Waverley Little Athletics Centre Inc.

To the members of the Little Athletics Community and abroad,

With great sadness and a heavy heart, I wish to inform you that our good friend and fellow Waverley Life Member, Mr Bruce Reynolds OAM, passed away peacefully today at 11:30am (21st March 2022) surrounded by his loved ones. He was 91 years of age. 

Mr Bruce L. Reynolds OAM, simply known to everyone as Bruce, was a highly respected and very dedicated Little Athletics volunteer, that served the association for 50 years. But more importantly, before Little Athletics and all of his accolades, Bruce was a devoted Partner, Father and Grandfather and a great friend and mentor to many. Bruce was a true gentleman and he will be sorely missed by everyone that ever knew him. 

Bruce was a devoted Little Athletics volunteer. He was involved for 50 years, making him one of the longest serving volunteers in Little Athletics history. His involvement commenced in 1971, at the Hamersley Little Athletics Centre in Western Australia. Bruce served at the Centre from 1971/75, before moving his family back to Glen Waverley and taking up a permanent position at Waverley. 

Bruce’s involvement at Waverley commenced in 1975, when he joined the Committee and served from 1975/78. After his retirement from the Committee, Bruce continued to volunteer for a further 43 years, from 1978 until 2021, as a Walk Judge. He always attended our AGM’s, other special events and supported the various Committees over the years. 

In 1977, Bruce joined the VLAA Board of Management where he served until 1982. He also served on the Education Committee for 5-6 years in the 2000’s. Bruce was a regular representative and Key Official at Region and State events from 1975 until about 2013/2014 when he finally retired from both levels. 

For his services to Little Athletics, Bruce was awarded VLAA Life Governor in 1985, Waverley Life Member in 1997 and the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021. Bruce was thrilled with his OAM award, one of his favourite memories and achievements. 

In recent years, Bruce’s health declined and he eventually moved into an aged care residence, where he was highly respected and very well looked after. I was fortunate enough to visit Bruce just over two weeks ago, while he was in good health. He spent his final days with his partner by his side and surrounded by those who loved him dearly. He passed away on 21st March 2022 at 11:30am. 

Bruce, you will be sorely missed by many and your absence will certainly be felt. 

Kind Regards,

Dylan Cooper

President and Life Member

Waverley Little Athletics Centre Inc.