EUAN WATSON was President of the Rotary Club of Strathfield in the 1994-1995 year. Euan was a truly great President. Those of us who served on Euan’s board experienced first hand Euan’s unrelenting passion for Rotary considerable talent as a Administrator unique leadership skills unrivalled ability to inspire others love of Rotary fellowship concern for and wish to help those in need Euan was in so many ways the embodiment of the central ethos of Rotary – “SERVICE ABOVE SELF”. Euan set very high standards in everything he undertook. He challenged himself and others to achieve excellence. He never asked anybody to do anymore than he was prepared to do himself and was not happy to accept any less.
Euan wore his “Can Do” attitude like a badge of honour. Euan’s year as President yielded a record-breaking effort in fund raising which is unlikely to be surpassed. Numerous charitable and medical research organisations benefited from this remarkable achievement including MS Research and Chalmers Road Special School amongst a host of other beneficiaries. A great highlight of Euan’s year as President was his famous night at the Sydney Opera House which featured a gala concert showcasing such luminaries as Kamal and four young men who have now become Australian show business icons, Human Nature. This was a true testament to Euan’s amazing ability to accomplish great things and enduring memories. It was this Rotarian’s privilege to succeed Euan as President of Strathfield Rotary. It is in no small way a testament to Euan’s ability to convince people to move out of their comfort zone that he convinced me to perform with him on stage our Change-Over night our rather perverse (and highly embarrassing) rendition of “Bosom Buddies” with full orchestra and associated theatreatics. This was but one example of Euan’s exuberance for life and his all embracing commitment to the values of Rotary fellowship. As certain as it is that Rotary is the poorer for Euan’s passing our lives are the richer for having been touched by him. Joseph Saad
Following Doctor Euan’s Orders???
One of my great joys was the time and effort Euan (and others in the cycling group) put into me to try and get me fit and reduce my food intake (particularly raisin toast after a ride). One of my greatest disappointments (in myself!) is that despite his best efforts and getting me to ride distances on a bike I could never have previously contemplated, I haven't lost that weight and lately my cycling fitness has also gone backwards. Nevertheless my sincere commitment is to regain the fitness I briefly had, (around the time I did the Taupo ride in NZ) and to strenuously work to reduce my weight. I'm sure I will have his support and blessing from up above for this, and the continued "support" of my cycling buddies. One of my fond memories of Euan was this year when after a stint of seemingly successful stem cell replacement therapy, within a few weeks he asked me to go for a ride with him around Olympic Park. After suggesting he take it "easy" because of what he had just been through, he here was sprinting down Hill Road leaving me in his wake, (which isn't that hard anyway) and riding around 25km for this "easy" ride. The guy just didn't know the meaning of tasking it easy. Everything Euan did was always a 100% commitment, and we loved and appreciated him for it. Sadly, this brief stint of health didn't last and probably the worst I've ever felt was when he told me he would never be able to cycle again. Thankfully, his contact with the Sunday cycle group remained when he often (when not in hospital when we went to him) joined us for coffee after our ride. Leedy told me today that Euan despite his progressing illness and increasing pain would be dressed and ready waiting for the phone call to come and join the group at Gloria Jeans at Newington. Cycling will not be the same without him. Steve Taylor
Our dear friend Euan Watson had many qualities.He was friendly, positive, caring, enthusiastic, efficient, a born organiser, a successful President and an excellent team leader of a rotary group study exchange team, hospitable and above all a family man.
Euan was the first person to be sympathetic to my condition of anxciety and depression. I found it difficult to accept after being in the retail business for over forty years, he put me in touch with the appropriate people and on the long road to recovery.
Mary and I were neighbours of Euan in Newton Road Strathfield, and they were the best. We must keep in touch with Leedy and family to help fill the void.
We have many treasured memories of Leedy and Euan we love them dearly. Farewell but never forgotten God Bless you.
Ted Ingall
It was with heart-felt sadness that I informed our Club members of the passing of Dr. Euan Watson; Rotarian, Past President (1994-95) and Paul Harris Fellow. Just a couple of memories about Euan I would like to share with fellow Rotarians: To my family he was a very caring person, first evident when our son Alexander fell from a tree at a Rotary Grove planting ceremony. Alex was 10 years old at the time (now 23), falling awkwardly on his elbow. Immediately Euan took Alex to his rooms at Bankstown where he X-rayed for fractures (fortunately there were none). Alex and I enjoyed working on the alterations to Euan and Leedy’s weekender at Patonga a couple of years ago. Euan seemed to think that we should take a few short cuts on the job so as to minimise costs. I constantly reminded him of the “horses for courses” principle; in this case “I build and you doctor”. We worked together harmoniously once Euan followed the principle. We will miss his smiling face, something he managed to produce every time we met. So long friend. President Brian Johnston
The Eulogy read by Past President Peter Manenti at Euan's Funeral Service Tuesday 31 July 2007
It is my privilege to speak on behalf of Strathfield Rotary
The year was 1988 when a young Dr Euan Watson joined Strathfield Rotary. His introduction was not just a breath of fresh air ---It was like the winds of a cyclone. These winds of enthusiasm lasted till his illness sapped his strength ---even then there was always the breeze of persuasion.
