Long-serving Rotarian dies, aged 87
Long-serving Rotarian Mr Colin Pratt has died at the age of 87.
A member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water, Mr Pratt joined Rotary at French's Forest in 1981 after he was guest speaker talking about computer technology, said Brisbane Water club secretary Ms Di Bartok.
"He was a pioneer in the development of our country's computer industry and accounting systems.
"Born in London on July 25, 1937, Colin Stuart Vaughan Pratt's childhood coincided with World War Two.
"He was evacuated to the country during the Blitz.
"Sadly, Colin's father died when he was a child and he was forced to become the family's breadwinner.
"This led him to seek a better life in Australia."
"He arrived in Sydney with his brother, Graham, as Ten Pound Poms on July 13, 1960, with the rest of the family following a short time later.
"Colin trained as an accountant in Sydney and met wife Margaret.
"Their dreams of starting a family didn't eventuate and they adopted a boy.
"A short time later, Colin and Margaret welcomed a biological daughter.
"Dreaming of a large family, they became foster parents of a brother and sister, with another biological daughter completing the family a short time later.
"Colin spent many years with the Scout movement.
"In 1967, Colin was one of the first members of the newly-established Australian Computer Society, which represents our country's technology community, across industry, government and education.
"Colin held positions on the board of the Computer Society and ran about 120 education programs for the association.
"Colin's technical book, 'The Accountants' Computer Handbook', was published in 1986.
Upon joining the Rotary Club of French's Forest, he was asked to promote the upcoming district conference.
"From that point on, he held many board positions, including community, youth and international directorships.
"Upon moving to the Central Coast, Colin joined Erina club where he spent many years.
"While there, Colin helped raise funds for Central Coast Marine Rescue.
"In 2011, Colin served on the international committee when New Zealand suffered a major earthquake.
"Colin later transferred his Rotary membership to Woy Woy where he served as treasurer.
"When Rotary Brisbane Water was formed four years ago, Colin transferred to the club as a charter member."
SOURCE:.
Social media, 13 Feb 2024
Di Bartok, Rotary Brisbane Water