David Rattray being presented with Honourary Membership by Friends of the Heysen Trail President, Robert Alcock
We were saddened to hear that David Rattray, one of our treasured volunteers died on July 16th 2025, at the age of 77 years.
David was a lover of the outdoors and as well as his service to the Heysen Trail, he had extended involvement with service and community groups including the Naval Reserve and Scouts Australia.
David was awarded the Order of the Australia Medal in 2007 for his service to youth through the Scouting movement.
As far as his association with the Friends is concerned, David became a member in the early 1990s and received his End-to-End certificate (no 104) in the winter of 2003.
In 2005 David commenced service as a volunteer in the Office, soon after retiring and joined Council in 2008. Within a year he added the role of Membership Secretary to his list of responsibilities.
Around the end of 2010 David also took on the position of Chair of the Office Committee. He continued to carry on all of these responsibilities. It is a credit to David that he steered the Office Committee and volunteers through several years of substantial change while ensuring that we provided advice and service to members and walkers.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded Honorary membership of the Friends in 2016. His nomination was accompanied by the following recommendation:
Those who have worked with David in the Office over many years can attest to his amazing dedication.
Always at work well before anyone else, he has everything organised for the rest of the team when they arrive. No problem is too difficult and David’s knowledge of every aspect of how the organisation and the office systems work is second to none.
At times when the pressure is on, David’s calm professional approach prevails.
He always had the interest of volunteers, walkers and members in mind in the many roles that he held with the Friends.
Sadly, David relinquished his position as Chair of the Office Committee in 2020 due to increasing impact of Parkinson’s disease. It is to his credit that he kept up his attendance at the Office every Tuesday until illness forced his resignation only a few months ago.
David may have left us, but he won’t be forgotten.
We extend our condolences to Dianne and family.