Club Announcement
Bev Brock OAM
15/01/1947-07/4/2024
77 years
It is with great sadness that Rotary Melbourne advises the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Bev Brock. Bev passed away on Sunday 7 April 2024 at her home in Melbourne, surrounded by her family. A Memorial service will be held this Thursday 18 April 24. Members were notified of the details on 11 April.
Bev Brock joined the Rotary Club of Melbourne on April 5th 2006 with the classification of Public Speaking. She came to the Club with a high profile, in fact she was a celebrity.
Bev was born in Stoneville near Perth, the third of seven children. She trained as a teacher specialising in science and home economics. Bev’s life was characterized by highs and lows no doubt contributing to her strength and invincibility. At age 22 she dived into shallow water and broke her neck and was told she would never walk properly again. After little more than a month, with plaster covering half her head and her neck she was back to basketball and dancing.
She dedicated her life to her family and supporting her partner, Peter Brock in his motor racing career. She was regularly photographed at the track and in the pits. She produced three films about him and a definitive book. In fact she wrote four books in all, one being an autobiography. She had plenty to write about. Later came a heart breaking and very public separation from Peter and then after his death in a rally car accident, a messy and costly legal battle.
Around the Club, Bev was a breath of fresh air. She was so open and engaging, making everybody feel like a best friend. She served on the Board and was Vice-President. She was a very popular President Elect for the Convention year but had to step aside due to illness. She did a brilliant job as MC of our memorable centenary celebration. She served as Director of Club Meetings, Program Chair, New Member Chair, and she also enjoyed hands-on activities, volunteering for SecondBite from its inception, and organized our first ever White Elephant Sale. She was appropriately recognized by the Club on many occasions including the Forth Bridge Award, the Rotary Melbourne Mentoring Award and our highest honour, Life Membership.
Bev was also involved with multiple charities earning her an OAM in 2016. She founded and ran the Peter Brock Foundation from 1997 to 2005 and then later she was on the Board of the Skyline Foundation and was Patron of the Lighthouse Foundation. Some two and a half years ago Bev was diagnosed with stage four cancer and died last Sunday leaving behind three children, seven beloved grandchildren and a host of loved ones, many of whom she helped and supported in some way. She inspired us all and we miss her dearly.
The Brock Family posted the below to social media Sunday 7 April 24:
Beverley Brock
15/01/1947-07/4/2024
Two years after her stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Beverley Brock OAM passed away at home early Sunday morning.
Born on January 15th, 1947 just outside of Perth, W.A, she was one of 7 kids. Bev studied education, going on to teach science and home economics. With her first husband, James McIintosh, she had a son, James and later had two more children, Robert and Alexandra with her partner, Peter Brock.
Bev was a dedicated parent, always making time to make a costume for a play or help out on a school camp. She dedicated her life to helping Peter’s racing career taking on multiple roles, all met with skill, smarts and purpose. Beverley was also involved with multiple charities earning her an Order of Australia in 2016. Over the last few years she focused her time and passion on The Skyline Foundation, Melbourne Rotary, Public speaking and her ever expanding family.
She leaves behind her three children, 7 cherished grandchildren and a host of loved ones she wrapped into her life as though they were her own.
Her loss will be immense as her presence, wisdom and support can never be matched.
Memorial service to be announced.
