By KATH GANNAWAY
THE old guard is passing.
Sadly, the Yarra Valley has lost three of its prominent and respected ‘elders’ and community workers in recent weeks.
Bruce Oliver from Gruyere was a dedicated CFA volunteer with Wandin and Gruyere brigades who was also involved in Mont De Lancey, the Lilydale Historical Society, the Yarra Valley Steam Machinery Society and other organisations over his lifetime. Bruce, 83, died on 23 March.
Coldstream stalwart, Valda (Val) Sheehan was also a passionate local historian who was a strong advocate for improvements to the township she loved. Val was also a member of the Lilydale Historicial Society and author of several books on the Coldstream/Yering district.
She was a loyal supporter of the local football and cricket clubs.
Val died on 27 March at 87 years of age.
Athol Egeberg served the Healesville community as a Shire of Healesville councillor, including a period as shire president.
He served in World War 2, in the Citizens’ Military Forces (now the Army Reserve) and in Korea and had a long and distinguished association with Healesville RSL, including time as president.
Athol died on 3 April, aged 89 years.
The Mail will pay tribute to the esteemed community members in coming issues.
