THE Barmera community is in mourning after the recent untimely death of a dedicated volunteer and former citizen of the year.
Rob Todd, 81, died after suffering a medical episode at the Barmera Community Men’s Shed on June 17.
Mr Todd, a former insurance assessor, made numerous contributions to the Berri Barmera district through his involvement as a member and past president of the Barmera Lions Club and as founder of the Barmera Men’s Shed.
He was also a member of the Mallee branch of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club.
Mr Todd established the Men’s Shed in August 2009 at the boat shed on the Barmera lakefront and negotiated its move to its current site at the old show pavilion on Bruce Oval.
He held the position of co-ordinator from 2011 to 2018 and continued to serve on the committee as secretary and treasurer, and as a workshop supervisor.
For his efforts he was a co-recipient of the 2012 Berri Barmera Citizen of the Year award.
Current shed co-ordinator John Hughes said Mr Todd was “very understanding” of the needs of others in the group.
“His expertise was endless. His woodworking, lathe work, metalwork, mechanical and administrative skills were unmatched,” he said.
“He was community minded and always cared and assisted within the community where possible, especially with local projects.
“The Barmera Community Men’s Shed is a tribute to the efforts he has put into it over the last 12 years of his life.
“In other words, he was the nuts and bolts of the organisation, making him a difficult man to fill the shoes of.
“He’s a hard man to replace – one of a kind.”
Mr Todd’s funeral service will be held at the Barmera Golf Club this Friday, July 2, at 11am.