Sydney Community Services’ board and staff are saddened by the death of former Hunters Hill-Ryde Community Services President, Gary Traill. Many of us were privileged to know Gary and all of us have been privileged to be involved in an organisation which benefited from his legal and mediation skills, his vision for the growth of the organisation and his care for people.
Gary touched many people across different communities – professionally, in his church, at St Joseph’s College, and with charity and many other activities.
Gary was initially a director of Gladesville Community Aid, and then Hunters Hill Ryde Community Services and he contributed immeasurably as these organisations evolved into what is now Sydney Community Services. He had the vision for the organisation to grow and the merger to build the critical mass that would make the new organisation succeed.
Gary’s contribution was not only business-oriented: he had empathy for clients and staff and, even in tough financial times, did not let the Board forget its vision and grassroots purpose – for the community. The Vice Chair of Sydney Community Services (previously President of Hunters Hill Ryde Community Services) Warren Bell, is one of many who will ‘miss the unique glint in Gary’s eye in a moment of fun’ and who are glad to have shared time with Gary.
Our condolences and best wishes go to Gary’s family – wife Suzanne, and Julian, Elizabeth, Christopher, Catherine, Paul and Mark.
