Tributes flow after death of beloved Lord of the Isles publican
PETER Burnet’s beloved Geelong Cats will wear black armbands on Monday to honour the public figure as the city mourns the loss of one of its favourite sons.
The beloved Lord of the Isles publican and charity worker died on Thursday as a result of post-operative infection, having spent a week on life support in Queensland.
Public figures, friends, family and wellwishers delivered a flood of tributes to the man whose name had become synonymous with the Lord of the Isles Tavern after almost 40 years at its helm.
Daughter Emma posted a heartfelt message online.
“To all our friends and family … today Mum, Nick and I lost a very important person in our life, our Dad, husband and poppie. He went far too early, had so much more to do in his life,” it read.
“Dad did so much in his life and achieved so much. Dad, we love you and thank you for being the greatest hero we could ever ask for. Forever in our hearts and dreams xoxo.”
Emma also explained the cause of her father’s passing in a separate social media post.
“Dad had an operation two weeks ago on his neck, to relieve pain. During the operation the surgeon nicked his pharynx, which then lead to major infections, golden staph,” she said.
“That’s why we are in QLD cause they told my dad he was OK to fly. He wanted to recover in his happy place with the love of his life. We flew up here on Friday when they put my dad on life support. He was fighting, so bloody hard, but his body couldn’t do it anymore. Our dad passed away from overwhelming septic shock with organ failure.”
Australian Hotels Association figures offered their tributes to Mr Burnett — who had spent 21 years as their Victorian president, three terms as national president and was inducted into their hall of fame.
“Peter was an industry icon taken way too soon,” AHA Victorian president and longtime friend David Canny said.
AHA national president Scott Leach said: “A giant has fallen. Peter’s legacy is undisputed. Peter made an undeniable contribution to our industry that has not just benefited hoteliers today. His efforts and achievements will echo through to the next generation … such was his impact and influence on our industry.”
Mr Burnett was a director of the Geelong Football Club, director of Tourism Australia and chairman of the E.J. Whitten Prostate Cancer Foundation. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for his years of service to tourism, hospitality, sport and charities.
The sudden death of Lord of the Isles Tavern publican Peter Burnett, aged 68, has touched many in the region and further afield. He was loved by so many. A former Australian Hotels Association national president and Geelong Football Club director, Mr Burnett was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2015 for his years of service to tourism and hospitality and for his work with charity and sports organisations.
PETER Burnett was one of the greatest Geelong people I know. Opened his doors to the GFC boys for over 30 years ... loved our great footy club and loved our great town. So sorry to hear you go great man. #rip #peterburnett
Cam Mooney
VERY sad. A great bloke who loved Geelong; both the town and the footy club! Deepest condolences to Jan and his family.
Cameron Ling
SO deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Geelong hotelier, Peter Burnett AM. His pub, The Lord of the Isles, was an institution. Always enjoyed having a chat with Pete. My deepest sympathies to Jan and family.
Rebecca Maddern
THAT’S awful news. A great Geelong person.
Nathan Templeton
I DID my apprenticeship working for Pete. I happily went back and worked for him two more times. A lovely man who gave a lot to the Geelong community, especially the footy club. RIP big fella.
Nick Cahill
IT is with great sorrow I learn of Peter’s passing. Peter was a larger-than-life character who was a very generous and loved man. Having worked the last 11 years as general manager of AFL Barwon, I got to know Peter well. He was a great lover of football, both his beloved Cats and the local leagues as well. The hoteliers of Geelong are a tight-knit group and he will be sorely missed. His huge smile was infectious. Thoughts are with Jan the family. RIP Peter.
Lee Hartman
VERY sad day for the Geelong community. I have known Peter and the family for over 30 years. Worked for Pete at Lordies, what an amazing bloke and boss. You will be missed. Condolences to Jan, Emma and Nick and family.
James Andrew Cook
SUCH sad news. A man who was larger than life is so many ways. Condolences to his family. RIP
Paula Kontelj
OUR condolences to his family. May God rest his soul in peace.
Maria M Elrabahi
SUCH sad news. Our thoughts to Jan, Nick, Emma and families. He will be missed.
Irene and Ray Bassett
OH, that’s so sad. Thinking of his family and friends at this time.
Hilary Jenner
SHOCKED and deeply saddened by the awful news of the death of one of Geelong’s ripper blokes — Peter Burnett AM.
Charlie Suds
SO very sad to read this. Worked for him years ago. RIP Peter, condolences to his family.
Sharon Cornwill
RIP Peter, my thoughts are with the family and friends, so sad. Long live Geelong Cats and your memory.
Jody Cartwright
SAD, sad news. Great friend and mentor, always willing for a beer and chat about the Cats. Sadly missed as we will cherish so many funny memories from the CUB Brewery days with this leader and generous great man. Our thoughts are with Jan, Emma and Nick and their families. RIP legend and Go Cats.
