Our dear friend, Neil, was born in Scotland and employed by the Clan Shipping Line married there and he and Irene were transferred to Durban a year later in 1950.

Neil continued in employment in the shipping company until his retirement, having transferred to Cape Town in 1973. In that year he was
inducted into the Rotary Club of Cape Town having been previously inducted into Rotary, Durban in 1965. When I met Neil for the first time in 1977 he was old enough to be my father yet he dealt with me as an equal at our weekly meetings, on projects and in committee sessions.

I suppose Neil was the epitome of a dedicated Rotarian - regular attendee, shoulder to the wheel on projects, reliable, available and adding value to the lives of so many not to mention the status of the 'Mother' club. I particularly remember our outings to the Strandfontein resort with the kids from Leliebloem Orphanage of a Saturday afternoon, Neil trustily supplying transport and doling out sticky buns. What a treat it was for the youngsters and what joy it brought to the hearts of the senior Rotarians to see the little ones having such a good time.

Neil lead the club as President in 1987/88 and although he appeared dour to some he had a lovely dry if not impish sense of humour yet seriously driving the enterprise of our club - Service.

Trevor Wilkins has paid tribute to Neil on the Club's blog recalling how but a week or two ago Neil threw all his ailing and failing faculties into making the Adventure into citizenship a life-changing experience for so many.

Vale, dear friend, thank you serving as a model to so many Rotarians and for your yeoman service to the end. We will miss you but raise a glass fondly to your memory.
John Gomes