By Kath Gannaway
Yarra Ranges Council has paid tribute to former O’Shannassy Ward councillor Maurie McQuade who passed away on Friday, 20 July, 2018, aged 91.
Mr McQuade was a councillor with the Upper Yarra Shire Council from 1991 to 1994 and, following the amalgamation of shires, served on the Yarra Ranges Council from 1997 to 2000.
During the amalgamation period he remained very active in local affairs and established the Yarra Junction Swim Committee to fundraise and build the Yarra Centre at Yarra Junction and served on numerous committees including Waste Management, Warburton Rail Trail and Bushfire Prevention.
Speaking at the Council meeting on Tuesday, 25 July, Cr Jim Child, also a former Upper Yarra councillor, said he knew Mr McQuade personally and respected his involvement in the community.
“Maurie was a passionate member of the Wesburn-Millgrove Fire Brigade and a passionate contributor to his community. He will be sorely missed,” he said.
Cr Len Cox also spoke paying tribute to his former colleague both as a man and as a councillor who he said had a very strong interest in working for his community.
“What I learnt from Maurie then was what a gentleman he was,” he said.
“He worked hard for all those years to make life in that area better than what it was.
“Maurie retired in 2000 and had earned such a deep respect from the rest of the councillors during that time.
“It was a pleasure to know the man,” he said.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home in Wantirna on Wednesday, 1 August, at 1pm.
The Mail extends condolences to Mr McQuade’s family and to his council colleagues.
