Jill and Roger Guard died when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down ... - Courier Mail

A vigil has been held in Melbourne to remember the AIDS conference delegates killed in the MH17 tragedy.

Jill and Roger Guard died when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. Source: News Corp Australia

AN old pair of running shoes, medals and toy dinosaurs were on display yesterday as dozens of workmates gathered at Toowoomba Hospital to remember MH17 victims Dr Roger Guard and his wife Jill.

In a promise to comfort each other and remember the Toowoomba couple, current and retired staff gathered at the hospital grounds to pay tribute to the pathologist and his wife.

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The Guards had been returning from a whirlwind overseas adventure when their plane was shot down above Ukraine, with all of the 298 passengers and crew killed.

Family friend of 13 years, David Stranger, said the memorial was to pay tribute to the couple who had given so much to the city.

“Today is about remembering what a great man he was, what a full life that he lived ... and remember what it was like to work with a great man,” he said.

He said Dr Guard was a keen marathon runner, often running barefoot and covering 100kms on the weekend.

“He loved his overseas trips, he was a man that thrived on adventure and thrived on knowledge.”

Mr Stranger said his friend was also an avid collector of snakes, plastic dinosaurs and National Geographic magazines.

“He loved all things nature,” he said.

A collection of Dr Guard’s possessions were placed on a shrine, with Mr Stranger saying it was hoped a permanent memorial could be constructed for the dedicated pathologist.

Friends listened to an opening prayer at the private memorial service yesterday afternoon, which said the events seemed “unreal yet too real”.

“The downing of MH17 is not an accident but an evil crime performed by man,” the opening prayer read.

Those at the memorial also promised to comfort each other and honour their cherished memories of Dr Guard and his wife.

The memorial for Dr Roger Guard at Toowoomba Hospital. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia