VALE DON ERREY

Not only was Don generous in his support of local organisations but his contributions to Rotary projects both local and international were considerable but without fanfare.

Don was a member for 52 years and served with distinction as President in 1983/84 and again in 1991/92. Receiving the Four avenues citation in 2011, and a proud but quiet member of the Paul Harris Society.

Don has been the backbone of the Rotary Club of Portland, assisting with many projects, preferring to be a "behind the scenes" member in later years, but still assisting on the Food van with serving, and preparing for many events, as well as meeting preparation where he maintained and enjoyed a high level of participation and conversation.

Many local projects were completed with his expertise including: the Fawthrop Lagoon Bridges; the Anderson Point Steps; construction of student work benches at Portland Secondary College: provision, installation and storage of the Art Show display equipment and fitting out of the Rotary storage facility, to name but a few..

A great adventure for Don was assisting in the construction of buildings for a girls’ college in Papua New Guinea.

Working Bees invariably saw Don involved, working in the Catering Van, slashing weeds on the Great South West Walk, setting up and dismantling the Art Show, virtually any such event included Don. No job was too big or too small.

During COVID Don sparked enthusiasm in the club with a virtual walk on his treadmill from Portland to Millgate in Queensland of over 2200kms, raising money for Polio eradication.

We will miss Don’s companionship, honesty, humbleness, energy, generosity and his considered advice.

A life well lived and generously shared.

 

Memories from members and visitors present:

• Bob - first met Don as a 15 year old, joined the Portland surf club at Narrawong, and worked on a Mt Gambier stone shed, where Don threw orders around quite well, worked together on Dons first and second home and on the Woolies buildings, always very fair. Really going to miss him and really enjoyed his terms as president.
• Murph - Don was in his second presidency when I joined, a great worker, contributed well and liked to be in charge - Im sure! A couple of tussels over art show stuff but very focused in his work and taking rails down caused a rail to fall awkwardly - not on purpose! Very involved in the shed at Yarraman park and almost completely built the dust free area himself - we helped with the shelves only because he couldn't reach both ends! 
• Bob - met Don in the early 60s and he really helped Merle and I to set up business and get us on our feet. Many might not know that his father Rob, and Don picked up stones and rolled them. Very generous with workers to help them on their feet with free rent while they were working. Relationship of trust which needed to be earned. Went on holidays to Perth on a Goldwing - what did you see "Not much - when I got there I turned around and came home"
• Terry - I remember the carpet staples that caused many injuries in the set up until the new design came  up. Don took pride in the small things - digging a trench and in that trench were the some of the towns most highly paid workers - all digging in the mud for Don - he was quite chuffed with that. He will be missed.
• Tony - In the club for 3-4 years and took up the role as community service director - the Australia Day breakfast which was a key event - went off really well and at the end Don and I were at the back of the trailer and he said - "You know- I didnt think you could do this" 
• Dayle - Mid 70s organising some roofing iron and being an office person I needed a bit of instruction about stacking the corrugated tin - which was good. We also  needed some toiletry gear - and in the corner was this old dusty toilet and when I said "How much" Don replied - "Well you know the prices have gone up!" Don was always very honest and sometimes that was a bit hard to take. Don was an asset to the whole town.
• Dawn - when I first came to town in the 70s - Don came to see me and said "well I suppose I'm supposed to welcome you to the town - but I'm not sure how you are going to go being and woman and young" In the end it went quite well and Don was very supportive of the group even donating to help the group continue.
• John - Don was a great contributor to the bowling club and enjoyed the Friday social evenings there - wining hte raffle most nights. Back in the day when the club was only the main building, Don built the outside verandah by himself.
• Peter - I met Don around 40 years ago as a Rotaracter - he did a lot behind the scenes and the cable tram is a great example - working for months building and funding the design - all very low key. Once when he sold a farm to a young family who had been leasing it for a while and were having a real go at it but was concerned they couldnt afford it - Don said "Yes you can!"

                      

We extend our sincere condolences to Barbara and the Errey Family on Don’s passing.

 

We shared the evening with President of Rotary Club of Portland Bay Merle Menzel, Past member and Past president - Dawn Baudinette, Naomi Pye, and Friend of Rotary Ron Millard.

 

Amelie Steenson said goodbye tonight as she is leaving Portland for a trip around Australia before heading to Singapore on her way home to Germany in July. we wish her well and look forward to the updates.

• We have had a request for assistance at the Victorian Junior Motor Cross championships being held in Heywood 18th and 19th February. Marshallers on corners required from 8am to 3pm on February 18th and 19th.
• Eldo has reminded that we are obligated to a show and shine event on 18th February but if anyone is available at all on Sunday, please advise Eldo. Helpers will be fed and watered! 'Even one extra person would be helpful' (Michael Golby)