Many members will be aware of the passing of Michael Connelly in April this year.

Michael was a Foundation Member and Honorary Life Member of Swan-Midland Rostrum Club 39 and remained a most active and stalwart member to that Club.

After Critic Accreditation in 1981 over a long period Michael assisted other Clubs as Allocated Critic and, in appreciation of Michael’s service during its formative years, Club 24 awarded him a Life Membership.

With his outstanding services, either as an Allocated Critic or assistant to other Clubs, Michael was awarded a Bronze Medallion for service to Training Council in 2004.

As a result of his outstanding service to Club 39, other Clubs and Rostrum WA DAIS, Michael was elevated to Freeman of Rostrum Australia in 2009. Tributes to Michael include reference to him as a community man with generosity in his time to Rostrum, Rotary and Swan View Senior High School P & C. He received Rotary International’s highest award, the Paul Harris Fellowship, in recognition of his service.

Tributes from Freemen include reference to his long service to a number of Clubs, his warmth and friendly disposition and his reliability.

Club 39 and Rostrum WA will miss Michael’s steadfast and obliging support and service, getting things done in his no fuss manner.

Many Rostrum members attended Michael’s funeral and condolences were given to his wife Pat, daughters Tracy and Meechelle and families.

Freeman Alan Ham, Chairman of Freemen’s Council