Bob Hawke Sadly Dies Aged 89

Bob Hawke, Australia’s 23rd prime minister has died at the age of 89.

Mr Hawke led the country and his party from 1983 to 1991, and his contribution to public life helped shape modern Australia.

He won four federal elections, making him Labor’s longest-serving prime minister and Australia’s third-longest-serving prime minister behind Robert Menzies and John Howard.

Mr Hawke is survived by his wife and biographer Blanche d’Alpuget, and his three children — Susan, Stephen and Rosslyn.

“Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian – many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era,” she said in a statement.

“He died peacefully at home at the age of 89 years.

“I and Bob’s children, Sue, Stephen, Rosslyn and stepson, Louis, and his grandchildren, will hold a private funeral.”

A memorial service will be held in Sydney in coming weeks.

Ms d’Alpuget said “Bob was dearly loved by his family, and so many friends and colleagues. We will miss him.

“The golden bowl is broken.”

Tributes are flowing across social media.

The labour movement salutes our greatest son.

Australians everywhere remember and honour a man who gave so much to the country and people he cared for so deeply.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/NzKwxW1e4X

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) May 16, 2019

RIP, our condolences to Bob’s family.

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23 Comments

- - curlytops said
  - 09 Jun 2019
    2:38 pm
he seems to have had a good send off Australia wide.

- - mom101628 said
  - 31 May 2019
    2:27 pm
He certainly lived in a time when not all things were held up to open scrutiny like they are now. Can you imagine a self-confessed womaniser holding that position in these days? Never-the-less he did some great things for this country when it was in dire straights – bringing unions and employers together with the accord and only a great negotiator like him could have done this. Pity there was such acrimony between him and Paul Keating in later years. Australia has had only three what could be called Statesmen during it’s lifetime and he just happens to be one of them. RIP Bob – and enjoy a well earned rest.

- - rachel1970 said
  - 21 May 2019
    7:37 am
RIP Bob, a true icon in Australian politics.

- - mom74005 said
  - 20 May 2019
    5:36 pm
RIP Bob, I had a drink for you

- - mom206279 said
  - 20 May 2019
    7:32 am
I’m surprised it wont be a state funeral. The public should be allowed a chance to say their goodbyes.

- - becstalou said
  - 19 May 2019
    5:24 pm
Sad news especially for his family. His legacy will live on though. Long after he retired he said he genuinely loved the Australian people and its this sentiment we are missing in politics today.

- - Tashs88 said
  - 17 May 2019
    11:02 pm
RIP to an iconic Australian

- - ashna9 said
  - 17 May 2019
    6:01 pm
An iconic and memorable leader. Rip.

- - mom90758 said
  - 17 May 2019
    4:13 pm
I didn’t live in Australia while he was Prime Minister, but I’ve read so many good things about him. Rest in peace.

- - mom112217 said
  - 17 May 2019
    3:47 pm
Rest In Peace Bob Hawke,you will always be remembered as our Prime Minister.

- - Cookfromscratchmum said
  - 17 May 2019
    2:14 pm
May he Rest In Peace

- - mom81879 said
  - 17 May 2019
    10:52 am
Isn’t it weird, when he was prime minister, he was just another politician we loved to complain about. Now he’s dead, everyone says he was one of the best ever! Politicians are only in it for what they can get, they don’t care about Australia or the people that live here!

- - Shorty said
  - 17 May 2019
    10:32 am
Bob was from the era where politicians were real men and there was none of this in party fighting/takeover crap. He made significant impacts to the country. May he RIP
- mom93821 replied
  
  18 May 2019 , 5:36 am
  We can thank him for Medicare!
- - mom93821 said
  - 17 May 2019
    6:32 am
Bob Hawke had a natural charisma and energy that was so engaging,
Every sympathy to the family.

- - Ellen said
  - 17 May 2019
    3:43 am
I’ve never heard of his name before, but then I only live since 10yrs in Oz.
Rest in peace Bob, blessings to his family.

- - youngoldlady said
  - 17 May 2019
    12:38 am
R.I.P Bob you were a real great man who really listened to the people and had great fun. Still remember you saying that bosses should the day off to employees for Australia winning the America cup. Sad that you did not live long enough to see the results this weekend. Now you can drink as much as you want and not worry about the effects. You will be missed by most.

- - mom101628 said
  - 16 May 2019
    11:17 pm
Condolences to the family – RIP Bob. You were the most liberal of all Labor leaders and your ability to get the unions to agree to the Accord for those years while you were PM stood this country in good stead and helped all. Finally the strikes were over – sadly now your are gone they will come back

- - mom265671 said
  - 16 May 2019
    10:53 pm
He was before the time i was born but I’ve only heard great things. May he Rest In Peace.

- - nealsq said
  - 16 May 2019
    10:45 pm
R.I.P. Bob! Dad loved meeting you on Rottnest Island!

- - Blossom said
  - 16 May 2019
    10:36 pm
Bob certainly had variety of interests over the years.
In politics he made decisions people loved or hated. You can’t please everybody.