Tuesday, 17 May 2022
Messages of admiration and sympathy are flowing in reaction to the sudden death of Mario Biasin, Founder and CEO of Metricon Homes.
Biasin died unexpectedly yesterday, aged 71. It is understood he was experiencing mental health issues.
Acting Metricon CEO Peter Langfelder, thanked the industry and wider community for the outpouring of support and messages of sympathy and has asked that the Biasin family’s privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time, “We are committed to continuing to run the Metricon business as usual during this sad time.”
“We are very much appreciative of the kind messages of support from our business partners, suppliers, trades, contractors, government agencies and finance partners,” Langfelder said.
Newland Developers Director, Gideon Kline, whose father was the late George Kline, co-founded Metricon with Mario, said that all who knew Mario were mourning the sudden loss of one of the industry’s most passionate and committed leaders.
“The Kline family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mario Biasin. Mario and my father, the late George Kline, worked together for over four decades, since founding Metricon in 1976 until 2017.
“Mario was a deeply passionate and committed individual and his passing is a tragic loss for all those that knew him. Our entire family expresses our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Biasin family - Glenda, Jason, Michelle, Brad, Brent and their extended families,” Kline said.
Master Builders Victoria (MBV) CEO Rebecca Casson also paid tribute, “Metricon has been a valued member of MBV for the past 29 years. Mario was a good friend of MBV and an exceptionally strong advocate for our industry.
“During the pandemic, Metricon was a lead supporter in MBV’s COVID-19 advocacy campaigns to ensure the Victorian building and construction industry remained safe and open for businesses, safeguarding hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“Mario’s passing leaves an enormous void in our industry, and he will be greatly missed by Master Builders Victoria,” Casson said.
Housing Industry Association Managing Director Graham Wolfe said that Mario was a genuine gentleman.
“Mario was a longstanding friend of the HIA family, always keen to debate critical industry issues. Always there to share the vast wealth of knowledge and expertise he amassed during his challenging, yet very successful career. Always there to offer support and counsel to those of us he touched.
Mario’s commitment and contribution to the residential building industry will always be treasured,” Wolfe said.
Peter Orchard CEO of not-for-profit cancer charity wrote, “Canteen is deeply saddened by the passing of a champion in the lives of young people living with cancer and their families.
“Mario Biasin’s support for Canteen through Metricon, has seen us change the lives of thousands of families grappling with the shocking impact when a family member has been diagnosed with cancer.
Our hearts are with Mario’s family and the staff at Metricon and Melbourne Victory”.
Mario was a passionate football fan and was heavily involved with both soccer and AFL.
Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro said everyone at the Club is shocked, heartbroken and devastated upon hearing the news.
“Mario was a shareholder and Director of the Club for over 16 years and has been an inspiration for all of us, in many ways, through his passion and dedication to football and family,” Di Pietro said.
“He was a great personal friend and has always provided sage counsel, giving his time to our staff, management and the Board and his football legacy will live on forever through us and Melbourne Victory.
“Mario will be missed by all who knew him and our thoughts are with his wife Glenda and the entire Biasin family at this difficult time.”
The Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans offered condolences and support from the entire football club. Mario and the team at Metricon Homes joined the SUNS ahead of the club’s inaugural season and have continued to support the club and the development of junior and community football across the Gold Coast for more than ten years.
“Mario was a wonderful person, talented businessman and great supporter of sport in Australia. He instilled his family’s values into Metricon Homes and engendered loyalty and respect from his many staff, business associates and partners.
“Mario and the Metricon team have supported the SUNS since our inception and now it’s our turn to support Metricon and the Biasin family as they navigate through these unfortunate and trying circumstances,” Evan said.
Essendon President Paul Brasher paid tribute to Biasin and his contribution to the Essendon Football Club over many years.
“We have many great supporters at the Essendon Football Club. There has never been one more positive, generous or selfless in support for the club and the people in it. Everybody at Essendon loved Mario and we send our deepest condolences to Glenda, Jason, Michelle, Bradley and Brent,” Brasher said.
Chief Executive Officer at Essendon Xavier Campbell said Biasin would be sorely missed.
“Mario was a gentleman and a pleasure to be around. On more occasions than I can remember, Mario was a confidant to myself and many others at Essendon,” Campbell said.
“He only ever cared about what was right for, and in the best interests of, the Essendon Football Club. Mario will forever hold a special place in the heart of the Essendon Football Club," Campbell concluded.
Essendon players will wear black armbands in Saturday’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash against Richmond in honour of Biasin.
Further details of funeral and memorial services will be released soon.
