It is with much sadness we advise SLSA and SLSNSW Life Member, Gordon McNaughton OAM, passed away on Sunday 21 October at the age of 93.
Gordon ‘Mac’ McNaughton passed away in Ballina on Sunday afternoon after complications from ‘Recurrent Metastatic disease’.
Following his service in the Air Force in WW11, he returned home to join Evans Heads-Casino SLSC. Mac achieved his Bronze Medallion in February 1947 at Evans Head and retained his membership.
During the Casino floods of 1954, he performed valiant rescue work and was awarded the Royal Humane Medal for his efforts.
Well-known to thousands, he was both a mentor and good mate. His knowledge and experience were sought out regularly by members far and wide. He loved Surf Life Saving, particularly the service side of patrolling. Mac served on countless panels and committees at all levels of the movement throughout his life and was recognised with an OAM in 1997 for service to Surf Life Saving.
Mac is a Life Member of Evans Head-Casino SLSC, Far North Coast Branch, Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia and has a citation of Merit from ILS.
Following retirement, he and his wife Joan moved to Lennox Head where he was also a club member. Prior to retirement, whilst living in French’s Forest, he was a member of Dee Why SLSC.
Since 1993, Mac became heavily involved with officials education and welfare. During that time, he was a key figure in setting up and promoting the benefits of practical education for sports officials and coach’s accreditation system. In 2009 he stepped down as Officials Advisor following his 60-year sports official recognition by SLSA.
Mac was a member of Northern Region Helicopter Board and the Far North Coast Branch. Additionally, he served on the Sydney Northern Beaches Executive, and the executive of Surf Life Saving NSW for a number of years.
Gordon's funeral will be held on Tuesday 30 October at 2pm, Parkview Funeral Home, Kalinga St, West Ballina.
Surf Life Saving NSW gratefully acknowledges the significant contribution Gordon played in so many people's lives on and off the beach and sends condolences to the McNaughton family at this sad time.
Friday 26 October 2018