Gerry to all of us was born 80 years ago today in New South Wales. He attended schools in Australia and England before taking his Bachelor of Science in physics. He spent some years in research and a short period as a teacher before returning to Melbourne University where he received a PhD in nuclear physics.
He then joined Kodak in the research laboratory, making the first detailed measurements of the energy distribution of Australian daylight.
Management positions with Kodak in Asia, Africa, Australia and at the Rochester headquarters of Kodak in the USA followed, ending in his appointment as Managing Director and subsequently Chairman until his decision of early retirement in 1998 influenced by his new perception of life following heart bypass operation in 1996. Recently feeling unwell while travelling, he made further improvements that have left him feeling fantastic!
Gerry was a member of the Business Council of Australia for several years, and a trustee on the Baker Foundation for 14 years, serving as its Chairman for 12 years up to 2014.
Inducted into Rotary in 1982, Gerry continued the Club s link with Kodak which began with the late Thomas Baker, our president in 1928. He was nominated by Rotarian John Habersberger, with the classification of Photographic Supplies - Marketing. At that time GM of Marketing at Kodak.
Gerry immediately immersed himself in our affairs. He had several terms as chairman of the student exchange committee, was a director in 1989-91, Vice President in 1991-92 and was an energetic President in 1993-94, putting the Club back on a normal footing after the excitement of the RI Convention. Gerry also served as Chairman of the District International House Committee and of the Council of International House, and has been the Captain of three Groups - none of which has survived, but we won’t go there!
Gerry inducted Philip Endersbee into the Club, and later sponsored Trevor Nink (so I do question his judgement of character!). Nevertheless in 2000 Gerry was named a Paul Harris Fellow by President Jack Melbourne. Gerry is a great supporter of Rotary International Foundation, having reached a 7 sapphire level and is also a Special Friend of our own RCM Foundation.
Gerry and Sophia have three daughters and a son. Their daughters were all exchange students and he and Sophia have hosted students from Canada, Germany, Finland and Japan. They were also involved in the RI Conventions of Mexico in 1991 and Melbourne in 1993. They have now retired to a home they have built in Sunbury.
So congratulations to a wonderful Rotarian and happy 80th birthday Gerry.