It can be said that Euan introduced a new upbeat, enthusiastic and positive culture to our Club. Within a short period Euan became a Director and was considered a senior member of Strathfield Rotary. His passion and belief in what Rotary could do for the community was unlimited. His enthusiasm was infectious and inspired others to achieve goals not thought possible.
Euan’s achievements in Rotary would fill pages. He served as Director on many Club Boards and as Chairman of several Committees. He was Club President in the year 1994/95.He served as Chairman of District Committees. He was Leader of Group Study Exchange Group to USA. He was awarded the “Paul Harris Fellowship” for Services to Rotary and the Community; the equivalent to a Knighthood in the Rotary World.
Euan will be remembered for many other achievements –
I recall the memorable Gala Charity Function at the ANA Hotel and Sportsmans Gala Dinner at the Regent Hotel, elegant and sophisticated functions raising in excess of $70,000 for charity. The Presidents Change Over Ball at Strathfield Town Hall - Euan had secret ambitions of being a Cabaret Entertainer. This was his opportunity --- with outgoing President John Elvy they strutted their song and dance routine on the historic stage. After that performance Euan decided that he would stick to medicine.
Euan was the Chairman of District Governor David Crofts District Conference at Tumbi Yumbi -----------a huge success of logistic planning.During his year as President he was responsible for raising funds for the Strathfield Council Community Bus. He initiated funding for the Life Education Van responsible for anti Drug Education.
Euan's greatest passion in Rotary was the Youth Services. He was involved with:
Group Study Exchange
Youth Exchange
Youth Leadership and RYLA
He had great belief and confidence in the youth of today who would be the leaders of tomorrow.
He was the instigator of the Olympic Park Charity Bike Ride. The Rotary Grove in recognition of all Presidents was commenced in Euan’s year - and the achievements go on and on
Euan gave 100% of himself and expected support from his peers and members. If the support was slow in forthcoming, he would ask in a persuasive manner -----------------it was difficult to say no when confronted with such an enthusiastic smile.
Not withstanding his wonderful achievements and contributions to Rotary, he was above all a good friend. He was always available with a disarming smile for those who were in need of counselling, advise or support, be it moral, personal or medical. Euan enjoyed the company of friends and it was always a pleasure to share a glass of red or a scotch after our meetings ---- discussing the fortune of the All Blacks or the Wallabies.
Euan has left us, but his legacy will live with the Rotary Club for many years.
As you all know, he always stated that living at Cabarita was like being in paradise --- I believe that Euan is now in another paradise. I am sure that you can imagine that at this very moment he is harassing St Peter to form a new Rotary Club or that he is gathering together a group of cyclists for next Sundays ride along the Heavenly Highways, or preparing to play golf on the cloudy fairways !!!!!!!!!!Leedy, Paula, Nigel, Karl, with Justin Elizabeth and families; On behalf of President Brian and all Rotarians I express our condolences. You will have our ongoing support as we share your grief and together we celebrate his life and his achievements. We have all been blessed to share in Euan’s life in some way. He has touched us and made us more understanding and tolerant. He bore his illness with great dignity, always positive always smiling - always compassionate - always hoping. We have lost a friend, who has helped to make this world a better place for us to live in.
Euan we will miss you - but your legacy will live on!!!
Peter Manenti
Dr Euan Watson Memorial Garden Opened At Studdy MS Centre
The multiple sclerosis Studdy Centre in Lidcombe, has an extensive new outdoor garden in which patients will be able to exercise, socialise and enjoy the outdoors. The result of the latest community services project of the Rotary Club of Strathfield, the new amenity has a large stencilled concrete area covered by a 128 square metre UV protective shade sail overlooking a 100 square metre raised garden and water feature.
Officially opened by Leedy Watson on 28 November 2007 at a special dinner at the centre, the garden is dedicated to the memory of her late husband, Dr Euan Watson, the well known and highly respected local physician and long-time Strathfield Rotarian who died earlier this year.
Please Click the image below to see a slide show
(click image to enlarge)
Vale Euan