In memoriam: Menno Henneveld

It is with the most profound sadness that we observe that Menno Henneveld, Chair of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Western Australia, passed away suddenly on Sunday 6 June after recent illnesses.

His was a storied career, including as Commissioner of Main Roads for a decade, prior to that a General Manager of the Water Corporation for a decade and more recently as Chair of the Energy and Water Ombudsman. The recognition of his peers was numerous and of the highest order, awarded the inaugural Dr Ken Michael Gold Medal for outstanding service and commitment to Public Works Engineering in WA, WA Professional Engineer of the Year and National Professional Engineer of the Year for 2012 by Engineers Australia and Engineers Australia rating as being amongst the top 100 most influential Engineers in Australia on three consecutive occasions.

Menno was possessed of a very great intellect and brought curiosity and deep thoughtfulness to the Energy and Water Ombudsman. He had an abiding interest and commitment in the Energy and Water Ombudsman’s success in providing access to justice to Western Australians, particularly vulnerable Western Australians. He was a person of great humility, pastoral care and interest in those around him. He was also a person of the most unquestioned integrity. Menno was the truest concept of a person who dedicated his life to serving the public.  

Menno was deeply devoted to his family and had a beloved relationship with his wife of more than 50 years, Monika.

Although he has been taken from us far, far too early, his was a life exceptionally well-lived.

Our deepest condolences, and thoughts, are with his family at this time.