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President's Message

Malcolm Horton
member photo
 

(Statement issued to all members on Saturday, 27 August, 2022 by President Malcolm,)

 
 
Donald Reid
1932 - 2022
 
It is with great sadness that I inform you all that Don Reid passed away late Friday evening.
 
Our deepest condolences go to Donna, son Mark, daughter Kerry and the rest of his extended family and network of close friends
 
As you are all aware, Don was a long term Rotary member of 41 years.  He joined on 1 Jun 1981 and celebrated his 90th birthday on 8 Aug 2022.
 
We all have enjoyed Don and Donna's stories and adventurous lives along with their friendly nature and friendship throughout the years.
 
The Club will respond directly to Donna and the family on behalf of all members in a couple of days, respecting the family's privacy.
 

Remembering Rotarian Don Reid

 
 
Just recently, Don was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by PDG Tim Klar in recognition of his decades long contribution to the Rotary Club of Stirling.
 
 
 
Members will long remember Don who was their ever present welcoming meeter, greeter and money taker at club meetings. He also did his share, along with Donna, preforming a similar role every year at the Sculpture Exhibition.
 
It was only in the past few weeks that Don was forced to relinquish his role at the door due to ill health.
 
 
Don's other passion, apart from Donna and the family, was his support for the Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park in which he played a pivotal administrative, and hands on, role.
 
 
It was always interesting to hear from members about their life stories.  Don kept us captivated and entertained with his anecdotes about his time as a geologist in some of the most remote parts of the country, working on mapping and planning significant conservation, mining and railway projects.

 
 
The club rallied around Don and Donna when their beloved home was lost in the devastating Scott Creek bushfire in January, 2020. They lost everything in the home and Donna's studio, including a lifetime accumulation of tools and artworks in progress. Both suffered greatly from the loss but were in the process of rebuilding their lives when ill health befell them both,
 
 
For many years, Donna was an active supporter and exhibitor in the annual Sculpture Exhibition.  It became quickly apparent from the beginning, that Donna was held in very high esteem within the arts community and that the fact she was exhibiting, led others to sign up for the first time.  
 
Although Donna could not contribute any new sculptures to this year's exhibition, she was honoured by the club with a special tribute during the exhibition.
 
 
Don, front row left, with the yellow hat, was always ready to help out, or in this case, to wear a silly hat  in support of Hat Day to raise awareness for mental health 
 
 
Our thoughts now turn to Donna, Mark and Kerry (who also is facing a health challenge).  
 
Don did not want a traditional funeral.  In a style he would approve of, the family will organise a party when Mark can return from his home in Nebraska to remember him and celebrate his life. 
 
Rest in Peace, Don.
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
Club Meeting (Peter Fryer) - Partners
Stirling Hotel
Aug 29, 2022
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
Club Meeting (Mike Bossley)
Stirling Hotel
Sep 12, 2022
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
View entire list

The Four Way Test
Of all the things we think, say and do
 
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 
Please support the Friends of Rotary the way they support us!