The late Harry Kilminster, who as Wangaratta Council’s city engineer led the way for construction of a better airport, has been honoured with a plaque to remember his contribution.
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The memorial was officially unveiled at Wangaratta Airport in front of his four children on Saturday.
Mayor Ken Clarke paid tribute to Mr Kilminster, saying he was a award-winning city engineer who went on to work in Wangaratta for 15 years before his retirement.
“Obviously Wangaratta councillors at the time were impressed with this boy from the bush and when the position of city engineer became vacant in 1975, Harry was appointed,” he said.
“Wangaratta was certainly made a better pace by Harry during his time as engineer and I am fortunate that I was able to argue with him about many matters, but always knew Harry was doing what he thought best for the city.”
Cr Clarke worked with him as a councillor in the 1980s and admitted it was “not always amicable” when they disagreed, but they always enjoyed a drink together after council meetings.
“Harry and I got on like a house on fire, as I supported his desire to construct an airport, second-to-none in country Victoria,” he said.
“During the drought years it was Harry’s persistence that saw the construction of the Kerr Street water tower (one of four in Wangaratta), as a further example of his plan to waterproof the city.”
Daughter Jenni Kilminster said her father had a love of flying.
“We grew up with Dad flying a Tiger Moth and then we came to Wang and he realised that the airport there wasn’t adequate, so we got this,” she said.
“Thank you all for coming and being here for Dad … everyone I talked to who knew Dad has nothing but positive things to say about him.”
Friend and businessman Murray Edgar said Mr Kilminster was a “no nonsense man” who would get projects done.
“The thing that was very special about Harry is not only did he pursue his career as an engineer, but he coupled that as a very active citizen,” he said.
Mr Kilminster was also able to provide Wangaratta High School with a multi-purpose sports centre, music centre, sick bay, computer centre, canteen extension and better library facilities.