Message from the Commodore

VALE MATT PYNE

We are all saddened by the news of Matt’s passing on Monday 17 January after a hard-fought battle with cancer. 

Matt officially commenced as Marina Manager at Middle Harbour in December 2011, although many would have known him prior to this as he worked with Geoff Pearson for about 10 years at the yacht brokerage, located at the Club and at Northshore Yachts.  

It was his strong boating and waterfront knowledge that set Matt apart. Matt was always available to members, providing invaluable advice on boats and other marine matters. His expertise and innovation regarding the technical aspects of the marina was outstanding, he was always quick to pick up the tools to do marina maintenance or any odd jobs around the club.

Commercially, Matt understood the importance of the marina to the financial success of the Club, he aimed to keep the marina berths occupied and add the odd extra boat to keep revenue flowing.  

His dedication and commitment to the Club would be seen many a time when the marina was exposed to storms, or the weather turned threatening. Matt was diligent in taking precautions regarding mooring lines on members’ boats, informing members of approaching storms, and when serious storms occurred, he would be on site securing boats, even if it was in the middle of the night.  

Matt was a gentleman, always polite, always able to relate to people and make them comfortable, and he was always happy.  Matt was also the "Go-to” man if anyone had a problem or needed advice. His advice was not confined to just the marina but to all matters of life. People would pop into his office to speak with him, he was always quick to say "Pull up a chair " then start listening. One of his many strengths was that he was a great listener, he also had a great sense of humour, and was a positive influence in many of our lives. 

As his health deteriorated, Matt retained his sense of humour and was able to answer friend’s questions about his health and turn it into a laugh, this helped us all deal with a very difficult situation.

To his family, wife Suzanne, and sons Sam & Tom, Matt will be remembered as a great Man and is forever part of the fabric of this Club. He was one of those rare people that by their very nature have left his mark. Anyone lucky enough to have known Matt has always come away enriched by the experience of his company 
              

Our deepest sympathies for this terrible loss of such a wonderful person. 

Peter Lewis 
COMMODORE