Irwin Prowse
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August 20, 1914 - August 16, 2015
THE Bega Valley Genealogy Society has lost a founding member, who celebrated his centenary on August 20, 2014.
Irwin Prowse and his wife Joyce were member numbers three and four of the society and from the beginning were major contributors to its progress.
They went on to become the society’s first fellows and life members, the highest honour the society can give.
Mr Prowse was born in Adelong and lived much of his life in Canberra.
He was present at the opening of Old Parliament House, was among the first students at Canberra Grammar School, played in the first game of rugby staged in Canberra and was president of the ACT Gymnastic Society.
Mr Prowse became an officer of the Order of the British Empire in June 1979 and served for three years as a part time member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
The society considers themselves lucky that Mr and Ms Prowse decided to retire to Merimbula.
For 13 years they both worked tirelessly for the Bega Valley Genealogy Society.
They were instrumental in organising the society’s first Monumental Inscription books, attending all the cemeteries in the Bega Valley, transcribing, typing, self publishing and the funds they generated certainly helped to put the society in a good financial position.
Mr Prowse also found time to write a book: From Cornwall to the Colonies - a Prowse Chronicle, 1790-1990.
In August 2000, after a farewell gathering at the society’s library and research centre, the Prowses moved back to Canberra to be closer to their family.
Sadly, Ms Prowse died in 2010.
In 2012, Mr Prowse and his daughter travelled down to join the society's 25th birthday celebrations.
Last year he was described as “A sprightly gent with a memory bank that retrieves and remembers in excellent detail and a happy demeanour that has stood him in good stead”.
His recommendations for a long life: “Porridge in the morning, whisky at night and don't overdo exercise”.
The Bega Valley Genealogy Society offer their sincere condolences to his family.
