It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Harold John Brown OAM earlier this week.
SLSNSW offers our deepest sympathy to Harry’s immediate and extended family.
Harold, more widely known as Harry, was one of the true legends of the North Cronulla SLSC and indeed of Surf Lifesaving throughout Australia.
His contribution to Surf Lifesaving over many years has left an indelible mark on the movement.
His personal leadership in the development and training of the Inflatable Rescue Boat was outstanding. The success today of this vital rescue equipment in Australia and indeed the world, is due to the efforts, direction and leadership of Harry Brown.
The design and development of Surf House at Bondi Beach as well as the previous Surf Lifesaving NSW Headquarters at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Narrabeen was Harry’s responsibility.
Harry Brown held the most responsible position of Honorary Secretary of the National Council of Surf Life Saving Australia, and was in fact, the last honorary officer to hold this position.
Harry was a leader in North Cronulla SLSC’s Pool Survival Campaign where the club reached out to the public and taught 600 parents the skill of Resuscitation. This occurred at a time when there had been an increase in infant drowning in back yard swimming pools.
He was also an athlete, and a Gold medallist as when he swept the North Cronulla crew to the Junior Surf Boat Race Championship of Australia at Scarborough Beach back in the late 1950s.
Harry Brown led North Cronulla SLSC over many years as our Patron, President, Treasurer, Chief Gear Steward and Boat Captain. In all these positions he displayed enormous energy and passion and by his leadership inspired so many members in the club.
Throughout the years he was awarded Life Membership of the North Cronulla SLSC, Surf Life Saving Sydney, Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia in recognition of his longstanding contribution.
He was voted into Surf Life Saving’s Hall of Fame, and was also the Medal of the Order of Australia, (OAM) for services to Surf Lifesaving.
The loss of Harry Brown OAM will have an enormous effect on North Cronulla SLSC.
He will be missed by the world of surf lifesaving.
Vale Harry Brown
The arrangements to celebrate the Life of Harold J Brown, OAM will be released in the coming days. For further information, please contact Warren A Rennie, AM – Patron, North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club.
Tuesday 8 May 2018