By Robert Muir
Mulwala resident Andrew Spilva OAM overcame early life challenges to become a loving family man, a competent barrister and solicitor, very community-minded and a great Australian.
Mr Spilva passed away on Monday, December 9, aged 83 years. A private burial occurred Monday morning before the funeral service at 1.00pm, at The Sebel Yarrawonga which was conducted by civil celebrant Rhonda Livingstone.
‘White Rose of Athens’ by world class singer Nana Mouskouri was the opening song. A vocal tribute ‘Amazing Grace’ was performed by daughter Brenda’s Allegro Theatre Company friend Cheryne.
The eulogy was then delivered by son Konrad and daughter Brenda who both said their father was a such an inspiration to them throughout their whole lives in which they have achieved tertiary qualifications and business positions.
Konrad described his Dad as “a remarkable man” whose involvement with such organisations as the chamber of commerce tackling issues including Lake Mulwala, and the hospital board management led to him being awarded the prestigious Order of Australia (OAM) Medal in 2019.
“I used to love watching him in court. He loved the stage,” Konrad said.
“Dad became like a friend to me – we never ever argued.”
Andrew was a passionate community member. Twenty years of voluntary service on the hospital board at Yarrawonga and acting as chair of the Lake Mulwala Community Action Group were two outstanding and successful roles he performed.
His honorary roles also included a long association with scouts and guides, and golf both at Yarrawonga/Mulwala and at St James.
Andrew became involved in the community after a chat with former well-known identity in Melbourne, Geelong and Yarrawonga Max Porter OAM.
Brenda explained how her Mum successfully applied in mid-1973 for the legal secretary’s job in her dad’s office and that romance blossomed, with a wedding in 1975. Brenda referred to their “devotion of each other” and “true love” in their 49 wonderful years of marriage.
She loved how her dad’s love towards her just grew and grew, with three words ‘I love you’ expanding over the years, which included the words ‘heaps’ and ‘plenty’ many times.
“Dad grew up in hardships. There were challenges but he said the experiences shaped him into the man he became,” Brenda said.
Andrew’s inspiration encouraged Brenda to join Allegro Theatre Company in 2020 and in 2023, made her directional debut.
Remarkable story
Born in Latvia, arriving in Port Melbourne from Europe in September 1949 as an immigrant with his mother and stepfather, unable to speak a word of English and dressed in traditional German Lederhosen, Mr Spilva’s story is indeed remarkable.
Primary school on the Mornington Peninsula changed that scenario. Then it was secondary school at Footscray Tech and a trainee telephone technician apprenticeship with the PMG.
However, when he said ‘I wish I could be a solicitor’, an engineer friend advised him to study adult matriculation. Andrew did and the following year was admitted to Melbourne University Law Faculty and worked part-time in hospitality to meet expenses.
Andrew started as a law clerk with the firm Kahn Clahr & Garsa in Melbourne until his admission on September 1, 1969 where he had commenced his Articles.
After his first law appointment in 1969, he moved to David Allen & Associates gaining valuable court experience. In late 1971, Andrew commenced his own practice in Brunswick and was joined, in 1974 by legal partner Vin Sier.
During 1994, it was decided to close the business in Brunswick and relocate the practice to Yarrawonga; formally opening an office in Maggs Arcade on January 6, 1995.
On September 1, 2019 Andrew described as “a fantastic destination” to arrive in celebrating 50 years as barrister and solicitor.
“I value my milestone. It’s a wonderful, wonderful experience fulfilling my admission as lawyer,” the then 78-year-old said at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.
“It is overwhelming that I have my family, friends and colleagues here to celebrate this occasion with me.”
Vivian commented: “From the moment I began work I could see that Andrew was a compassionate and caring solicitor who understood his client’s needs and fought hard for them”.
“He had enormous respect for the legal system and in every matter, he took on, did so with the highest integrity.”
It was in January 2018 when Andrew was awarded the OAM for services to the community.
Helping the community ran high in the Spilva household. Both husband and wife achieved the prestigious OAM award - Vivian was awarded an OAM in 2012 for her outstanding community work.
Civil celebrant Rhonda said Andrew had “a real zest for life, was awarded the very prestigious honour of the OAM through being a dedicated professional and had many achievements”.
Upon his 50 years as a barrister and solicitor in 2019, it would “not have occurred without my heart and soulmate, my darling wife Vivian,” he said at the time. “She has been beside me every step of the way.”
Friend of several years, golfing and work mate of Andrew’s Bill Hidson, said he was “always proud to be Andrew’s friend”. Many golfing colleagues including plenty of management representatives were among the estimated 250-strong crowd of mourners at the funeral service.
Before the recessional song ‘Chug-a-lug’ by Roger Miller, Andrew’s long-time friend Neil Lovell, who was recruited by Andrew to join the chamber of commerce, spoke.
“Andrew was chairman, with interesting ideas all heading in the right direction on many community issues,” Mr Lovell said. “He was a great Australian.”