In 2026, the fish passage community lost Garry Thorncraft — a colleague, mentor, friend and quietly influential practitioner whose work helped shape modern fish passage in Australia and the Mekong. From his early career with NSW Fisheries, Garry contributed to the freshwater research and fish passage foundations that helped shift practice towards designs based on the needs of native fish. His influence later extended through Queensland and, most profoundly, to the Lower Mekong, where he spent decades applying fish passage science in ways that put people first — supporting fisheries, food security and river-dependent livelihoods. For Garry, fish passage was never only about structures, hydraulics or monitoring data. It was about reconnecting rivers so fish could move, fisheries could persist, and communities could benefit. He wanted his work in the Mekong to be remembered for improving people’s lives. This presentation celebrates Garry’s lasting legacy: practical science, generosity, field wisdom, and a deep commitment to making rivers work better for fish and people.