IN MEMORIAM Tributes to valued members
Lost at different points on MRNSW journey Crowdy Harrington grieves inspiring commander, proud new radio operator.
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arine Rescue Crowdy Harrington has sadly lost two members at different waypoints on their MRNSW journey in recent weeks. Unit Commander Leon Elelman lost his long battle with ill health in early April and Mike Hyland, who qualified as a radio operator at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from surgery. Leon was the embodiment of all things Marine Rescue. He served as a Radio Operator, Deputy Unit Commander and Membership Officer before taking on the role of Unit Commander last December. Leon loved Marine Rescue,
especially the Crowdy Harrington unit, was a long-standing member of Rotary and was a well respected member of our community. A thorough gentleman with a quirky sense of humour, his biggest disappointment right till the end was that he couldn’t get into the base to do his radio shift. He was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed. Mike was another gentleman and although being a relative newcomer, he quickly became involved in all aspects of our base operations and fundraising during his year with us. He was to serve as the returning officer for this year’s unit elections. Mike was one of the unit’s new
Leon Elelman
Mike Hyland
radio operators to qualify at the start of the lockdown period and excelled on the air. His first shift proved to be one of the busiest ever, looking after both MR Camden Haven and our base.
He was beaming after his first shift and so proud of his achievement, as were we all. Unfortunately, he passed away just two weeks later after surgery. Cheryl Rowe
Base affectionately known as Ron’s Building
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Former MR Sussex Inlet Unit Commander, Ron Ford.
embers of MR Sussex Inlet fondly remember the significant and understated contribution made by Ron Ford. Ron joined the Royal Merchant Navy in 1957 and on one of his many voyages to Australia met Dell, whom he married in the UK. In 1972, the couple and their two sons migrated to Australia to start their new life. Ron started his community service with the Lions Club and joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal
Patrol in 1997. Starting as a radio operator, he next qualified as a rescue vessel skipper. Ron served as Division Commander of the Sussex Inlet RVCP before being recruited as Senior Regional Officer Captain South for the area covering Kioloa, Ulladulla, Sussex Inlet and Jervis Bay. Among his other achievements, Ron will be particularly remembered for his tireless work to secure funding for the unit’s new base and
his contribution to the building’s design and construction. Indeed, it is colloquially known to members as Ron’s Building. Soon after the transition to MRNSW, Ron served as the MR Sussex Inlet Unit Commander and continued his duties as a radio operator until his health prevented him from continuing. Ron remained a welcome visitor at the base, always showing an interest in unit activities. Les Pataky
Better communications thanks to former UC
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Terry Watson
ormer MR Shoalhaven Unit Commander Terry Watson passed away on April 28 after a lengthy illness. Terry had been a long-standing member, joining the then Volunteer Rescue Association in 2006. Terry served as MR Shoalhaven Unit Commander from February 2016 to June 2017 and held several
other key positions, including Deputy Unit Commander and Stores Officer. A dedicated radio operator and watchkeeper, Terry not only performed his rostered shifts at the Pilot House but also filled in whenever needed. He was responsible for securing a Veolia-Mulwaree Trust grant for a new radio aerial to be installed
at Point Perpendicular to improve communications for the MR Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay and Port Kembla radio bases and eliminate black spots in reception. Terry was much admired by the unit membership, whose condolences are extended to his wife and fellow MR Shoalhaven member, Helen. SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW
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