Members of the insurance community are mourning the deaths of three well-known professionals.

Melbourne broker Ron Tatarka, the founder and MD of Scott Winton Insurance Brokers, died last week at the age of 58.

Mr Tatarka, who was profiled in a recent issue of Insurance News (the magazine), was a leader of the city’s Jewish Chabad movement. His funeral was held yesterday. 

He is survived by his wife Sarale and children Avi, Leah, Shmuly, Eli, Chaya and Dina.

Underwriting agency specialist Sura is mourning the death last week of Professional Risks National Underwriting Manager Paul Girard.

MD Angie Zissis described Mr Girard as “an absolute gentleman and all-round terrific person”.

“His career and devotion to the insurance industry spanned four decades, with the last five years at Sura Professional Risks as a director, significant shareholder and National Underwriting Manager.”

Mr Girard’s funeral will be held tomorrow at the Ann Wilson Chapel in Mona Vale at 10am.

And veteran Perth broker John Deykin died on December 28 at the age of 84.

Mr Deykin was an active member of the Perth broking community over many years. A familiar figure at Steadfast and National Insurance Brokers Association conferences, he owned Parkside Insurance Brokers, which became part of the SFG Australia Group in October.

A former lieutenant colonel commanding the legendary 10th Light Horse Regiment based in Perth, he is survived by his son Richard.