By Kath Gannaway
The sudden death of Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd chairman Peter Kimberley has come as a terrible blow to his family, many friends and the Warburton community.
The Mail wrote in April of Peter’s appointment to the Board of Trustees of world-wide service organisation Kiwanis International, and of his passion for taking on that role.
He was inducted into that role at the Kiwanis International Convention in Paris, and was flying home with his wife Sue when he became gravely ill as the plane flew into Dubai.
He passed away on 18 July.
As a new-comer to Warburton, Peter joined the UYCEL board, continuing his passion for volunteering and community building, and in that role was often the face of the Warburton and Yarra Junction Bendigo Community Banks within the Upper Yarra communities.
UYCEL fellow board member Jim Child said his death had devastated his colleagues and friends.
“In a way, Peter was unique for us … he was an unknown when he applied for directorship at the bank,” Mr Child said.
“It says a lot about him that he became our chair.
“Everyone admired him, he was such a positive person for the community and always ready to sit and discuss the pros and cons of a proposal and come to a good decision.”
He said Peter’s financial expertise was overwhelming and that he was a pleasure to work with.
Peter was a Kiwanian for 35 years, holding numerous leadership positions including district governor, Asia Pacific chairman and regional director of The Eliminate Project that aims to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide.
A funeral service for Peter will be held at Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood East on Friday, 4 August at 2pm.
The Mail extends sincere condolences to Sue and their two sons and their families.
