JERRY BERNARDO (called to higher Service on the 10th August 2021)
We have had had the good fortune to have known Jerry as a friend and fellow
Rotarian. He was always good company and
had many a story to tell. His humorous
escapades had us in stitches as we sat around the dinner table with him and
Jean on our fishing trips.
His skills and knowledge in all things mechanical and structural amazed me. He
gave of his time and knowledge generously to benefit people from all walks of
life.
I worked very closely with Jerry on Rotary projects and he always did them with
a willing spirit and kind heart.
Children’s lives were made that much better by projects such as those on which
I had the pleasure of assisting him: -
The refurbishment of school bathrooms and
painting of classrooms. The installation of a converted shipping container
kitchen at Tumelo Primary School Soweto.
Bathroom renovations at Firlands Children’s Home.
Similarly a bathroom conversion at Footprints girls’ dormitory.
We will miss the friendly banter around
the braai as Jerry cooked at the Youth Courses.
The last minute rush to get screens ready for the Art Expo
The fellowship at District Conferences.
The fishing trips.
The quite dinners and conversations with our wives.
Jerry loved Jean and their family dearly and it is to them that my heart goes
out.
Go well our good and trusty friend.
Les and Lis Short
-----------------
Our deepest sympathy to Jean and Jerrie’s extended family. Our thoughts are with you now and into a future.
Jerry was a great man.
Besides that, he was a great Rotarian.
What made him great was that he was a ”doer”. When something
had to be done it was almost inevitable that Jerry would be, if not the lead, then
a very strong member of the group which made things happen.
His passing is an irreplaceable and great loss to his family
and friends, but also to the community which he served. Time will show that he
is the missing part when things need to be done.
As witness of his reach, we can think of the innumerable
noticeable projects which Jerry helped deliver. In recent times, we can think
of the Madiba Buggies and the Barra container, which simply would not have been
finished if Jerry had not been “in charge”. The addition of a Sapphire Pin, to
his well-deserved Paul Harris recognition, just a few weeks ago, is testament
to the high esteem in which Rotary held him.
On a personal level, we had a destructive fire in our home
last year. The person to call was Jerry. Within hours he had arranged for the
glass to be replaced and for the doors and locks to be repaired. It has taken
more in the year to get insurance clearance for the repairs to be done, but the
critical part, for safety, was handled by Jerry, within hours. We remain
eternally grateful to him.
Rest in Peace
James and Charlotte
--------------------
I always admired Jerry for all the “Behind the Scenes” work that he did on behalf of Rosebank Rotary.
His job did not allow him to attend as many meetings as he would of liked but he made up for this
with all the
work he did on various projects at the Fairlands Children’s Home,Container
Conversions and the refurbishment of the Madiba Buggy’s.
He gave great support to Jean during her various stints as Club President and District duties and will be sorely missed by all his fellow members.
God Bless Jerry,
David Bradshaw.
------------------
Among his numerous attributes, Jerry was a skilled craftsman in steel
and wood. He spent many hours using those skills in fabricating items that made
life easier for people in need. His commitment is an example to us of
service that can change lives. A man and Rotarian all can be proud of and
who will be sorely missed.
Kind regards
President Costa Qually
-----------------
We will remember Jerry as an absolute gentleman,
friendly and helpful, always prepared to give generously of his time and
expertise and always cheerful. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Mike and Louise Honnet
--------------------
Jane and I send our
deepest sympathies to Jean and the family at this very sad time.
His death has come as a shock to us all, particularly his fellow Rotarians.
Jerry was a quiet, conscientious man who went about his many works for Rosebank Rotary with dignity and commitment.
He will be remembered by all, particularly the many who benefitted from his good works.
Michael and Jane Lamb
----------------
Although the time we had was short…
Your generous smile and twinkly eye remain in my thought…
Thinking
back how you loved to work…
Extra
time or a bigger challenge you saw as a perk…
Nothing
was to big or small… you embraced them all.
It
is sad that you have departed so soon…
However,
we will meet again and dance to a different tune…
For
family and friends near and far…
Your
pain and fear will leave a scar…
But
know that this in time will heal… so the memories you hold, will reveal.
Jerry,
we bid you farewell and may you rest in peace, we miss you and right now this is
very painful …..
Jean
my dear friend I hold and support you as I send love and prayers to you with a
protection angel.
Much love Juanette and Rainer
--------------
Whilst Jerry was
unable to attend meetings as frequently as he would have liked because of his
business commitments, he more than made up for this by willingly taking
projects over the years such as renovating bathrooms for the Salvation Army’s
Children’s Home in Lyndhurst, creches for the Rotary Anns and refurbishing the
container for our Palliative Care project more recently.
In the days when we
organised and ran the Rotary Cradle Classic cycle race Jerry was fully involved
with road marshalling and the water tables on race day. Jerry was fully
involved with layout and erection of the display panels for our Art Festival
every year.
He was a fully
committed Rotarian and a valuable member. We shall miss him.
------------------
Jerry Bernardo the loving husband and father, the friend, the Rotarian.
