COLLIE people who grew up in the 70s will have memories of learning to swim in the 50-metre pool ruled over by Tony Salvemini.
Tony passed away peacefully at Fiona Stanley Hospital on August 30 surrounded by his family, and his funeral was held in Perth yesterday.
Tony Salvemini took over as manager of the pool in 1972, and ran a very tight ship.
Anyone acting up was immediately branded a larrikin and banned.
Running the pool was a family affair, with Tony’s wife, Alba, and his mother-in-law, Mrs Giannasi, running the kiosk.
Many swimming events and carnivals were held, and the Collie Swimming Club made it their home.
Tony was heavily involved with the Royal Life Saving Association, and was honoured by the association in 1977.
He remained in the manager’s position until Alba became terminally ill, and the whole family moved to Fremantle for her treatment and to be close to Tony’s family.
Alba passed away in 1979.
Born at Bundi Kudja maternity hospital in Fremantle on December 6, 1937, Tony was the eldest son of Cosimo and Martha Salvemini, a hard-working and prominent fishing family.
He had two younger sisters, Celia and Rina.
He attended Christian Brothers College in Fremantle, but left school early to work with his father.
He found that he did not like this field of work, and secured a mechanic’s apprenticeship with Station Motors in Collie. He moved to Collie, obtaining accommodation with the Giannisi family at their general store in Atkinson Street (now the Amaroo Deli).
As well as working his day job, Tony helped out at the store. He made quite an impression on the daughter of the house, Alba, and in October, 1956, they were married at St Brigid’s Church.
In 1960, Tony and Alba had a daughter, Marina, with son Conlie born 10 years later.
Tony was a member of Apex, and he and Alba were both heavily involved with the Collie Golf Club.
Tony also had a brief moment in the spotlight when he appeared in an all-male performance of Swan Lake, choreographed by Pat Garofano.
In 1971, the Giannasi store was sold, and the following year, Tony took on the position of  swimming pool manager.
Tony and Alba had many wonderful friends, and made beautiful memories in Collie before their move to Perth.