A Great Celebration of Pete Rodgers-Wilsons Life
10 August, 2026
Over 300 people attended the Memorial Service for Pete on Thursday August 6 at the Mornington Bowling Club….and what a joyous celebration it was!
Carefully MC’d by Pete and Susie’s daughter Lucy Gilfillan, the service heard from Susie about his recent health battles and the wonderful opportunity the VAD provided for Pete to say goodbye to his family with dignity. Susie was in magnificent form using the occasion as an opportunity to showcase her family. 2 grandchildren ( Clementine and Fergus Gilifillan) read a special poem called “My Dad’s River” which told of Pete’s significant connection with the river near the R-W family holiday home at Gipsy Point.
The Eulogy delivered by Tim Rodgers-Wilson was a “tour de force”” of a wonderful life well lived with significant events along the way. These included his early life in Bairnsdale, education at Wesley College, the joy of meeting the love of his life Susie and supporting her on many causes including Collegians FC, family life at the Orrong Rd home, the larger and active family life with children and grandchildren. We also heard that every now and then Pete was apt to “snap his elastics” to make a point! Don’t we all do this.
This Eulogy told us of a life well lived and the occasion could not have been more perfect with views from the function room over Port Phillip Bay. ….. A perfect backdrop given Pete’s love of water and boating.
The formal part of the Service was appropriately short and sweet to allow us all to mix and share stories and the thank Susie and her family for sharing Pete’s life.
What a wonderful celebration!!
Pete with his wife Susie, and daughter Lucy