The Australian Wine Research Institute is mourning the death of much-loved staff member Randell Taylor.
Randell, 51, was manager of the Trace Laboratory at the AWRI where he worked for 25 years.
“We’ve lost not only a wonderful colleague, but a great servant of the Australian grape and wine community,” says Chris Day, group manager, Corporate Services at the AWRI.
“While we’re devastated by his loss and will miss him enormously our hearts also go out to his family and many friends, particularly those made through his involvement across the local running, cycling, triathlon, rogaining and geocaching communities.
“Everyone within the AWRI knew and liked Randell for his incredible zest for life, positive outlook, quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of all things sport, and he was well known as the internal expert in the trace analysis of wine, particularly the chemistry of agrochemical residues.
“It was however probably only those who worked closest with him who understood the many and deep relationships Randell had developed across industry over the years, and the practical impact he made in helping our customers to understand and apply the results of this complex work.
“We at the AWRI have been overwhelmed by the number of people who’ve contacted us to pass on their support, and convey the positive impact that Randell personally had on them and their businesses.”
Randell was struck and killed by a truck while cycling in Adelaide on 27 November.
An online tribute board has been created where people can share photos and memories of Randell.
Randell is survived by his wife, Melanie, and his daughter Abbey, 22, and son Danyon, 18.
WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine sends our sincere condolences to Randell’s family, friends and work colleagues.