Vale the Honourable Sir Francis Burt AC, KCMG, QC, 1918 - 2004

9/9/04
A State Funeral will be held for the former Governor of Western Australia, Sir Francis Burt.
Sir Francis passed away at home yesterday aged 86.
His family today accepted the Premier's offer of a State Funeral to be held at St George's Cathedral next week.
Sir Francis, who was born in Perth in 1918, served in the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II.
He was admitted to the Bar in 1941, appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1959 and then a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1969. In 1977, Sir Francis was made Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, serving in that position until 1988.
In 1990 he became Governor of WA, retiring from the post in 1993.
Sir Francis also served as the chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre Trust for nearly 20 years from 1966 and was a member of the University of Western Australia Senate from 1968 to 1976.
Premier Geoff Gallop paid tribute to Sir Francis, describing him as a valuable and highly respected servant to the State.
"Sir Francis was a true Western Australian who made significant contributions to the war effort, the legal profession, community work and public service," Dr Gallop said.
"I am sure all Western Australians will join me in passing on our deepest sympathy to his family and friends."
Further details about the service will be released in due course.
Premier's office: 9222 9475