Raymond Brennan OAM – Freshwater SLSC
Ray joined North Narrabeen in 1946, obtaining his Bronze Medallion in 1947 and his Instructors Certificate the same year. Ray remained connected with North Narrabeen for many years before becoming involved with Freshwater nippers in the early 1970s.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980’s Ray’s main focus was on the nippers’ movement. He served on the Club’s nipper committee for 10 years and was President of the Manly Warringah Branch Junior Surd Life Saving Association for five years. From there he went on to hold various positions in the SLSNSW Junior Association including Assistant State Team Manager, Vice President, Deputy President and President over a 10 year period. Ray was also Secretary/Treasurer of the SLSA Junior Association 13 years.
Ray held various positions in the Senior section of the Club including Committee Member for 10 years, Executive Officer, Junior Liaison Officer and Co-Registrar. Ray was also heavily involved in the Club’s 100-year History Book Committee and assisted in the rewriting of the Club’s Constitution in 2008.
Ray was granted Life Membership of the Club in 2005 in recognition of his many years of involvement and his enormous contribution to the Club. In more recent times up to the time of his death, Ray was a regular feature of the Club’s Sunday morning House of Lords.
Ray held various Junior Committee positions from 1947 to 1978, joining Freshwater SLSC in 1970 where he was a Committee member from 1970 to 1981, Ray was Delegate to Branch from 1972 to 1975 and was honoured with Life Membership of the Branch Board of Junior Activities.
Ray was also on a number of SLSNSW committees from 1977 to 1982 of SLSNSW Assistant Team Manager from 1979 to 1981, Deputy President, Board of Junior Activities from 1981 to 1985.
At a National level Ray was Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Junior Activities from 1981 to 1993, Delegate to National Council, Board of Junior Activities from 1985 to 1987. Member of Australian Delegation Vancouver in 1986, Gold Coast in 1988 and Germany in 1990. Ray received a World Lifesaving Championship Citation of Merit in 1991.
Ray was awarded SNB Life Membership in 2003.
Ray passed away on January 31st, 2022. He was aged 92.
