In memory of Luigi Romano

If I were to use the words courageous, remarkable, compassionate, kind, loving, you would know I was speaking about Luigi Romano.

If I were to use the words, stubborn, determined, demanding, steadfast, unswerving, you would know I was speaking about Luigi.

If I were to use the words, fun-loving, full of life, maddening, risk taker, you know I would be talking about Lu.

All these words, just begin to describe the man, whose life we are celebrating today. Even as we mourn his passing, we should all be celebrating the significant role he has played in our lives.

Each of you, I am sure will have a story to tell about how this remarkable man affected your life, his lasting impact.

I first met Lu almost 10 years ago, some little while after the death of his mother. Supported by Anna, Maria and Joe, Lu was looking for a place of his own, somewhere he could call home. Much as he loved his sisters and brother, he felt it was time to explore the world of independence and freedom, away from cautious, “nagging” relatives (his words not mine, and said with much love). For he loved and was much loved by his family.

As well as his own place, Lu needed help with all aspects of his daily life. And so it was my job to help him to obtain money from the appropriate government department to make this move a possibility. We finally secured funding and Lu moved into his own place at Woodcroft in 1992. which he shared with Peter until his death on Tuesday.

You would all be aware of the level of help Lu needed to remain at home. And that’s where organisations like ours step in. We are called service providers. We are meant to provide a service. But let me tell you, Lu turned the tables on us, he provided a service to us.

He taught us humility, he taught us to laugh at adversity, he taught us to be fearless when faced with what appeared to be insurmountable odds, he taught us to cherish what we had, he taught us to live life to the fullest. And his teaching methods were simple, show by your own example. He was our role model. Us able bodied people.

Some of you will know that recently Lu has been involved with a group of people from our organisation to develop a video which aims to teach people with disabilities about their rights. Lu helped write the script, and of course he played a starring role. The video, named “Setting the Standards”, is to be launched next Monday by the Minister for Disability Services, Minister Lawson. Lu was also preparing to go the Fremantle in October and to launch the video at a national conference.

He had much to live for, he still had much to teach us, so much to offer us. But it was not meant to be. His spirit will live on in our hearts. People will still be drawn to him every time they see the video, he will continue to inspire us.

Luigi Romano you set the standards. All of us whose life you touched and changed, we salute you.