The death of a “great newspaper man” has prompted a flow of tributes and expressions of gratitude from former employees and the wider Dubbo community.
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John Armati touched hearts and minds as he built a publishing and printing empire in western NSW across three decades from the 1960s.
This week former employees from near and far saluted their revered previous boss after learning of his death on Sunday.
A message wall on the website of the Daily Liberal, the masthead where Mr Armati’s career began, was flooded with messages of sympathy and tribute from former colleagues and people he knew through his community interests.
Ron Norton of the ACT told of being a former editor of the Daily Liberal, when he had learned lifelong lessons from Mr Armati.
“Tough, at times ruthless, boss but great newspaper man,” he said.
“My time as editor of the Daily Liberal and its then associated western area weeklies, was the best education I received in 50 years of journalism.”
As well as praise there were expressions of appreciation for the role the successful businessman had played in their lives.
“Thank you John for the opportunities you gave me,” Kevin Engeler of Dubbo said.
“You were very generous with so many things including the time you gave to those who worked for you.
“You taught us much about business and life in general.
“God bless for what you did for countless people and communities.”
Memories of Mr Armati were warm and glowing.
“My father worked at the Liberal in Dubbo for John's father and John,” Diana Pateman of Dubbo said. “The… family were more than just his employer.
“I thank John on behalf of my father, John Spencer Pateman (deceased), for everything he did for him and my family.”
Former employees who moved further afield also shared some of their experiences of the old days at Dubbo.
“I worked for The Boss as we called him for 10 years,” Anne Whitney of Gladesville said.
“John Amarti had the ability to instill great loyalty in his staff.
“So sad to hear about his death.”
A memorial service will be held for John Armati at 11 am on Saturday June 10, at his home in Hunters Hill.