Tribute to Walt Missingham

*Dedicated to Walt and his family and fellow JKD Australia students

I was supposed to help you tell your incredible life-story but we weren’t quite in-sync. The possibility that I may have disappointed you will forever be my burden to bear. But that of course is a small price to pay for having you entrust me with this mission in the first place. For your life was one so unbelievably rich, so full of audacity that if even told in parts, would leave listeners’ mouths agape with incredulity.

When we first sat down to discuss your biography, I couldn’t steer you to the well we all hankered to drink.  The stuff on paper of course were impressive but I wanted the underbelly. The backstories spoken about in hushed tones to peaked ears. Out of both fear and respect, I was perhaps too diplomatic in my approach to get the results I wanted from you and for you. Of course I knew you to be a straight-shooter, but have you ever tried sitting across from you? It’d at least take a warm-up or two, right?

Alas, I never even made it to a sophomore attempt. I hope down the line, with the blessings of your loved ones, your larger-than-life story will finally be captured and shared albeit posthumously. You were an iconoclast with a colourful, inspiring and most of all, original life – one too extraordinary not to be told and taught.

Until we meet again, Walt. Hopefully I’ll build up the gall by then.

Your student always,

Art