Tributes for killed Tassie traveller

A TASMANIAN man shot and killed in the Philippines has been remembered as a generous supporter of the state’s motorcycle racing scene.

Retired abalone diver Anthony George Wilson, 61, of Margate, was shot and killed on Friday in Olongapo City.

Police in the Philippines have arrested Australian Michael Justin McLaren, 52, for the killings of Mr Wilson and Filipina woman Mila Bailey, 41.

Mr Wilson’s friend and Mrs

Bailey’s husband Wayne Bailey, 71, was injured.

Tasmanian motorcycle racer Scott Campbell, son of superbike champion Malcolm

Campbell, said Mr Wilson was “a great friend” of the state’s motorcycling community.

“He has assisted and sponsored many riders to get across the ditch and have a go chasing their dreams. Some of those include Steve Sellars, Simon Weeks, Simon Rattenbury, Malcolm Campbell and until this present day myself. Tony also helped the TMCC bring Troy Bayliss to Tasmania in 2012,” Mr Campbell said.

“Malcolm and I have had a 20-plus year relationship with Tony and could not be more thankful to him.”

Mr Wilson was a father of five and grandfather of seven.

A seasoned international traveller, he had been in the Philippines for less than a week into an extended holiday when he was killed.

Speaking to the Mercury following their father’s death, siblings Shane and Amy Wilson said they were focused on having his body returned to Tasmania.

Authorities in the Philippines are investigating whether a business deal involving the Baileys was a possible motive for the attack.