Lex Mrocki took this photo of Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner at the Yeshivah Centre in December 1993. Photo: AJN files
DALIA SABLE AND PETER HASKIN
THE AJN’s first staff photographer, Lex Mrocki, died last week following a short illness. He was 45.
Mrocki began working at The AJN in 1988, following the merger of the Sydney Australian Jewish Times and Melbourne’s Australian Jewish News.
He left 12 years later, but continued to provide his photos for publication in the paper up until his death.
Sam Lipski, AJN editor-in-chief when Mrocki was appointed, recalled the photographer as a cheery, courteous and committed colleague who worked above and beyond the call of duty.
“He put his body and soul into the paper. It was something he loved and it showed,” Lispki said. “People wouldn’t start an event if Lex wasn’t there to document it.”
Mrocki was responsible for the creation of the much-loved “Been and Seen” pages.
Friend and fellow photographer Emmanuel Santos, who delivered the eulogy at the funeral service at Melbourne Chevra Kadisha Cemetery in Springvale on October 13, told The AJN that Mrocki played an integral role among the photographic community.
“He recorded so many cherished events in our lives and was always the first to sing our praises with so much pride and joy. In Lex Mrocki’s passing, we have lost a good light, a highly illuminating light.”
Mrocki is survived by his parents, sister and brother.
Away on the North American continent, we enjoyed Lex’s presence on The Young Turks community. He was very welcoming and enjoyed debating. I thoroughly enjoyed his company. He will be sorely missed at The Young Turks chat board.
Best wishes to Lex’s family.
So sad. I remember him as he went out with a friend in 1987 whom I flatted with and I had hoped they would end up an ‘item’. He was a really sweet, intelligent young man. His family should be comforted with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Av simchas
I just heard this today. I am crushed. Lex was well loved, even in a community half way around the world where he touched many lives. He will be missed!
Lex’s US friend from TYT - cruzi
Very sad news - Lex was an absolute institution at the AJN in the 1990s. A kind and sensitive colleague. Condolences to his family and friends.