Jane Belfield writes: I was shocked and immensely saddened to read of the death of John Beagley [ASOPA 1967-68] in Cairns. I first met The Beag when I was working as Extension Writer on the AIDAB Cocoa Quality Improvement Project in Rabaul between 1990 and 1993. I was accommodated in the Rabaul Travelodge, next to which was Studio KalaKala, where Beag held court on Saturday mornings (and most other days!).

As well as portraits and landscapes, Beag painted on fabric. He was ably assisted by several talented local chaps and did a roaring trade in beautifully decorated t-shirts and other items. I was a regular customer, and my daughter and her children still have the shirts, laplaps, sandshoes, library bags, and goodness knows what - all sent to them from Rabaul. I have many such items myself, as well as one of Beag's oils hanging on a wall.

At one stage, Beag thought it would be fun to frame his customers. I hope you can publish the Beag and Beebee pics I've had pinned to my kitchen noticeboard for many years. I was Beebee.

Beag, being a man of many parts, also translated some of my CQIP scripts into Pidgin for broadcast and publication. And we became firm friends - a friendship that continued long after I left Rabaul in 1993 (and the volcanic eruption the following year).  I find it hard to believe that he's no longer with us. And I really miss his gossipy, hilarious and often ribald communiques. Lukim yu, Beag, old chum.