By James Wells

SYDNEY: The small electrical appliance industry is mourning the loss of veteran sales manager, Mike Delauney, who passed away on Sunday evening.

On Saturday afternoon, Delauney suffered a stroke mid-air on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney. He suffered a second stroke on Sunday morning and died later that evening at 8.50pm.

After a career in the music industry, Delauney began working in appliances with Goldstar and then Kambrook in the early 1990s, as state sales manager in Sydney.

In 1994, Delauney moved to Melbourne to take up the position as national sales and marketing manager with Kambrook and in 1996 became general manager – sales and marketing.

When Breville acquired Kambrook in 1999, Delauney joined Breville as general manager of the Kambrook business.

In early 2005, Delauney relocated to Sydney to head up HWI Electrical Sales, as well as leading the company’s export sales business.

Less than one month ago, Delauney left HWI Electrical to become the CEO of IXL.

IXL Appliances financial controller, Richard Drury, informed staff of Delauney’s passing this morning.

"All at IXL were shocked and saddened by his passing," said IXL Appliances general manager – sales and marketing, Malcolm Owens.

A statement released by Housewares International CEO Joe Hersch celebrated the life of a hard working executive.

“Mike was instrumental in rebuilding the Kambrook business, which has grown from strength to strength. When Housewares International acquired Breville, Mike led a team that successfully integrated Ronson into the Kambrook business," Hersch said.

“Mike was highly regarded in the industry and built lasting friendships with retailers, suppliers and export customers around the world.

"Whilst he will be remembered as a ‘man’s man’, he was a committed family man, who glowed with pride when he spoke of his family. Mike will be sadly missed by all,” Hersch said.

“He was the eighth wonder of the world. People just loved him and he lived helping people and never wanted anything in return. He was unique,” said long time friend and Bissell Australia business development manager, Jeff Gardner.

According to another of Delauney’s close friends, Retravision New South Wales CEO, Darrel Jones, there will be a memorial service in Sydney at 10.00am on Thursday at St Marys Cathedral followed by a wake at Souths Juniors in Kingsford.

A funeral will be held on Monday 19 June in Melbourne.