It is with great sadness that I advise of the passing of SLMASC Foundation and Life member, Peter Roberts, who passed away yesterday at 84 years of age.
Peter is survived by his wife Mavis, and both Peter and Mavis have been stalwarts of the club for generations. On behalf of all SLMASC members I express our deepest sympathy to Mavis and to their children Jamie and Lynne, as well as to their families. Peter will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Peter was a true gentleman who even recently during the current sailing season, despite declining health and mobility, still enjoyed visiting the club whenever he could. Peter enjoyed overseeing learn learn to sail activities, club racing and major regatta’s from his favoured position perched up on the verandah of the club that he was instrumental in helping to establish and build over 66 years ago. His sense of humour, words of wisdom, encouragement and his keen interest in current club activities and members old and new (as well as the hot chips from the canteen!), and the many stories he would tell of the club’s past will be greatly missed, and all SLMASC members, past, present and future, owe Peter and Mavis a huge debt of gratitude for their service and dediction to the club.
Peter gained great pleasure from following the progress of generations of local children through learn to sail classes and on into the racing ranks, and he particularly enjoyed seeing these children grow into young adults, maintaining their links with the club and then eventually bringing their own children back into the club and introducing them to sailing also. His own son Jamie also learned to sail at the club and went on to win numerous state and national titles, which was a great source of pleasure and pride for Peter.
As a mark of respect for the loss of such an honoured SLMASC Foundation and Life member as well as a great friend, sailor, club member and family man, the club flags will be flown at half mast this weekend, and all SLMASC members and boats are encouraged to show their respects by flying a black ribbon or flag and perhaps by making a toast to Peter as they cross the finish line this weekend.
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“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: to reach port we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor”. (Oliver Wendell Holmes)
As a Foundation member of SLMASC, Peter Roberts was instrumental in enabling, encoraging and supporting generations of Lake Macquarie sailors to participate in the great sport and past time of sailing as well as in establishing our great club itself. What a legacy Peter leaves for current and future Lake Macquarie sailors.
Well sailed Peter and a big thank you from all members of Team SLMASC.
Smooth seas and fair winds always.
Phil Evans
President SLMASC
