Eileen Bond death: Perth businessman John Hughes pays tribute to his beloved cousin

Perth businessman John Hughes has described his late cousin Eileen Hughes as an “icon” who was deeply loyal and possessed an irrepressible zest for life.

Mr Hughes said he and Ms Bond’s family were shocked by her sudden passing, and he would miss her joyful and positive nature.

“She was so irrepressibly outgoing and joyful and enjoyed life so much, (her death) has come too early,” he said.

“I’m a stoic, I don’t let a lot of things affect me very much but I’ve got to say, her passing has affected me personally, much more than I thought it would . . . she was a very special lady.”

Mr Hughes said Ms Bond was “deeply involved” with her family and her absence would be felt keenly by those who loved her.

“She was obsessed with the children . . . she was always so loyal to her family,” he said.

That unwavering loyalty extended to her ex husband Alan Bond throughout his colourful life, Mr Hughes said.

“She stuck with Alan through thick and thin for many years,” he said.

“She had an outstanding personality and in her own way she was an icon for who she was and what she represented. It didn’t matter how many popes or presidents or kings or queens she may have met through the years in connection with Alan, she never forgot where she came from.

“She never forgot her humble roots in Fremantle and I admire her for that.”