instead of the brake and went flying backwards down the driveway, across the esplanade, and lodged himself half-way over the embankment. He got himself out of the car, walked to the house, rang the doorbell, and promptly said to a very shocked Jill, “Quick, do something!”
There have been many special friends over the years, and I cannot mention them all. However, Max Petersen, who sadly passed away last year, is represented here today by his wife Gwen and their family; along with Bub Brown, the wife of one of Steve’s oldest friends, Napier, who is in hospital at this time. Jill and Steve have spent many fun times with both couples as the years have gone by.
Three years ago, before Steve’s health started to decline, he represented South Australia at the anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Steve and Chris shared four days in Darwin together and Steve very much enjoyed the comradeship of other war veterans and the historical significance of the occasion.
In Steve’s latter years as he became especially frail, we were very fortunate to enlist the help of our dear friend, Roz Short, who became Steve’s carer at home. Now, considering there is a 40 plus year age difference between the two of them, a very special friendship and trust developed between the two of them and you could often hear them swapping stories and giggling like teenagers from the back room. Thankyou Roz, we are most grateful to you.
We have also very much appreciated the care from the staff at Skyline Residential Care who have been looking after Steve for the last 10 months. They have been fabulous support.
There are so many memories of Steve that we all cherish. Personally, and I know I also speak for Catherine, we both did very well with the “In-Law” department. Steve was always a true gentleman and I have valued the six years that I have shared with him.
He was a loving Papa to Louise and John and they too, have very special memories. Louise and Steve always enjoyed a good political debate when they got together; and John remembers how much Steve has taught him over the years. They will miss him greatly.
Steve will be remembered in life as one of nature’s true gentlemen; a very kind man who possessed a quick wit and dry sense of humor. He will be very sadly missed and leaves behind a wonderful legacy.
STEPHEN DISRAELI TILLETT
1917 – 2003
“A truly remarkable man.”
Stan Tillett
Past President 1988 & 1989. Executive Committee Member. Stan worked within the Industry primarily as a manager/operator of Murray Bridge Monumental Works. He also managed his late Father’s remnant operations. Owner of A S Tillett.
Chris Tillett
Awarded 2022, Inaugural Life Member
Past President 1985, 2018, 2019, 2020. Vice- President 1984, 2015, 2016 & 2017. Executive Committee Member. Owner S D Tillett Memorials, Tillett Natural Stone Industries, Mintaro Slate Quarries
Bob Tillett
Manager of Calca Quarries – Streaky Bay
George Tsarouhas
Awarded 2023
Worked for Neil & Shelton 1976 – 1982. Jordan Memorials 1982 – 1983, S D Tillett Memorials 1983 – 2003. 2020 – present A L Nalty Memorials and Nalty Memorials. A very competent fixer who subcontacted to many masons across Adelaide. George purchased A L Nalty Memorials in 2020 and is now known as Nalty Memorials.
Paul Trappe
(The Art Shop)
Eva Treen
Awarded 2025
Eva joined the Monumental Industry in September 1983 after spending many years in the Hydraulic and Pneumatic Industry. Employed by A L Nalty Memorials to do their bookwork, general office work and also to assist with sales. Eva found she enjoyed sales and excelled in this area. In May 1986 and due to her husband David’s work commitments, Eva left Nalty Memorials to pursue a life in Mt Gambier. Well, this fell through, when David threw a hissy fit at the Education Department and refused to go. Nalty Memorials had already hired her replacement, Chris Tillett offered her a job at their Brompton Street factory, primarily to do costing, sales and reception work. Eva was finally transferred to S D Tillett Memorials West Terrace Office in 1991 and took over the Admin and Finance role. In Eva’s true style she also studied accountancy after hours. It took her 4 ½ years but she did it. Eva swore she had never come across an Accountant with a sense of humour, so with the agreement of Chris she moved more into Sales and supervised other staff in the internal accounting area. In 1996 after Eva moved with her family to Hope Forest she decided to take a break from the Industry and went to work for a wine exporter whose office was 5 minutes from home. The wine industry agreed with Eva – even though she said – it was turning her into a lush and when Chris Tillett purchased Jordan Memorials in late 1999 she was lured back into the Industry as Manager of this establishment. Eva also joined the Executive Committee of this Association.
In 2007 – 2008 Eva joined the Heritage Committee at Centennial Park Cemetery where she asked to analyze and make comments on Memorials within their Cemetery and make recommendations on those of monumental significance to be added to their Heritage Register. Eva spent several years on this committee and was responsible for the cataloguing of over 2000 memorials. Eva left Jordan Memorials in 2006 and returned to work for Mark and Jan Nalty. Eva’s position was purely Sales and in competition with Mark Nalty she strived to be the first to sell $1m worth of memorials in each financial year. Often succeeding by the way! During this time, the Industry was not allowed to do any Memorial work in the West Terrace Cemetery due to strict heritage rules and the masons versus Heritage had reached a stale male. Customers wanted work done and Adelaide Cemeteries and their Heritage Advisor wouldn’t budge. It was almost as though they just went out of their way to be awkward and make our masons lives a misery. Eva along with Chris Tillett, worked nonstop for 18 months – 2 years in arguing, holding workshops to educate the Heritage Advisors on our craft, until we were finally allowed to work again in West Terrace Cemetery. Heritage Restrictions still apply, but we masons have learnt to live with it, sometimes manipulate it to our advantage, but the work goes on in this Cemetery. Eva’s passion for the Industry is well known and her voice has been a powerful one over the years. In 2014 Eva stood tall for our local masons when changes at Centennial Park Cemetery threatened to remove public choice in choosing their memorial providers. She defended both families rights and the livelihoods of local masons ensuring the community wasn’t overlooked. It was during this same period that the Association together with Adelaide Cemetries Authority started Masons Day. Usually held in May which is history month, this day turned into a bi annual event where our Members would donate their time and materials to repair mainly vandalized memorials in the West Terrace Cemetery. Steve Garner was the co ordinator on these days and did a fantastic job. We donated our expertise and Adelaide Cemeteries made sure we got plenty of press coverage. Eva was approached by Life’s Memories in 2011 so decided to move on from Nalty Memorials. Primarily in the sales area, but was promoted to Manager within a couple of years. Eva enjoyed the ‘less traditional style” of memorials and travelled all over Australia promoting the glass plaques which were unique to Life’s Memories. All good things eventually come to an end and in 2018 Eva decided it was time to retire and concentrate more on playing Lawn Bowls. She then immediately put her hand up for the Secretary / Treasurer’s job which she still holds today. In Eva’s 25 year role on the Executive Committee, she was Vice-President in 2004 – 2005 and President 2006 , 2007 and 2008. Then again from 2013 through to 2018 when she retired. Eva then continued on as Secretary/Treasurer.
Franz Wenger
Past President 1995. Executive Committee Member from 1994 – 2001, Monier Granite/ Rocla. Ran several courses for Masons
Tony Westrik
Letter cutter for over 30 years. Worked at S D Tillett Memorials
Laurie Zanetic
Founder of Riverland Memorials. Worked for many years with other masons in Adelaide learning his trade. Cutting, polishing, letter cutting and fixing.
Tom Zanetic
Worked with his father Laurie Zanetic and took over the business in the 1970’s, Tom branched out into granite kitchen bench tops. He continued to work S D Tillett Memorials following sale of business to Leon and Don Sweet.