Di's Dialogue #58
My heart is full of sadness as I write today. The loss of Past District Governor, Past Club President and Treasurer, and fellow Rotarian, Bryon Puddy, has caused much sorrow and I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and their partners and to his much-loved grandchildren, who called him ‘Pop’.
I would like to thank Rotarians Diane Wilkinson, Ross Maxfield and Roger Taylor for ensuring Moe Rotarians were personally contacted and informed about the death of Bryon. A difficult task particularly as his passing was unexpected.
Thanks also to Bryce Eishold for posting information on our Facebook page. The tributes have come from far and wide and reflect how committed Bryon was to his community and the esteem in which he was held.
I first met Bryon at a Moe Changeover meeting when I was President of the Rotary Club of Trafalgar. He greeted me warmly and said, ‘Welcome to the Rotary Club of Moe’ and shook my hand. I was impressed. He then tried to coax me into joining the club! We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, and I had a great night.
Bryon was a wonderful Rotarian. He promoted Rotary at any opportunity and was dedicated to the ideals of Rotary. He exemplified ‘Service Above Self’. It is highly appropriate that Bryon’s coffin is to be draped with the Rotary flag.
That cheeky smile; that serious look. He listened carefully to concerns and would say, ‘If you don’t mind me saying, I think…’ His thoughts, advice and suggestions were always carefully considered and conveyed in a most respectful manner.
A wonderful mentor, leader, and friend who we will all miss terribly.
Thank you to Secretary Maureen for keeping Moe Rotarians informed regarding funeral arrangements. PP David Power has been asked to speak at the funeral. As a club, we will hold an informal ‘wake’ in the Moe Botanic Gardens on Tuesday afternoon, from 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
I have received calls expressing sympathy from DG Bill Degnan, PDG Adrian Froggatt, PDG Don Ripper and AG Tim Wills. Some of you may be aware that Bryon inducted Adrian Froggatt.
We will hold our Club Assembly online over Zoom on Monday night, beginning at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. I will organise a Zoom link so please check your emails. As usual, Chairs will present reports, together with myself and Secretary Maureen.
It will be a night of reflection and a time to share our memories of Bryon. The meeting will finish at 7.45pm.
Stay safe everyone and lastly, welcome back Robin!
President Di
