OGRA chairman leaves legacy of community upliftment behind
NORWOOD – The Orange Grove Residents Association chairman died at the age of 85.
A huge loss has been felt by the Ward 73 community after the loss of a vital member of the community, Roger Chadwick.
The diligent community beacon was last year involved in the inspection of vandalism of facilities at Paterson Park in Norwood and enforcing repairs by relevant City entities.
Resident Peta Thornycroft said most residents in all suburbs around Orange Grove knew about and admired the late Chadwick. There was widespread shock and mourning when the chairman of Orange Grove Residents Association died earlier this month after a short illness, at the age of 85.
Chadwick was born in the United States, Ohio, and attended university at Rollins College, Florida, and then London University where he met Dr Richard Leakey, Kenya’s famous paleoanthropologist, which sparked his lifelong interest in Africa.
Thornycroft described him as the ‘heart and soul’ of the area. “No problem was too small, or too complicated for this dedicated community organiser. He knew every aspect of every law and regulation which affected those within his and surrounding suburbs.”
Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett was among the more devastated. “Roger never hesitated to give advice, provide support and assist with his expertise regarding all matters pertaining to Orange Grove. His institutional knowledge was vast and all residents in Ward 73 are poorer for his loss. He was a great man, a great mentor and a very special friend.”
Norwood Community Police Forum Sector 4 chairman Mongi Maphipha said, “The passing of Mr Chadwick has affected the entire Orange Grove community and beyond. As Orange Grove residents we are at a loss. I could write a book about how Mr Chadwick helped our community.
“Many will say that they still have roofs over their heads today because of his support. He worked for the safety of the community without seeking popularity. He has laid down the baton and we must pick it up and continue.”
Chairperson of Victoria, Orange Grove West Residents Association Ilan Guest said, “Roger was driven to help make Orange Grove a better place, dedicating more than 30 years to community service. He will be sorely missed.”
Chadwick and his beloved niece Robin Melvin, who lives in Florida, undertook many trips in Africa. She said, “We planned one for 2022 into Egypt and were speaking about it a week before he died. Oh, how I will miss him. He was fun and dedicated to his suburb. I stayed with him almost every year in Orange Grove.”
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