I am pleased to be able to thank all the people of the Fairhaven SLSC and the local Community for the wonderful support, sympathy and generosity to Sammy, Sarah, Emma and myself following Tim’s death.
Fairhaven was such a special place for Tim. His memory will live on through all of his achievements in the surf movement, through his children and through the Tim Gates Foundation which has been established following many kind donations to the Club.
I want to tell you something of the Foundation, set up to honour the memory of someone who has touched the life of so many people.
The Foundation is a not for profit trust which will invest the funds and provide the income arising for the benefit of Fairhaven SLSC. It is to commemorate those values for which Tim stood and was passionate in instilling into the Nippers and into the lives of young people with whom he came in contact.
Each year, a proportion of the interest will, under the direction of myself and the other trustees of the Foundation, including the President of the Club, be granted to a young member or members of the Club or for similar purpose in accordance with the aims of the Foundation, to assist those members in their pursuit of excellence in the surf life saving movement. The sort of excellence Tim espoused and passed onto others all of his life.
Any donation will make a significant impact upon the life of such a young person in the Fairhaven SLSC.
It is my hope the Foundation will grow and there will be various fund raising events from time to time in the future to create more opportunities in Tim’s memory.
Through the kindness of Tim’s good friends, Peter Hays, Kim Baker and Marty Maher a commemorative photo has been produced and will be available for purchase. Monies raised on the day will go to the Foundation.
I would like to thank all those who been so supportive, particularly who I have not been able to speak to in person. I have received so many heartfelt letters. Let me share a sentiment from a parent of a Nipper Tim instructed briefly one summer:
“…in those 15 minutes he seems to have instilled a love of board riding that I suspect will last a lifetime. I am quite certain that these fifteen minutes exemplified Gatesy’s life – taking the time, instilling the passion, and teaching what needed to be taught – all with laughter, fun and love of his fellow human beings.
His rapport with children was something to watch. I was deeply moved to see a person I knew from the early years as a formidable competitor, show a side of himself during Nippers that all parents could take a lesson from. His passion for the surf and for the kids was obvious.”
Fairhaven Nipper Parent
Thank you again for your kindness, support and generosity.
Jane Gates
