Surf Life Saving NSW is saddened to advise of the passing of Stockton SLSC, Hunter Branch and SLSNSW Life Member, John Bevan on 2 April 2023.
John joined Stockton as a Cadet Member in 1960, earning his Bronze Medallion in 1965, and during a prolific, near-50-year period between 1967 and 2016, held down almost every major managerial or committee-based role within the club including President, Club Captain and Patron.
In Surf Sports, John was a member of the 1970s Stockton R&R team which was voted the Team of the Century for the period 1908-2008 inclusive. He was also Manager of the NSW team that travelled to Trigg Island for Aussies in 1979.
A passionate advocate for education, John was part of the Asian Educational team that travelled to the Philippines, Hong Kong and Bali in 1976 and the Australian Educational Tour of Trinidad & Tobago in 1984.
John was also an active and dedicated volunteer at branch level, where he held down various senior positions including Deputy President and, remarkably, a role with the Board of Examiners for more than 30 years. He was awarded Life Membership of the then Newcastle Branch in 1982, some five years after he earned the same honour at Stockton.
Further, in the early 70s John was a member of the Newcastle Branch SLSA Helicopter Feasibility Committee which led to the establishment of the rescue service in the region. The Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service commenced in December 1975 where John was an original Crewman, gaining Crew Certificate #1 in Newcastle.
He was a member of the service for 20 years, the last 11 in the role of a Director once the service was incorporated in 1984. He was also heavily involved in establishing the service in the Tamworth and New England region.
At state level, John is a former Lifesaver of the Year winner and held down various committee roles and was the Hunter Branch Delegate for 10 years. He was awarded Life Membership of SLSNSW in 1990.
John was a friend to all and following his move north of the border, always made time to catch up with mates made through Surf Life Saving any time Aussies was held in Queensland.
Thursday 13 July 2023