05 Oct VALE JOHN WAKE
It was with great sadness that we mourned the recent passing of club Life Member John Wake.
John notched up 50 years of service to the Surf Life Saving movement this year, having joined his first club, Urunga SLSC, in 1972.
Eight years later he moved to Coffs Harbour, where he served for more than four decades as a valued member across lifesaving, education, surf sports and administration.
In that time he amassed an impressive 176 awards and qualifications and was well-known at club and branch level as a dedicated IRB coach and scrutineer.
Over the years, John also earned several accolades for his lifesaving efforts including a Lion’s Club Medal of Valour for the rescue of a family on the Bellingen River in 1978. He also received a NSW Ministerial Service award in January 1990 after rescuing a surfer from heavy seas off Diggers Beach in Coffs Harbour.
He will be missed not only for the lives he saved, but all the lives he impacted along the way.
He was a dedicated and much-loved Beach to Bush program presenter, volunteering for the regional safety program tour for more than 20 years.
John’s record of service with our club:
John gained his Bronze Medallion 2nd December 1973
Vice IRB Captain 1989-90
IRB Captain 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98
Branch Delegate 1990-91, 1091-92, 1992-93, 2006-07
Treasurer 1993-94
Vice-Captain 1993-94
Director 1997-98, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21.
Licensee 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19.
House Committee 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14
John has served as vice-president and treasurer of the North Coast Branch and on the Board of Examiners
John is the holder of 176 SLS Awards and Qualifications
Clubman of the Year 1991-92
25 Year Service Award
30 Year Officiating Service Certificate
Life member of Coffs Harbour Club
Life member of North Coast Branch SLS
Life member of Surf Life Saving New South Wales
John was a member of the Urunga Club 1972-1978 and served as President from 1973 until 1977