Surf Life Saving NSW is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Bate Bay stalwart and State Life Member Edwin “Ted” Brooker OAM.
The 89-year-old Elouera and former North Cronulla club member passed away late last month after a battle with illness.
Edwin, known to all and sundry as Ted, began his journey in Surf Life Saving when he obtained his Bronze Medallion at North Cronulla in the 1949/50 season.
This simple action kick-started an involvement and passion for the movement that would last for almost 70 years.
At North Cronulla SLSC he would serve in many positions including as Patrol Captain, coach of the March Past team, Media Officer and Vice President to name just a few.
He was always available to help and had a love for all aspects of Surf Life Saving.
In fact, March Past would continue to be a passion of his throughout his years at club level.
At the dawn of the 1980s, Brooker would make the shift to Elouera SLSC.
In a long contribution at the club he would at various stages serve on numerous committees, was the Senior Vice President, masters competitor on the beach and coached both the March Past and R&R team.
Ted would also work diligently as the club fund raising officer, honed his photography skills and also became the Elouera SLSC historian.
For his efforts, he would be named a Life Member of the club in 1999.
At Branch level, he was a carnival official for over 50 years, served as a Sydney team manager, and worked on both the surf sports board and Life Membership committee at various times.
He would go on two acquire two more Life Memberships for his CV, being named a Sydney Life Member in the 1998 season and for Surf Life Saving NSW in 2005.
At an Australian level he officiated for over 13 years was a member of the march past panel and helped with public relations and drumming up media attention at various times.
For his sustained efforts, he was awarded the SLSA President’s Medal in 2007, and three summers later would receive his 60 years of service certificate.
While not one to strive for recognition, his dedication to the movement has been recognised over the years.
He was the NSW Senior Citizen of the Year twice, a recipient of the Australian Sports Medal, and in 2000 was honoured by being chosen to carry the Sydney Olympic Torch during the Relay.
In 2006 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to lifesaving.
Surf Life Saving NSW wishes to express its condolences and sympathies to Ted’s wife Fay, family, and many friends.
The life of Edwin “Ted” Brooker OAM was lived in the vicinity of the ocean and it captivated him from a young age, never relinquishing its grip.
His was a life was well lived.
Vale
A funeral service for the late Ted Brooker OAM will be held at South Chapel – Woronora on Monday 8 October 2018 at 12pm. Following the service, all are welcome to attend the Elouera Surf Club's Washington Lounge for refreshments and afternoon tea.
Friday 5 October 2018