Mesothelioma Victim’s dying wish honored
Norrie Ross
February 06, 2008 12:00am
Larger than life: Meg Bentley with an image of Tim Lacone, who has died of an asbestos-related disease.
INVENTOR Tim Lacone knew he was about to die from an asbestos-related disease, but his thoughts were for thousands of Australians yet to fall victim to the lethal particles.
A year to the day after his record $2.75 million compensation payout, Mr Lacone’s wish to help others was fulfilled when $200,000 from his estate was donated to help asbestos research.
Announcing the donation yesterday, the woman who cared for him spoke of a wonderful man who had refused to let bitterness mark his dying days.
Sister-in-law Meg Bentley said though he was in terrible pain, Mr Lacone had been determined to keep a promise of a substantial donation to help asbestos victims, and particularly those with mesothelioma.
“He felt very much not only for the people who had mesothelioma but the people who were caring for them,” Ms Bentley said.
“Tim had a great wit. He was a very caring person. It’s a loss to everybody that Tim’s not around.
“His legacy was to face whatever came along — get on with it.
“It was just something that was part of Tim. He said ‘It’s got me, and I’ve just got to make the most of what I’ve got’.”
The money will go to the Slater & Gordon Asbestos Research Fund, recognising the law firm’s battles to win compensation for victims such as Mr Lacone.
Lawyer Peter Gordon announced the firm would make a new donation of $300,000 to the fund. The money will be used for research into treatment and an eventual cure for asbestos-related cancers.
Mr Lacone, 58, who invented a swimming-pool water-saving filter, lost his battle for life six months ago. His Supreme Court trial heard he could have made up to $50 million in royalties from his invention.
He was exposed to the asbestos while doing DIY at his home in Gruyere.
Manufacturer James Hardie and distributor Wunderlich settled his claim.
Mr Gordon said the donation was vital given that the peak in asbestos cases in Australia would not be reached until 2018.
“Tim was such an interesting, unique and loveable character,” he said.
Source: Herald Sun, http://www.news.com.au/