Quiet achiever who loved the Port Phillip John Elshaw Police officer Born: Sheffield, England on April 19, 1959 Died: Magill, South Australia on July 28, 2003

The death of Senior Constable Phil Elshaw, at the age of just 44, left his closest colleagues in deep shock last July. The Port Adelaide traffic planning officer, who had for some time suffered high blood pressure, died of a massive heart attack at home in his sleep. He left behind his wife, Pauline, 47, and her daughter, Kimberly, 10.

Snr Const Elshaw’s family, friends and colleagues paid their final respects to him in an emotional service at Darroch House, Felixstow, on August 4. Among the congregation were his brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Elaine, both Britons, who had flown out from England.

Port Adelaide Traffic boss, Senior Sergeant Ian Buckley, spoke during the service of a quiet, sincere man, whom each mourner would always remember.

“People warmed to Phil,” he said afterward. “He was a quiet achiever, unflustered and loved a bit of humour.”

Snr Sgt Buckley recalled a bet he once took with Snr Const Elshaw about whether a particular colleague had ever served as a “speedie”. Snr Const Elshaw insisted the colleague had done exactly that. And he was right. Snr Sgt Buckley had to pay up with a carton of premium beer.

“The smile on his face when I handed it over made it worthwhile,” said Snr Sgt Buckley.

“He loved a practical joke as well, (after which) he’d suddenly appear around the corner with a smile on his face. We’ll miss his smile.

“And to have someone fill his shoes is going to be difficult. I regarded his expertise as very high.”

Snr Const Elshaw emigrated from England as a boy. He joined SAPOL as a 17-year-old in 1977 and, during his 26 years’ service, worked mainly in traffic-related fields.

But, through stints with the Emergency and Major Events Section and the Olympic Planning Group in 2000, he developed skills – and a liking – for work as a planner.

In late 2000, he returned to Port Adelaide Traffic, for which he established a planning and intelligence facility. From this Elshaw model, other traffic sections went on to set up their own such facilities.

One of the moments he most enjoyed in policing came on the day he met Pope John Paul II during his 1986 tour of Australia. He treasured a photograph which showed the two shaking hands.

Snr Const Elshaw’s family and colleagues say he simply loved “being a police officer” and never considered other career options. He also held a strong affection for Port Adelaide, and was never tempted to transfer closer to his Magill home.

Away from police work, he had been a wine lover, keen vegetable gardener and cook. He also loved classic cars and took great pride in his own BMW.

For some time, he had cared for his mother, who suffered ill-health.

Snr Const Elshaw was buried at the Enfield Memorial Park cemetery.

– Brett Williams