The Rotary Club of Port Fairy is saddened to advise of the recent passing of past Rotarian, Derek Southey.  Derek, for many years, was an energetic servant of the Club, particularly in his roles of Treasurer and historian.  Derek finally succumbed to his fight with cancer over recent years, passing away at home on 29th July 2014.

 

Derek, along with wife Robin, were members of the Rotary Club in Port Fairy for a number of years since joining in December 2007.  Both served the Club with distinction as Treasurer and Secretary respectively.  Derek had a number of years as Treasurer - a job he did with quiet efficiency, religiously taking meal orders at our Dinner meetings. Although he formally resigned from the Club two years ago, he was still an honorary member up to his passing.

Despite his valuable role as Treasurer, it was in his role as Club Historian and Archivist that he left his most enduring legacy.  In 2011 he was the driving force behind compilation of the Rotary Club of Port Fairy's 50th Anniversary Magazine that was launched at the Club's 50th Anniversary Dinner held on 28th March 2011.  Not only did Derek do the bulk of the work in compiling this historic record he also carried out extensive research on the Club's records, sorting and separating hundreds of documents into folders to aid the recovery of archival materials.

However, it will be Derek's quiet, witty manner for which he will be remembered fondly.  He was indeed one of life's true gentlemen.  He was also a talented sportsman excelling as an opening batsman at District Cricket Club level with South Melbourne in his youth and a high achiever on the golf course.  However, such was his nature, he never talked much about his sporting feats.  

Derek is survived by his wife Robin who has the support of other family members in nearby Warrnambool.  Club records show that they were married in April 1964 which means they recently marked their 50th anniversary together.

I am sure all members of the Rotary Club and other Rotarians in the District, who knew Derek will hold their own, warm memories of Derek who will be very much missed by his family and close friends. 

Below are a few photos of Derek  - an active Rotarian at many of our working bees and community activities.

Derek (left) with Marg Broers and Denise Harman - Murray-to-Moyne 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derek (left) with Marg Broers and Denise Harman at Murray-to-Moyne BBQ in 2012 

Derek Southey (left) at tree planting working bee

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Derek (left) at a tree planting working bee in 2011