A Tribute to Lach Wright
Members of the Rotary Club of Footscray were deeply saddened early in April to learn of the death of long-standing member, John Frederick Lauchlan Wright, affectionately known to all as Lauchie. Inducted into the Club in November, 1953 he continued to attend meetings almost up to the end of 2019, a truly remarkable effort of sixty-seven years.
Born on 18th July 1927, his secondary education was at Melbourne Grammar and upon leaving there he joined the workforce in the timber industry, following in the footsteps of his great grandfather who was engaged in a similar vocation in Scotland prior to migrating to Australia in the 1850’s.
In his late teens, Lauchie travelled overseas to further his knowledge of an industry to which he would be dedicated for the whole of his lifetime.
On his return to Melbourne he accepted a position with CSIRO, Forestry Division before joining the family business located in South Melbourne, which had been formed by his great grandfather.
In November 1954, Lauchie and Marie Jordan were married and of their three sons, Ashley and Nigel are the next generation in the family timber business and Warwick is an orthopaedic surgeon.
On relocation to Blackshaws Road, Altona North new enterprises were established in Colac sourcing the softwood plantations.
Lauchie was always keen to streamline the milling processes and sourced technologies to enable that, travelling overseas to learn from the timber industries in Canada, USA and Scandinavia.
Throughout his life he was actively involved in rowing, basketball, athletics, cross country running with St Stephens Harriers and Old Melbournians clubs both as a competitor and involved club member. In 1956, he was a volunteer athletics official and ran a leg of the torch relay for the Olympic Games in Melbourne.
On top of all this, he found time to be an unwavering member of our Rotary Club.
It had to be something of importance for him to miss a meeting or event.
In particular he, together with Marie, were always notable for their presence and support of all projects and activities promoted by the Club.
Despite being asked many times over the years to accept the presidency, he graciously declined, as he believed the nature of his family business structure would not allow him to devote the time and intensity he considered such office demanded. He certainly made up for it one hundred fold. Over the years, he served on most of the Club’s committees and in many instances was chairman. He ticked all the boxes and beyond that are required by our organisation. Many of our past and present members will vouch for that.
Lauchie was twice acknowledged with Paul Harris awards which he accepted with his customary modesty. He was never one to seek accolades. About five or so years ago, he was honoured as a Legend of the club. After sixty-seven years of faithful service it may now be time to upgrade that title to:- TREASURE OF THE CLUB.
This is a thumbnail overview only of Lauchie’s life and it is possible family and/or Club members may have contributions to offer so as to preserve in our Club’s archives a comprehensive tribute to our longest serving and respected member.