Paul Darvodelsky has passed away, surrounded by friends and family in Alice Springs.
Paul, 56, was one of the St Ives High School kids - taught by Garingal amigo Ron Junghans - who helped form Big Foot Orienteers more than 30 years ago.
Long time great mate and former BF president Andy Simpson penned this tribute: "Paul and his cohort produced Big Foot's first orienteering maps, chose the club's name and colours and, just as importantly, set a course of irreverent competitiveness that is still at the heart of what we are about as a club.
"Paul's approach to orienteering in those years is exemplified by his map of a massive section of forest on the Jenolan Caves Road which was named Billenbenbong and had a lurid pink infill.
"As a competitor, Paul developed rock-solid foot orienteering skills as the sport evolved in Australia and was one of Australia's elite orienteers for over a decade.
"Later in life he took to two wheels with great enthusiasm and more success, his frame more suited to riding than running. He made the Australian World Champs Mountain Bike Orienteering team from 2006-2008 and was a useful amateur road and MTB rider.
"Thanks to Cath and the Darvodelsky family for sharing Paul's life with us - we have plenty of great memories: whether it be orienteering trips to Europe, knocking around in Valiants in the early 90s or just drafting off him out on a ride."
More recently, Paul was a mentor and coach to many aspiring riders, notably Lucy Mackie who won a silver medal at the 2017 junior world MTBO championships.
ONSW extends our sympathies to his family and friends.
Funeral notice: there will be a celebration of Paul's life at Mt Colah Community Centre, Pierre Close, on Monday July 2 at 2pm followed by afternoon tea. Paul wanted happy colours so no black please. Feel free to bring a photo of Paul to display for a photo wall.
