Tributes to Lawrence Atley
The following are tributes to Lawrence from Club members John Granger, Carol Castano and Frank Brown.
The Rotary Club of Footscray spans 85 years. In that time, there have been events and achievements that have allowed our Club to contribute to the local, wider and international communities. Our Club has been a forum for Rotarians of vision, courage and compassion. And, in those eight and a half decades, no-one embraced Rotary’s ‘Service Above Self’ ethic more than Lawrence Atley. Last week Lawrence passed and we are mourning our loss.
In remembering Lawrence, I have chosen not to cite his many wonderful achievements in Rotary and beyond – this will be done in in ceremony and writings over this next week .
Rather, I would like to touch on my memories, over a 50 year period, of someone who was inspiring, courageous, creative, innovative and very funny.
Son, husband, father, architect, raconteur, Rotarian and friend – Lawrence was someone who seemed to be ‘across everything’ and, if you were co-partnering a project, it was ‘hang on, this will be quite a ride’. Lawrence’s drive and enthusiasm was infectious.
I remember ‘after work’ meetings at Lawrence’s office in the 1980’s – ‘Rotary business’ he called them. Much was achieved at those meetings, but ‘fellowship’ ultimately took centre stage. Doug Mills, Frank Brown, Wally Beevers, Jimmy Hunt, Michael Dempsey, Don Henderson and Norm Gillespie were regulars and, as a newish member in my early 30’s it was a was an honour to be in the room – even though my contributions were scant. A number of these meetings were central to the District Governorships of both Doug Mills and Lawrence.
Lawrence was playful and insightful. His barbs were telling and his banter with Michael Dempsey was legendary. Lawrence’s infrequent efforts at golf were mercifully ‘infrequent’, but hilarious. Actually, he and golf never ‘bonded’, but it was it was an absolute joy to witness.
‘Lawrence and Margaret’, ‘Margaret and Lawrence’ … I don’t have the words. Many will try this week, but no-one will adequately portray their partnership – brilliant, humble and everlasting.
Andrea, Lisa. Celia and Jack – memories will flood back. What a dad.
I’ll miss telling him that the Bulldogs are finished and receiving his standard reply of ‘Sack the coach’.
For us, the Rotary Club of Footscray … I know he’d be dismissive of anything that made him too ‘front and centre’, so maybe ‘Thank you Lawrence – for everything’
John Granger
I was so very saddened to read news regarding the passing of Lawrence. Words could never adequately describe the amazing contribution he made to Rotary over his 50 years of membership with our club, and the contribution he further extended as our President, then as District Governor. His influence, example and mentoring was experienced by so many, and we are all the better for having had the privilege of having had Lawrence in our lives.
Danny and I send our deepest sympathy to Margaret, Lisa and all of Lawrence’s family.
Carol Castano
It was way back in April, 1954 that I became acquainted with the Atley family when as a recently graduated accountancy student, I joined Frank McCarthy’s practice Frank and Lawrence were great friends. A few years later, when the practice was expanding in new premises, I first made met Lawrence, as he was the architect supervising the conversion of the premises as suitable for office use.
Our paths did not cross again for another couple of years, when in 1975, I was inducted into Rotary. Our friendship was established at the time Doug Mills was elected as District Governor and we both were on the committee arranging the 1982 District Conference at Gosford in NSW.
Since then, for many years, I have had the pleasure in joining him in the planning of numerous Rotary functions and appreciate his acceptance of my efforts.
As the years rolled by in addition to his commitment to Rotary Lawrence became involved in other community roles of service. For many years he served on the board of what was then Western General Hospital (now Western Heath) including a term as President. He was always on the lookout to help out community organisations and render assistance. Even heart surgery in 1992 did not slow him down, he just “soldiered on”.
His most recent outstanding achievement for the club was being involved in the organizing of the club’s 75 Anniversary at the Melbourne Town Hall. Of course the District Conference in Shepparton during his term as District Governor was another great achievement..
The recent President’s changover night could be regarded as a milestone in the clubs history as all present acknowledged Lawrences fifty years of outstanding service.
Vale Lawrence and now Rest in Peace.
Frank Brown
