AIRCOMMODORE John Stewart Back, AFC (Ret'd)

It is with deep sadness that I have to inform you that our former president and much respected life member of Weston Creek Tennis Club (John) Stewart Back passed away in early January this year after a short stretch in care following a period of ill health.

Apart from being an avid tennis player and bike rider, Stewart was an active president of our club who tirelessly promoted its recognition as a community asset. He strongly supported the movement of the club to the ClubSpark administration system, including moving the ancient the court booking system away from the use of a third party and the need for keys to an electronic system. He took every opportunity to join with Tennis ACT to promote the 'game for life'.

Whenever there was a need for volunteers to support the needs of the club, Stewart was at the forefront. With Geoff Kotz and Hugh Bush he was intrumental in rebuilding the gazebos after the original pair had been vandalised and destroyed. There were many working bees where Stewart could be counted as one of the participants.

Players in the seniors social group will remember Stewart's friendliness and willingness to engage in reminiscences. He was an active participant in the post match post mortems at morning tea after a morning of social tennis, often reminding us of his service as a Mirage pilot in his airforce days. The epic mid-year and Christmas lunches that Stewart and his his wife Lydia organised for the social players over the years were and still are a special legacy. They were generally at the clubhouse and their success was (and still is) also due to the efforts of many willing volunteers coralled by Stewart. 

To his widow and co tennis player Lydia, the club extends its sympathy and condolences.