In Memory of Su Lin (1958 – 2013)
Many orienteers will be saddened to learn that long time Garingal member Su Lin Weller passed away in late July. Su Lin had been determinedly fighting a battle with pancreatic cancer, when she was taken out of the blue by a stroke. All of us will miss her happy outlook and friendly smile.
Su Lin grew up in Malaysia, but completed her tertiary studies in Australia, gaining an economics degree from Monash University in Melbourne. She eventually settled in Sydney in 1988, where she forged a career in the reinsurance industry. She was a successful finance manager for an international insurance broker when her career was ended abruptly this year by her illness.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Su Lin and husband Mike were enthusiastic entrants at orienteering events, travelling widely to pursue their passion. Su Lin generally ran in the W35AS class. Her most memorable success was second place in the Easter Championship in Western Australia in 2003.
However, Su Lin will be remembered most for her enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to orienteering. She was an outstanding organiser, and together with Mike organised many events. In particular, they organised the 2004 Australian Championships Carnival, with Su Lin managing the ambitious social program. The ground-breaking program comprised 10 different social events over the 10 days of the carnival, including a special screening of silent movies, and poetry in a pub!
At major events, Su Lin was often found in the Registration tent, as she was both efficient and charming, just the right combination to help newcomers get started. At local events, she enjoyed talking to first timers. In recent years, she was less active herself, but still gave to orienteering by promoting the sport at the biennial Cumberland Forest Fair, where she encouraged many newcomers to give it a go.
Su Lin. We will all miss her.
Thanks to Carol Jacobson and Mike for this lovely tribute.