Jerry was a true Rotarian and lived up to the motto “Service above self”. He may not have been able to attend meetings often, but he gave up many hours over weekends to do work for Rotary. He also never spoke about the work he did for Rotary, he just got on and did it and I applaud him for what he did on behalf of the Club. He was also passionate about the annual Youth Leadership course and could always be found braaiing the mounds of meat at the Sunday braai.
In recent months I got to know more about Jerry the person and friend and we had a number of serious and deep conversations. He was a deep thinker with strong convictions and a strong faith. He considered others before himself to the extent that when he fell ill, he phoned a few times apologising that he was unable to finish the building job at that moment, but it would get done.
You fought a good fight Jerry and you will
be sorely missed by all who knew you.
Hamba Kahle my friend.
Pam Donaldson
-------------------------
Reading from Kahlil Gibran
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you
find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose
night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil and mystery of light.
If you would
indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death
are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds
dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams,
for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death
is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand
is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd
not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more
mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to
cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may
rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have
reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth
shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Jeanette Horner
PETER MARGOLIUS (called to higher Service on the 30th June 2021)
Peter was District Governor of D9300 in 2004/2005, Rotary’s
centennial year. The theme for his year
was “Celebrate Rotary”.
His district goals for the year were characterised by 100. 100
club visits, 100 PHF’s, 100 Foundation Benefactors, 100 emergency boxes and the
like. Peter also had cast 100 numbered
commemorative Rotary Bells which were sold to raise money for Rotary
Foundation. He closed his year with he and Elaine attending the 100th
Rotary Convention in Chicago.
Peter was particular about sound club administration and promoting
membership. He had an excellent knowledge of Rotary and constantly sought to
inspire others to reach the same level. To this end he started PRLS (Potential
Rotary Leaders Seminar) in the district which was later superseded by RLI.
Peter was passionate about and actively promoted the Rotary Action
Group for Blood Donation to the extent of instituting a competition between
clubs in the district.
Peter was a great bowler, a committed family man and enjoyed
gardening.
Sadly, Peter’s failing health saw him gradually withdraw from
active participation in Rotary, but his interest never failed nor did his
passion for Rotary.
MARK FRANKLIN (Called to Higher Service 10th November 2020)
Past president Mark Franklin was a Rotarian to the core – he lived
Rotary’s core values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and
leadership. He joined the
Rotary Club of Rosebank on 23rd October 1987. For 33 years he was a
member of excellent standing. Rotary became a part of his life.
Mark received
recognition from his fellow Rotarians and his Club when he was named a Paul
Harris Fellow – he was recognised 3 more times and was a Paul Harris Fellow
with 3 sapphires. Mark was a Rotary Foundation benefactor.
Mark was not
afraid of hard work and after 5 years as a member was made President of the
Rosebank Club. He stood out as an excellent leader and had time for everyone.
He was always involved with one or other committee and served as the Treasurer
several times. What Mark will be remembered for especially is the Rosebank
Rotary Art Festival – it started in 1993 and during the time it was held for
the most part at Hyde Park Shopping centre and became a special event on the
calendar. Mark worked tirelessly to make it the success it was every year.
Rotary announced
a new avenue of service this year, Supporting the Environment. and Mark
immediately took an avid interest – offering to chair the new committee and
produced a policy document and set of guidelines. His office then became a
collection area for polystyrene, eco-bricks and the like. Everyone in Aston
Villas was encouraged to add their recyclables as well!!
Mark had a great
sense of humour and always had an Irish joke on hand to delight the club members
on a Friday at lunchtime. He enjoyed the Rotary fellowship and was well known
for his wine tasting events and on a few occasions took Rotarians and friends
on birdwatching walks around Delta park.
Mark will be
remembered and spoken about for many years for his unmatched contribution to
Rosebank Rotary Club. His efforts, too many to mention or even remember,
will continue to live on and assist others as they carry out the aims of
Rotary.
Mark was a true
gentleman and a gentle man – we will miss him and are all better for knowing
him.
James Croswell remembers Mark
It was an honour to know PP Mark Franklin who was a pillar of
Rosebank Rotary Club for 34 years. He changed many people’s lives by his desire
to make the world a better place. He enjoyed being a Rotarian and served on the Board for many years. I
remember his induction in 1987 – he quickly became an active member full of
enthusiastic support as he played an active role in Club Administration as
Treasurer and Leadership when he served as President in 1993/1994. The Rotary
theme was “Believe
in What You Do -- Do What You Believe in” which epitomized Mark. When
the opportunity arose, he took charge of the Lester Connock Commemoration Fund.
He was President again
in 2010/2011 when the
club embarked on Matching Grants with overseas Rotary Clubs supporting the Rotary
theme of 'Building
Communities -- Bridging Continents'. Both years were memorable and very successful
years for the club due to Mark’s excellent leadership.
Mark’s contribution to Rosebank Rotary Club and the
community was huge, and he didn’t ask for thanks or seek praise. "Service
above Self” was not only his motto, but how he lived his life, by making a
difference though his service. Mark was involved
in many projects which benefited a huge
number of people in significant ways which always had sustainable measurable outcomes and impact.
