I write this Tuesday night after what has been a very "emotional" day, farewelling our friend Frank Thompson at a wonderful service at the Civic Hall.

It seems yesterday, not 30 years, since the Thompson family were so kind to me when I came from Melbourne to Portland for my first teaching appointment at "the Tech." Portland seemed like a welcoming place. Thanks to people like Ern and Shirley, and their young folk it was. Sing a longs, morning runs, bike rides and lots of laughter with Cindy and Frank are amongst my earliest Portland memories.

Frank continued to call me "Miss Waldren" for 30 years!! The cheeky boy!!

Cindy and Shirley shared happy times with us in the "Showboat" cast. Was that 1980? ( Was it really ok to use black face paint back then??) My first CEMA production. A real taste of community in a country town.

I don't think my "City friends" could ever imagine the sense of community and strong bonds that were evidenced in the Civic Hall today, and over the past week or so at Gorae West.

Frank was a much loved and respected member of the community. He was a great supporter of Music in and beyond Portland. He nurtured young musicians, and encouraged older ones. He even gave our CEMA concert band an extended life when it was "ailing" a few years ago. We were very glad that our young folk were able to keep playing in the Concert band genre for a while longer due to Frank's generosity.

Cindy, Sue Ellen, Shirley, Sharryn , Emma, Jessica, Clarissa, and Patricia all have many friends in CEMA, and the wider Arts community. The three generations all have talents in Music and the Arts which they have happily shared with us over the years and we really appreciate that.

On behalf of CEMA members past and present we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Frank's family and friends.

"Thank you for the Music"

Jan Colliver (President)