Gavin Trewin
WHAT a great shame. A fine chap who made Geelong a happier time for me. Vale Peter ... you were a fine fella
Laurie Atlas
A REAL sad time. Peter was a legend and a person of great quality. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Bob Merriman
I’M sure he would let his phone keep ringing so I had to listen to the ringtone the whole way. We are Geelong!!
Mark Ricciuto
SENDING condolences to the family and friends of Pete Burnett. A supporter of the Foundation and in particular our E&S Golf Classic
Give Where You Live
VALE PB a great character and a wonderful Geelong fighter. Such a shock to his family. Elissa and I send our most deepest condolences #RestInPeace #Bigman
Darryn Lyons
Synonymous with Geelong, highly successful individual, a generous friend and ripper bloke. A statesman and real leader. We will miss him so much and mourn his loss with all his friends and family at the Lord of the Isles, Geelong Cats and AHA Victoria
Charlie Suds
HOTELIER Peter Burnett and the Lord of the Isles Tavern are synonymous with the mighty Geelong Football Club. Always gives me a buzz to drive past and see the tribute to the Cats’ past three flags on the windows. A great Cats man. Vale Peter Burnett RIP. Go Cats.
Ahmed Bose
TERRIBLY saddened to hear of Peter Burnett’s passing. A man synonymous with Geelong. Thoughts with his family and all the staff at the Lord of the Isles.
Shane McInnes
WE are deeply saddened by the loss of Peter Burnett AM, our dedicated board director, who made a significant and lasting contribution to Victoria and Australia’s tourism and hospitality industry. We extend our sincerest condolences to Peter’s family, he will be deeply missed.
Visit Victoria
WE are very saddened with the news of the passing of our great friend and client for 40 years, Peter Burnett AM. The big man with the bigger heart. Our thoughts with Jan, Emma, Nick, the family and the staff at the Lord of the Isles.
Charman Partners
DEVASTATINGLY sad news. A real gentleman who was passionate about everything Geelong. Will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Srechko “Stretch” Kontelj
MY heart breaks for Peter’s family. Peter and my dad, Geoff Ainsworth, owned “The Lord” together many years ago. I pretty much grew up there with Peter’s kids. Many cherished memories. Condolences to all his family at this very sad time.
Will Ainsworth
A GEELONG statesman. We will miss you, Peter.
Ben Apted
AWFULLY sad to hear this news. “Rocky” was everyone’s mate. Deepest condolences to family and friends
Geelong East Rotary Club
SUCH a sad loss to our industry. Deepest condolences to Jan and family.
Julie Ramia Siketa
TO all those who have dined at the Lord of the Isles, I feel your pain. It felt like home when I visited. The Burnetts ensured all were made special and you wanted to return. Geelong will be hurting for a while and I will certainly be visiting the hotel to support the staff. Geelong is the richer for Mr Burnett.
Kate J
HAD the privilege of meeting and doing business with him a few years back — absolute straight shooter and a true gentleman. Condolences to his family and friends.
Mark Ferrari
RIP Peter, a pleasure to meet you in 2017 and talk to you about your incredible life, career and passion.
Ellie Gardner-Leigh
SOMEONE who left their mark, taken too early. Condolences to Jan, Nick, Emma and their families.
Stephen Hibble
TRADIE lunches at the LOTI 34 years ago, When I started trade school. Great service and good back then To what it is today. Great job, Peter. RIP.
David Haynes
How sad. Well-respected. Nylma Carruthers
RIP. You were a legend. Cheers.
Debbie Budzynski
A GREAT Geelong man gone too soon. Generous and caring boss. Was a pleasure to work for him and know his family.
Dale Scanlon
USED to camp next to them many years ago at Cumberland River Lorne. Sympathy to all the family.
Bev Quinn
DEEPEST condolences to the Burnett family, Penny, Julie and all the staff at the Lord of the Isles. Such a great loss.
Peter was the most wonderful
human, so giving and genuine. He gave so much to the Geelong community.
Wendy Hatton
VALE Pete ... a great man who has left a lasting legacy. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Paul Williamson
UNSUNG hero of football clubs.
David Whyte
A VERY sad day for the city of Geelong. A man who welcomed all to his lounge room and enjoyed your company.
RIP Peter Darren Stewart
SAD news. Peter and I started Mad Monday at the Lord of the Isles.
Michael Turner
WE will be wearing black arm bands on Monday for the loss of former director Peter Burnett. He really got fired up for these games against the Hawks.
#StandProud #WeAreGeelong Geelong Cats
IT is with great shock and great sadness to mourn the loss of a great Geelong person. Peter was a passionate and personable man with a great compassion for people.
The Browne family