Surf Life Saving NSW is saddened to advise of the passing of Helensburgh–Stanwell Park SLSC, Illawarra Branch and SLSNSW Life Member, Jeff Lucke. He was 79.
First reeled into the Surf Life Saving family when he took up an empty seat on a touring bus to the 1982 Aussies in South Australia, Jeff joined Helensburgh-Stanwell Park just a few days later and quickly became heavily involved in the club.
His passion for surf sports was evident, officiating at all five tiers of competition – club, branch, state, national and international level – over more than two decades and across multiple disciplines including Inflatable Rescue Boat racing.
He was also a dedicated lifesaver, amassing a decade and a half of 100% attendance on patrol and later hanging up his quartered cap to focus on junior development and member training and upskilling.
John Meehan OAM, a close friend of Jeff, said he will be remembered as a diligent and reliable member who was always happy to pass on his knowledge.
“I first met Jeff in 1983 when Helensburgh-Stanwell Park was the host club for the Illawarra Branch Championships and I was the Beach Referee,” he said.
“It was his first season and he’d been allocated to assist in the beach area, and what a fantastic job he did.
“He made history when he appeared on the front cover of the Annual Report of Illawarra Branch – the first time somebody had done so – and he has been a Branch Board Member of the Year, Branch Competition Official of the Year, and received an International Lifesaving Federation Citation of Merit.
“Jeff was a very precise and exact man and will be sorely missed at all levels of Surf Life Saving.”
Jeff’s life will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Helensburgh on Monday 30 June 2025.
Wednesday 18 June 2025