Mark did more than anyone to enhance Rotary’s public image.
He contributed to fund raising and to publicity of Rotary, through the Rotary
Arts Festival which Richard Tonkin started way back in 1993 with the
Watercolour Society. Together with Rotarian Joan Sainsbury, the Art Festival
became a highlight on the Johannesburg’s cultural calendar and was highly successful.
Through his untiring efforts, Rosebank Rotary Club
was able to execute many Community service projects including the Youth
Leadership Course and Dependable Strengths training. As soon as Rotary International
announced their 7th area of focus, Supporting
the Environment,
Mark immediately prepared a portfolio for the Club to promote the
practice of the three R’s: reducing, reusing and recycling waste.
Mark’s depth of Rotary service was invaluable and
varied.
Mark was not” all work and no play” for he enjoyed
Fellowship. He kept the Club continually amused with his never-ending collection of
jokes for all occasions.
Both Mark and Yvonne
will be remembered for their generous hospitality hosting happy Fellowship lunches
at their Bryanston home with its beautiful gardens. Mark’s regular Wine Tastings
were one of the clubs social highlights.
His contribution to Rotary and to its values was fully appreciated,
for he was recognised multiple times as a Paul Harris Fellow. His Paul Harris
Sapphire lapel pin signified the Club’s deep appreciation of Mark’s
contribution to the Club.
He will be remembered and spoken about for many years for
his unmatched contribution to Rosebank Rotary Club. His efforts, too many to mention or even
remember, will continue to live on and assist others as they carry out the aims
of Rotary. Mark embodied the guiding principles of Rotary as his life
demonstrated a shared purpose with the objectives of the Rotary Foundation. Not
only will Mark’s dedication to Rotary be remembered, but he will be remembered
as a gentleman in the true sense of the word.
He will be very much missed. We can all say our lives have
been enriched by knowing and serving with PP Mark Franklin from October 1987 –
November 2020. I salute and confirm the thanks of the Club to PP
Mark Franklin for 34 years of voluntary Rotarian service.
James
Croswell
CESARE VIDULICH (Called to Higher Service 26th July 2020)
Cesare joined the Rotary Club of Orange Grove
circa 1982 and together with his family, manned the kiosk at the Wilds on the
weekends, alternating with fellow Rotarians. He loved the comradery of the
club, and threw himself into various projects, giving of his expertise, time,
and dedication to ensure the success of each project he undertook.
Cesare was a keen cyclist, and for one of his
first projects, he saw the opportunity to raise funds for the club by holding a
fun ride. By combining his knowledge of the sport, learning from other fun
rides he attended, and coordinating the skills within the rotary club, he
successfully launched the Rotary Club of Orange Grove Kempton park funride,
which enjoyed a few years of success and earned much needed funds for charity.
>Cesare involved himself heavily in the
expansion of the orphanage at Pim Cottage in Houghton which also included a new
kitchen. Cesare used his skills and contacts in the construction industry to
deliver the project to the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society, improving the
conditions of all who would pass through those doors. It is no doubt that this
was one of his most fulfilling projects.
Cesare was keenly involved in Rotaract with the
boys from Highlands North Boy´s High school and held many blanket drives which
he thoroughly enjoyed.
Cesare loved being Rotarian, he loved the
members and their comradery, and he was proud have played his part.
MARIAN LASERSON (Called to Higher Service 11th July 2020)
Marian was involved in so much it would take too long to go into it and yet she found time for Rotary. She lost her husband when she was still pregnant with her second child and brought her 2 boys up alone – she said she needed a wife!!
In 1980, Marian married Jack Laserson, an optometrist. He was an active Rotarian and president of his club at various times. Marian could not stand the idea of being a "Rotary Ann" and she became one of the first batch of female Rotarians in 1989 (she was also the first female Rotary President in South Africa). Marian was a Rotarian of 23 years. It was just another dimension of her commitment to community service and desire to improve the lives of people from all walks of life.
Keith Lurie her son – “As tiny as her feet were, I could never fill her shoes, but am really proud to walk in her footsteps.”
The Putu Pot Book (which circulated functions hosted by Rotarians)
Trips to the game reserve
I have been a Rotarian for a little over a year now and on my first day, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a dear gentleman, who introduced himself as Brian. Over this time, he has always shown kindness and interest in me and my family. At Last years Art Festival, my son Gareth and Brian spent some time together, sharing stories and facts over their mutual love for History.Always a true gentleman, he will be missed.
DE Annemarie Mostert
My deepest condolences to Brian's sons, his Rotary family and friends. He was an exceptional caring and giving person, and will be missed. Rest in Peace Brian Hans and Annemarie Mostert
Ken Wolhuter
Mark Franklin
DIRECTIONS TO SIBON
H
LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT WEEKEND
Brian
- CYCLE RACE
- RT EXHIBITION
- YOUTH LEADERSHIP COURSE
PDG Peter Margolius
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14:37 (12 minutes ago)
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David Bradshaw
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