Adelaide business leader Allen Bolaffi has died suddenly after contracting an unknown illness on an international trip.
Bolaffi, 57, the long-standing President of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce, is being remembered today as a passionate South Australian and devoted family man.
Rilka Warbanoff, a director of the chamber, told InDaily Bolaffi’s death would leave a huge hole.
She said he didn’t feel well after returning from a seven-day business trip to Sicily and Malta last Monday.
At first he believed he was suffering from jetlag, but it became clear he had contracted an illness, believed to be a virus.
His condition deteriorated and he died in a private Adelaide hospital yesterday surrounded by his family, including wife Viv, son Reuben and daughters Amy and Kate. He leaves a grandson, Leon. He is also survived by his mother Yvette.
“Allen was a man who adored his family,” Warbanoff said. “When he spoke of his family and his wife he melted.
“He really believed in South Australia; he was passionate about Adelaide.
“Obviously he was passionate also about Israel and the chamber – and he was the driving force behind it.
“He was a compassionate man who loved to spend time with his family and friends.”
Bolaffi was Managing Partner of UHY Haines Norton Chartered Accountants and a director of several companies, including Drake Supermarkets. He was chairman of the SA Innovation Investment Fund Advisory Committee and a Director of the Southern Adelaide Fleurieu Kangaroo Island Medicare Local Limited.
His funeral is expected to be held tomorrow.
State Liberal leader Steven Marshall paid tribute to Bolaffi this afternoon.
“Allen was a well-known and respected South Australian community and business leader, who was a great contributor to our state,” Marshall said.
“Allen’s passion for South Australia through his various business roles, as well as his roles as chairman of the SA Innovation Investment Fund Advisory Committee and President of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce, was second to none.
“But above all, Allen was a proud and devoted family man and he will be greatly missed by many.”
