Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 777 Issue Date: 25 Mar, 2024

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Douglas presents

A Life Well Lived

Guest Speaker this week was our very own Grumpy ’ole Man, Douglas Bruce.

    Subject:   A Life well lived…and still going strong!

 

 Born just a few years ago in Scotland, Douglas was sent off to Boarding school at 7 years of age!

 As Douglas grew up he always had his eyes set on becoming a Pilot.  He joined the Air Force at 18 years of age and progressed on to Pilot training school. Unfortunately, one of the fitness tests applied by the Air Force was for “high tone deafness” and he failed this test.  Unfortunately this meant the end of his Pilot aspirations. Douglas then applied to be transferred to National Service which gave him the exit to the Air Force he then desired.

After a little time at home his Dad organized a job as a Trainee Salesman in the Grain trade. This led to a promotion as a Grain Trader based in London. And just to prove the story that behind every Grumpy ’ole Man there is the support of a lovely Lady, Douglas met Molly and they were married in 1960. During the time they were in London, Douglas befriended a neighbour who specialized in Precision Engineering.  As the friendship grew they decided to se up a business together. His friend bought the engineering molds and identified the products to be produced and Douglas looked after the General Management of the company.  Douglas continued with his Grain Trader role for a time but eventually recognized that the new Company required his full time attention. Business was good and the company grew and was successful.  But, Asia was making inroads to their business and competition was tough.     

The Girl Friday

Norwegen embroidery! Done by Bruce in a Winter lay off!

Fortunately, at this time, Douglas recognized that “Retirement IS for living”! He had spent some 5 years building a boat and so it was time for Molly and himself to “Go Sailing”!! So, at 50 years of age he left for Holland, on to the Baltics, /Sweden and 8 years in Norway..(until the locals finally realized they did not have valid visas!! And like the well known adverts promoting sales of knifes with extra free items…there is more!!  During his time sailing, Douglas also used his qualification as an international Hockey umpire to referee matches in Pakistan and India.  And that story is for another time.

Writing his story reminds me of the advice which I have always given my children and grandchildren..follow your dreams,,and if you take life’s many opportunities and DO what you like…You will like what you DO!!

                                                                                                  

Author: Bill Frazer

Published: 24 January, 2021

 


Meeting Rosters
Date
Setup & Door
Setup & Door
Guest Speaker Host
Invocation & Toast
Raffle & Rotary Cor
Guest Speaker Thanks
Fines Master
Chairman
27 Mar, 24
Barry Dring
 
Grant Woodhams
Robert Mosel
Phil Martin
Terry Stewart
Karen Godfrey
Geoff Wood
10 Apr, 24
Laurie Dines
 
Ian Taylor
Karen Godfrey
Hugh Lavery
Jason McCarthy
Robert Symington
Geoff Wood
© Copyright 2006 R. L. Dender All Rights Reserved