Derek Claridge 1946 – 2016
It is with great sadness that TA WA acknowledges the passing of long term member Derek Claridge.
After many years with failing health Derek had a heart transplant in 2000 and proceeded to embody all that TA stands for. He always did his best to promote organ and tissue donation and certainly lived his life to the fullest. He was an enthusiastic participant in many Australian and World Transplant Games where he won lots of medals.
One of his great loves was cycling and in 2004, with the help of family and friends, he rode from Perth to Adelaide to publicise our cause. What a demonstration of the power of organ transplantation and the quality of life that ensues. He arrived at the Adelaide Transplant Games Opening Ceremony where he was welcomed by the mother of the donor who had given him the gift of life.
Derek and Mary have also been very active members of TA WA branch where Derek took various roles including being president from 2002 – 2004. He and Mary were members of the Local Organising Committee for the Australian Transplant Games in Perth in 2008. They moved to Victoria for a couple of years where Derek participated in the Tour de Transplant 2014, and late last year they returned to Perth and once again joined us at TA WA social gatherings.
Derek had a quirky sense of humour and it’s hard to imagine that he won’t just pop up at the next Games or gathering as he has always done in the past. He was an excellent advocate for TA WA and organ and tissue donation and he will be greatly missed here in Perth.
Our thoughts are with Mary and the family.
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