Farewell to vibrant Rob
GOLD Coast real estate agent Rob Astbury, 69, who also had a successful media career, has died.
His death this week shocked the real estate industry with agents describing him as “larger than life” and a “great friend.”
Ray White Queensland CEO Tony Warland in a statement sent to staff said “his passing was unexpected but peaceful”.
Ray White Broadbeach principal Larry Malan visited Mr Astbury’s Broadbeach home on Thursday, after not being able to contact him. Police confirmed the death was not suspicious.
Mr Astbury, a former TV sports presenter, hit the headlines in 2007 when celebrity agent Anthony Zammit published King and I: My Life with Graham Kennedy.
The book detailed Mr Astbury’s relationship with the late king of comedy. The same year Mr Astbury revealed he was HIV positive.
During a 21-year media career he won 10 VFL/AFL awards, two national Penguin awards and was twice nominated for the Logie Awards for the Best News Story of the year.
Following an early career in Melbourne radio Mr Astbury made a jump to TV working with Network Ten and the Nine Network.
After retiring from television, he worked as a real estate agent for Ray White Broadbeach between 1994 and 2000.
For the next decade he ran a property development company in Thailand.
In 2010, Mr Astbury again worked at Ray White Broadbeach specialising in highrise apartments and properties.
Mr Malan said most who knew Mr Astbury would say he was a colourful and larger-than-life character.
“His antics around the office were legendary which will be remembered by all for a very long time,” Mr Malan said. “He will not be easily forgotten. He was an outstanding negotiator and marketer and his skills and personality will be sorely missed.”
Sam Guo, an agent with Ray White Broadbeach, described Mr Astbury as a great friend.
“The first time I walked in the door he came up and gave me a hug and said he was really excited for us to join the agency. He made me feel very welcome.”
Michael Kollosche, of Kollosche Prestige Agents, said Mr Astbury prided himself on being the best in his real estate class.
“I started off as his personal assistant many years ago,” Mr Kollosche said. “Rob really lived for his job – he enjoyed real estate and had a lot of really good clients.” beachside