Tribute to Gordon braid

Gordon Braid passed away December 26th, 2009 at the age of 67. The following euology was written and read by Kevin Watts at Gordon's funeral.

Gordon joined rotary on 13 February 1978 as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Wollundry-Wagga Wagga.  In what was to become a very proud part of his life, he was  MC at the 1st Changeover Dinner in June 1979.

The Rotary Four Way Test of truth, fairness, building goodwill and better friendships and beneficial to all, certainly applied to Gordon and his life.  In 1989-90 Gordon was appointed chairman of the Drug & Road Safety Committee of the club, the main project being the establishment of an advanced driver training school in Wagga Wagga. He continued as chairman for the next 6 years culminating in land being allocated by WWCC, prospects of GM Holden supplying motor vehicles, RTA supplying motorcycles and TAFE assisting in training.  Wollundry Rotary would donate $99,000 over 3 yrs and govt grants of $85,000 would be obtained.  Following Gordon’s tireless work it was regrettably decided not to proceed due to lack of commitment and action by relevant authorities.  This, however, was far from a wasted venture as the funds, in excess of $100,000 were then channelled into 3 major donations  in Wagga: Northcott Respite Cottage Kitchen, Riverina Cancer Care Centre initial fundraising campaign, and Sunflower House, who all received $30,000 plus many other local charities which benefited from that legacy.

Gordon loved his Rotary and Rotarians loved Gordon for his witty humour and caring, friendly manner.  It was very well known in the club that Gordon loved a bread roll for his Rotary lunch, sometimes two or three even.  It was no surprise when at one meeting some of his fellow Rotarians presented him with about six rolls just to tease him.  He did blush a little on that occasion.

 Gordon and Mark Hillis had a very friendly rivalry in the  Holden and Ford camps, which kept our members amused, especially after the Bathurst car races.

Gordon was firstly a family man, secondly a well respected business man, and we know Wollundry Rotary was a very important part of his life.   

In 2000, he finally had the time to accept the position of President of the club for the next year.  In June 01 he was inducted as President for the 25th year of Wollundry Rotary and what an honour it was to have Gordon, as a charter member and the “last of the first” in the chair.  A wonderful dinner to celebrate our 25th year was held at Kapooka Army Base and was a huge success. 

Gordon had a great year but the crowning moment was the induction of twenty new members including his own son Richard making Braids the first father/son at Wollundry Rotary, which also secured the club’s future with an influx of younger men who have in, turn attracted others.

In 2003 Gordon received a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest Rotary award given, for his work in Rotary and the wider Community.

He became Programs Co-ordinator and invited interesting speakers like Ita Buttrose and Terry Daniher to our meetings.   I should also point out he loved visiting other Rotary Clubs for meetings, especially whilst travelling for business or pleasure.  I’m sure Sue must have had some Interesting times following him to the four corners of the world, meeting Rotarians.

On 27 October 2009, Gordon received greater honours and his spirits lifted enormously when Wollundry Rotary announced the establishment of the Gordon Braid Melanoma PhD Research Scholarship, in conjunction with Australian Rotary Health Foundation.  At that same meeting, which was the last he was able to attend, Gordon and two other Charter members Ken Cook and Graham Burmeister were presented with Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Pins.  It was a very proud moment for Gordon, as well as Sue and Richard, who attended with him.

Gordon leaves us with a wonderful legacy of his spirit, courage, strength, humility and friendship which has lifted us all.  He was a great role model and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gordon was a true champion.