Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Bruce Valpied

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (09:44): Today I wish to say thank you to a gentleman who had an extraordinary reputation across western Victoria for his dedication to family and community. Seventy-seven-year-old Bruce Valpied died last month after a two-year battle with lymphoma. Bruce was born in Ballarat, the son of a fruiterer and one of seven children. After starting his career in Melbourne in the police force he moved to Horsham with his young family and wife Kaye. It was a place where he took up small business, ultimately becoming an undertaker, a role he continued with dignity until retirement.

Bruce made his mark with the community. He was actively engaged in multiple service and sporting clubs – the epitome of a real local. His return to his home town in 2008 was Ballarat’s great fortune. Again he committed to Rotary in a big way and also to the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club, with 11 years as the club secretary. The Mackenzie/Valpied Award now recognises those who give service to sport. Beyond all this, Bruce Valpied was a beautiful husband, father and grandfather. He was loved and will be truly missed. Vale, Bruce Valpied.