RESPECTED former local Returned and Services League (RSL) president Henry Cadd recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
Mr Cadd celebrated the milestone occasion at the Sandhurst Bowls Club with about 60 family members, friends and RSL representatives.
While now residing in Sandhurst, Mr Cadd served the Swan Hill and surrounding community for many years.
He joined the Woorinen RSL sub-branch in 1947 and was a committee member for 30 years.
During his three decades, he spent 18 consecutive years as president (1955 to 1973) and remained a committee member until 1984.
Swan Hill RSL vice-president Harold Heslop described Mr Cadd as “a great leader”, “a very good organiser”and someone he turned to for advice.
“Henry has been one that leads by example, whenever there was anything to be organised, he would approach members and explain the task at hand,” Mr Heslop told The Guardian.
“He got straight to the point, he didn’t suffer fools gladly.
“He was my mentor and I wouldn’t have gone as far as I did with the RSL if it wasn’t for him.”
During his time as president, Mr Cadd spent countless hours assisting members with advice about their entitlements as well as assisting widows or members to obtain their entitlements by referring them to legacy for assistance.
Between 1954 and 1978, he became the logistics co-ordinator for sub-branch and ladies auxiliary annual debutante ball.
“If the ladies auxiliary were ever in need of some advice, they’d check with Henry because of his extensive and thorough RSL knowledge,” Mr Heslop said.
“He was one of the catalysts behind Swan Hill RSL starting to run bingo every Friday afternoon and oversaw proceedings at bingo from 1985 to 2000.”
In 1973, Mr Cadd was awarded life membership with the RSL and in 2002 he was presented with the prestigious RSL Meritorious Service Medal for services rendered over a long period of time to the RSL.
Mr Cadd filled many other roles with the RSL including representing the sub-branch on sporting occasions and spent time regularly visiting the local hospital checking on the welfare of members who fell ill.
He was responsible for the formation of the Tyntynder Junior Football Club in 1968, helping to convert an old recreation reserve into a football ground.
“Henry has no doubt been very community-minded, especially for the ex-service community,” Mr Heslop said.
“He has been and still is an inspiration to all who have known him and has been a great leader and tutor.”
