We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Royal Life Saving Life Member, V.J. (Vin) Forde AM.
Vin was the Royal Life Saving Society South Australia Branch Honorary Secretary and Treasurer for 56 years. In recognition of his service to Royal Life Saving Vin was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 1981 Australia Day honours, RLSS Commonwealth - Honorary Life Member in 1999, RLSS Australia - Life Member in 2000, and Meritorious Service Medal in 1979. The RLSS SA building on Sir Donald Bradman Drive was named in his honour in 2007.
In 2009, while acknowledging celebrations of the Royal Life Saving Society - SA Centenary, Vin reflected on his time with the Branch and the generous support of the community saying, “It has been an immense pleasure and privilege witnessing the efforts of many hundreds of volunteers whose selfless, generous service is a jewel of priceless value in the golden crown of the Branch.
“The generous, dedicated spirit of those who serve The Society – with a will for the organisation to continue its aim to reduce the tragic, lamentable, avoidable loss of life in and around water in the community will continue with a positive determination for the future”.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia CEO, Justin Scarr said, “For more than 60 years Vin was a driver of swimming and water safety initiatives in South Australia. Vin has made a significant contribution, not only to Royal Life Saving, but the whole community, for which we are sincerely thankful for.”
Comments