Sadly Petone lost Honorary members Brian Fox and Jim Berket, both past presidents of the club, during the COVI-19 lockdown. Also David Hendry a present member of our club and past member of Western Hutt Club.
Stephen Fitzjohn writes: Brian Fox grew up in Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs and went to Rongotai College then onto Teachers Training College and Victoria University. Ultimately he became Principal of Wilford School in Petone and joined the Rotary Club of Petone. He became very much involved in the life of our Club and brought his mother Rita along to many of our functions.
The photo is probably the last one taken of Brian from one of my frequent visits to him. We were looking at the Paul Harris medal amongst other items of treasure.
He served as Secretary and became our President in 1984-85. He became responsible for the International Exchange Students we hosted which led to his appointment to the District Committee and ultimately their long time Secretary. He enjoyed the interaction with these students and kept in touch with many after they returned to their home countries. We bestowed the Rotary Paul Harris Award on him, then the additional Sapphire Pin.
For many years he represented Junior Rugby on the Wellington Union; he was an active member of the Hutt Bowling Club and even in later years attended every Friday afternoon to enjoy a few wines with his friends. He was predeceased earlier this year by his only brother, Gerry, who was a member of Heretaunga Rotary. Brian passed away after a brief stay in Hutt Hospital on 9 April aged 93. He has set up an endowment Scholarship at Victoria University.