Joh Bjelke-Petersen dies aged 94 April 23, 2005 From: AAP
Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen
FORMER Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen has died aged 94, his former press secretary Ken Crooke said today. Sir Joh died about 6pm (AEST) with his family by his bedside, his personal physician Dr Isabelle Jonsson said.
In a short statement Dr Jonsson said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen died at 6 o'clock.
"His family members were all with him," Dr Jonsson said.
Dr Jonsson refused to answer any questions.
Director of Nursing at the South Burnett community private hospital, Leonie Galvioli, said Sir Joh's death had emotionally affected her staff.
"It's a small rural community, everyone knows everyone else and they know the Bjelke-Petersen's well," Ms Galvioli said.
"It's hard to watch anyone die."
Family spokesman and former right-hand man to Sir Joh, Ken Crooke, said it was not yet known when Sir Joh's funeral would be held. Advertisement:
He said it took about five working days for State funerals to be organised.
The funeral will be held in Kingaroy and Sir Joh will be buried at his property Bethany just outside Kingaroy.
