This article is a excerpt from Tribute given by Noel Trevaskis OAM at Michael’s funeral.
Michael's Rotary involvements include two stints as Club President Canberra South, twice 1989-2000, 1999-2000. Because of his love for the Rotary Foundation, he was Chair of the Foundation for a number of years at both Canberra South and Tuggeranong. At District level he served in various roles including Chair, at different times, of the Rotaract, Scholarship, Membership Attraction and Engagement, and Fellowship committees. At Zone level he was the first Endowment and Major Gifts Adviser for our Zone 8. In 2010 Michael and Julia became Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation.
His greatest desire was to become a District governor which he did for 2009-2010. The theme for his year was “The Future of Rotary is in your hands”. Michael embraced the theme and was proud to be a part of the Governors for that year who referred to themselves as “The Clan” as the President for that year was John Kenny from Scotland.
In 2010 Michael was especially proud as District Governor to accept on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of Canberra the ACT Citizens of the year Award. This was the first time for a service club to receive the award.
He was a counsellor for all the Foundation Scholars that were hosted by Canberra South. He also started the yearly visits of the Brisbane based Peace Scholars to Canberra.
The Pedler family were exceptional supporters of the Youth Exchange programme, they hosted many Youth Exchange students. Their children Tiffany and Daniel were youth Exchange students.
Michael was wonderful Rotarian who loved and enjoyed his Rotary. He did live by the Four Way Test
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better Friendships?
Will it beneficial to all concerned?