It is with great sadness we advise the passing of SLSNSW Life Member Kevin 'Cocky' Lunn of Caves Beach SLSC.
Kevin gained his Bronze Medallion on 4 March 1945 ahead of a lifetime of love and dedication to his club. In the same year he was part of the committee that introduced and launched the first ‘Tuck Stern’ surf boat which went onto shape the future of modern surf boat design.
He continued to be actively involved in surf boat competition throughout his life as a crew member and mentor to many generations of boaties after him.
Heavily involved in surf sports, he was also an integral part of Caves Beach R&R team training and development, March Past and was club champion and belt champion in the ‘50s. In 1971 he lead the nomination and organisation for the State Championships at Caves Beach.
Loved by all, Kevin was passionate about the movement and became involved in all areas of the club but particularly in training. He held almost every position within the club from junior activities to registrar, vice and club captain, deputy president, publicity officer as well as surf sports official and coach. He held the position of chief instructor for 13 consecutive years, the longest in the club’s history.
Kevin was a true gentleman of the club and would go above and beyond to help out where he could,” said Caves Beach SLSC President Alicia Drain. “A fantastic all round member, he truly lived for our club. He had a true passion for the education and training of our future lifesavers over many years and inspired hundreds of people through his involvement. He will be dearly missed.”
In June 2018 he was presented with his 70-year service award in front of his peers and family. Additionally, he was recognised with life membership for outstanding service to his club in1963 and in the branch in 1966, before becoming a SLSNSW life member in 1991.
At a branch level, Kevin sat on the SLS Hunter Board of Examiners for 25 years where he brought valuable insight and contribution for the improvement of lifesaving education. Hunter CEO Rhonda Scruton said, “Kevin certainly paved a beautiful path for education in our branch. He specialised in teaching lifesavers to be great lifesavers.”
Despite suffering from illness in the final years of his life, Kevin maintained contact and support of his beloved club right up until his passing.
His legacy for quality education will be upheld for many years to come.
Vale Kevin Lunn.
A celebration of Kevin's life will take place on Monday 6 May 2019 at 3pm at Pettigrew Family Funerals 444 Pacific Hwy, Belmont.
Thursday 2 May 2019