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A WAVE of tribute, praise and mourning swept over Tasmania yesterday in response to the tragic death of Launceston Deputy Mayor Jeremy Dacre Ball.
The 46-year-old father of two was killed instantly in a horrific head-on collision with a truck on the Bass Highway on Monday.
Reflecting the kind of consensus politics practiced by Alderman Ball a kaleidoscope of public and private figures paid tribute to a man known for his passion, energy, optimism and advocacy.
The Tasmanian Parliament began the day with a minute’s silence in a mark of respect usually reserved for members of parliament.
Tasmanian Greens leader Kim Booth, who Alderman Ball worked as campaign manager for in the 2002 state election, was particularly shaken by the loss.
Mr Booth described the death as ‘‘a tragedy of unimaginable proportions’’.
‘‘Jeremy was just a fantastic person, he was a friend and a confidante and I worked with him for many years,’’ Mr Booth said.
‘‘The tragic death leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of so many Tasmanians who valued him both as a person and as an advocate for all the best things in Tasmania.’’
‘‘Tasmania is a lesser place now without Jeremy’’.
Premier Will Hodgman extended his ‘‘heartfelt sympathies’’ to Alderman Ball’s young family stating he served the community with conviction, championing his home city and state.
Former Greens leader Bob Brown said he first met Alderman Ball as a child campaigning for the first bike way in Launceston in late 1970s.
‘‘His is a life to celebrate, a life to inspire us now and into the future, and he is a fellow who not only his family but all Tasmania and particularly Launceston will be proud of,’’ he said.
The shattered Launceston City Council issued a statement remembering the local government statesmen as ‘‘someone of extreme integrity’’.
‘‘He fought passionately for the causes he believed in,’’ Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said.
’’He did it with humour, and with respect, and by putting in an immense amount of work for his community.’’
‘‘This is a devastating day for our city.’’
Friend Andrea Dawkins said Alderman Ball was a foremost a humanitarian who could engage with people from all levels of society.
‘‘His social conscience and ability to be able to focus his life and energy on the greater good was absolutely immeasurable for Launceston,’’ she said.
‘‘He was able to inspire so many people – I was one of them.’’
The Launceston City Council flew it flags at half mast yesterday as a mark of respect.
Alderman Ball is survived by his wife Karina and two sons Griffin and Jasper.