11/12/2025
Passing of Former Chairman, Dr Bruce Eastick AM
It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of our former Chairman, Dr Bruce Eastick AM at the age of 98. Bruce gave untiring volunteer service to the organisation for 50 years, always with a charitable mindset. Starting out as Gawler & District Aged Cottage Homes, Bruce was chairman for November 1969 until November 2017; he would serve on the Board for a further 2 years, before stepping down after completing 50 years.
He was Mayor of Gawler during two separate terms and was the Member for Light in state parliament for 23 years, including serving as the leader of the state Liberals. He went within one seat of defeating Don Dunstan for Premier in the mid-1970s. Then later served as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
His effect on Gawler Community Retirement Homes will forever be remembered after the Board named the Lot 2 development at James Martin Village as the Bruce Eastick Complex.
He was involved in many organisations in Gawler and one of his proudest was being a charter Member of Gawler Rotary, which began 70 years of service. Bruce continued attending weekly meetings (he missed very few) until the last couple of months.
Bruce’s funeral will be held at Taylor & Forgie’s Adelaide Road Chapel on Thursday 18th December at 10.30am. This will be followed by a light luncheon at Nixon’s at Gawler Oval.
Vale Dr Bruce
