Since the passing of Paula, my wife, friend and business partner, I have been overwhelmed by the expressions of sympathy and support from this fabulous industry of ours.

In Victoria Paula was well known as a friendly and caring person who always had time to advise, help and chat with people who genuinely wanted to learn about timber.

When I spoke at Paula’s funeral service I said the following words: “To her timber mates. Paula was very proud to be part of the timber industry and particularly proud to earn the respect and acknowledgement of some of the key players of the Victorian timber family.

“A lot of the faces that I’m looking at now knew Paula for more than 30 years. She could also tell jokes with the best of them.”

That sums up Paula – just keep it simple.

To everyone in the industry who has supported us over the past seven years, I thank you.

You have helped keep us strong and my wife was always grateful for the continued expressions of love and support from her many friends and colleagues as she battled bowel cancer.

Paula will be remembered because of the qualities that are in abundance within our timber industry – honesty, integrity and fraternity.

Personally, I cannot express adequately the deepest feelings of appreciation and respect to an industry that embraces its own with such openness and affection.

Thank you.

GREG KING

A number of Paula’s timber industry friends offered their condolences and spoke of their personal dealings with Paula during her career in sales, as well as through TimberTrader News.

These included Robert Dindas of Dindas Australia:

“I first met Paula King when she was working at IPL as Paula Farrell. I was purchasing plywood from her in her role as a salesperson.

It was always a pleasure to do business with her and I can only describe her as delightful, helpful, fantastic, competent and capable.

I have to admit I was disappointed to hear she had retired from the industry after marrying Greg.”

From Judy Tilling of Tilling Timber:

“I have known Paula for more years than I like to admit - well before she became Paula King.

“I recall an event that Tilling Timber held for ‘the ladies of the industry’.

“We invited eight ladies to come to lunch for Ladies Day (The Oaks) and dress up accordingly.

“It was a great networking opportunity and interesting that we could only find eight executive ladies to invite at that time. I’m sure that if we held the same function today there would be many more attendees.

“Because of her inspiration to the women of the industry, perhaps we should repeat the luncheon on Oaks Day this year for the ladies, in celebration and indeed recognition of Paula’s lifelong contribution to our industry?”

From Kevin Ezard of Ezard Marketing:

“The first Frame Australia was held in 1998 with a combined team of Paula, Greg and myself staging the conference, with Paula taking all responsibility for event and delegate management.

“It was the first time I had worked with Paula and it gave me a great opportunity to get to know her.

“From this, began a mutually successful and enjoyable business relationship that became a true friendship for both my wife Kati and I.

“Positive and professional, it was always a delight to see her at the conferences with the biggest welcoming smile, impeccably dressed (wearing her favourite colours pink and purple somewhere for sure!!).

“She displayed warmth and grace, and exuded confidence of ensuring that everything was under control.

“During those 10 years so much occurred that demonstrated Paula’s critical eye for detail and her “can do” approach.

“In the final term of her life this same focused determination was miraculously displayed with her perseverance in dealing with her health challenges.

“I am sure that Paula will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by so many of the Frame Australia delegates.
“May she rest in peace (wearing pink and purple).”

And from Stephen Fray of MiTek Australia:

“For the most part, many of us try to distance work from family and friends.

“However there are times when, for some reason they merge because of a common interest, a mutual bond, a shared passion or simply because they enjoy being together.

“My time at MiTek has seen close relationships blossom with staff, clients and occasionally suppliers.

“Although our early relationship with the ‘Kings’ was through the professional contact we had with TimberTrader News, Greg and Paula quickly became to mean much more to the people at MiTek and especially to my wife Cheryl and myself.

“Both Greg and Paula became good friends and a wonderful example to us of positive thinking and making the most of every moment.

“With the passing of Paula, we have lost a warm and generous friend who we will miss greatly.

“To Greg and family, our thoughts and best wishes are with you.”