Multiplex founder, John Roberts, dead

John Roberts, the founder of Multiplex, died yesterday at the age of 72 after a long illness.

Chairman Allan McDonald said: "John's legacy is an enormous one in the fields of property and construction. He was a man of great energy and vision and will be surely missed."

He was an executive director after stepping down as chairman a year ago. He founded Multiplex in 1962.

In 1988 he was awarded the Order of Australia for his contribution to the copnstruction and horse racing industries. In 1999 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Constructors' Association.

The surviving Roberts family members said: "His passion and his deep understanding of people, property markets and Australian heritage will be greatly missed by all of us."