Vale Tony Reade
Sadly, Tony Reade died on Sunday after a long illness, lovingly supported by his wife and Club member, Yvette. Tony was instrumental in the foundation of our Club as one of seven Rotarians to leave the Rotary Club of Adelaide in June 1986 to form our Rotary Club of Adelaide Light named ‘Light’ for the daylight of our breakfast origins (though Col William Light history adds to the choice).
Always creative and entertaining, Tony was the Club’s first President and later Governor of our Rotary District 9500 in 1993/94. His showmanship, disregard for stuffy Rotary protocols and taste for change created a culture of fun and informality. His infectious laugh and larger than life personality made our Club a favourite for other Rotarians to visit.
In Tony’s year as District Governor, our Club organised the District Conference in Broken Hill where his forward thinking ensured childcare was offered (a Rotary first). The formal Saturday night ball became instead a Denim and Black Bow-tie event at the local racecourse with bush bands and hay bales for seats and tables.
Tony organised specially marked ‘two-up’ pennies Instead of traditional conference tickets. This ‘ticket’ gave opportunity to win prizes and possibly get conference fees refunded. The special Friday night guest was artist Pro Hart, whom Tony knew from driving him around Australia in Pro’s brightly painted Rolls Royce.
Being a breakfast club where people dashed off to work, Tony improved socialising by organising “Guess Who is Coming to Dinner” events where members either hosted or visited others for a night of fun and hospitality.
In all Tony’s Rotary adventures, his wife Yvette was there to support and faithfully ensure all went as planned… the Yin for Tony’s Yang. We’ve lost an outstanding Rotarian in Tony but we’re thankful for his influence and offer our condolences to Yvette and family.
The funeral is 1pm next Tuesday 9th November at Berry & Sons, 200 Magill Rd, Norwood. Details in Saturday's Advertiser - funeral attendance is COVID-limited to 150 but it will be live streamed.
Don Tindale presenting Tony Reade with his Honorary Member certificate