A PERTH family is in shock after the sudden loss of their father to dengue fever and malaria in Indonesia.

Darwin Vidal, a 56-year-old underground miner, had been working in West Africa and living in Bandung, West Java, with his wife and two young daughters when he became sick with the mosquito-borne infections. His condition deteriorated rapidly and within days the fly-in, fly-out worker fell into shock. He suffered a stroke and sepsis, which caused his organs to fail, and died on November 3.

His adult daughters from Perth, Clarita and Alexandra Vidal, flew to Indonesia to be by their father’s side, but did not make it in time.

“We had literally just landed in Bali and got the news (that he had passed),” Clarita said.

The sisters were thankful they were able to tell their father they loved him in a video call the day before he died.

Camera Icon Darwin Vidal with his family: from left daughter Alexandra Vidal, grandson Noah Hart, daughter Clarita Vidal, wife Irma Vidal and younger daughters Nidia and Aurel Vidal. Credit: Supplied

The family have flown his body back to Australia, but have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for transport costs, the funeral and ongoing family expenses.

Clarita said her father was a hard-working, generous man with a love of life who always put his family first. The grandfather of one was a “free spirit” with a “heart of gold” and a wonderful sense of humour, and known for his family barbecues, she said.

But she said her father had always thought he was invincible and his case was a tragic reminder for people to be vigilant about insurance, medication and vaccinations when travelling overseas.

“Just be aware to love your parents and love everyone, even if you’re busy and can’t be bothered,” Clarita said. “Just make that extra effort, that’s the one big thing we’ve learnt.”

Mr Vidal and his young family had been planning to move back to Australia after spending some time with his wife’s sick parents.

To donate, go to gofundme.com/darwin-vidal039s-send-off