SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Richard Eliott, one of the founders of the Australian Technical Millers Association (ATMA) and former managing director of Henry Simon Ltd., died on Dec. 12 at the age of 88.

Eliott, a native of Plymouth, England, was one of eight people who attended a meeting in May 1962 where it was decided to establish a group that would be comprised of interested people in the technical milling field. The organization initially was called the Technical Millers Group, but the name was changed 10 years later to the ATMA.

The ATMA paid tribute to Eliott, who was the organization’s last living founding member.

“A giant of the industry, we owe much to Richard for the contribution he made to our association, and the broader industry,” the ATMA said.

Eliott worked at Henry Simon Australia for more than 30 years. He eventually rose to the position of managing director and during his tenure he oversaw a number of technical innovations that resulted in Henry Simon becoming the dominant supplier of milling equipment in the region, said Bryan McGee, a colleague of Eliott’s at Henry Simon.

McGee said Eliott had a profound impact on the milling industry in Australia and New Zealand.

“He trained many young millers who went on to distinguished careers throughout the industry in Australasia and elsewhere,” McKee said. “During his tenure as managing director of Henry Simon Australia Ltd., he maintained its dominance as supplier to the milling industries in the region.”

After his retirement, Eliott carried out consulting roles for a number of former customers, including Punja Ltd. in Fiji.

Peter Allport, a longtime friend of Eliott’s who worked with him at Henry Simon Australia in the 1960s, penned a touching tribute to his fallen friend: “The harvest is in ; the silos are full and all is well; your last shift is run and the mill is quiet - go now and rest my friend.”

   “This is my personal farewell to Richard,” Allport said. “He is a much loved and respected colleague who I shall mourn and miss.”