A TRIBUTE TO PAT O' SULLIVAN

Patrick, who passed away peacefully on the 15th July at the age of 93, is known as the "Doyen of N.S.R.I. " since its inception in 1967 - a year after he joined the Rotary Club of Cape Town.
His involvement with I.Y.F.O.R at its inception in 1971/2 led to the creation of District 935 concept for a Rotary /N.S.R.I. project. This provided a rescue vessel duly named "Spirit of Rotary", launched at Granger Bay Academy in July 1975 by the then Administrator L.A.P.A. Munnik.
The Rotary association with N.S.R.I. continues to this day with numerous Clubs in the District 9350 having sponsored "Spirits of Rotary" at many of the stations along the SA Coastline.
Many Rotarians sailed with Pat in his dogger - "Larus" in Table Bay and Saldanha Bay, often on many I.Y.F.O.R. West Coast Cruises and exchange student projects.
Pat was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, many honorary life memberships.
The Rotary Club of Cape Town was also linked via Pat to RCYC and it's International Service Projects involving hosting of participating yachts in Cape to Rio, Whitbread Round the World ans similar events - promoting the 4th object of Rotary. His wife Mavis was a prominent Rotary Ann during his membership of the Club, unfortunately she passed away a few years ago and was sorely missed by Pat and his family during their final "Autumn Years". The first Cape to Rio race was won by the Knysna built yacht "Albatros II" to which Pat originated the concept of a statue in the Heerengracht, handed over to the City of Cape Town in 1975.
Patrick was indeed a great influential Rotarian of which the Club can be proud and honoured, a unique legacy for future generations.
Harry Braun
(TW's Note:
I, together with so many other friends of Pat, attended his memorial service today. Besides being so much involved with Rotary Pat was Honorary Colonel of the Dukes. Many of the "Old Soldiers" were there to say their farewell. Barry Smith was the organist! From the balcony the last post was played on the trumpet - a fitting farewell)
I, as a young Rotarian, held Pat in high esteem......got to know him well thro IYFOR, having spent time with him in the Righter's Veld on a Military project........Sailing up to Dassen Island.........These are those special moments when one has time just to listen!