Tom was a valued, and very greatly respected, Member for 71 years, giving generously to the life of the Club. He served with dedication on both the Membership Committee and the General Committee for 16 years, contributing his knowledge, experience and passion to help shape the Squadron we know today. Tom’s contribution to sailing was equally notable. He was the Australian 16ft Skiff Champion in 1951–52 with fellow member Ron Wright and remained actively involved in the sport throughout his life, competing across a number of classes, including the Diamond class in his later years. His passion for sailing and the camaraderie of the sport was evident to all who knew him. Many members will also know Tom as the father of Past Commodore Captain Barry Cuneo and Robert Cuneo, and brother of Life Member and Olympic Gold Medallist John Cuneo; Tom’s legacy lives on. n ~ Commodore Curtis Skinner A 51-year Squadron Member, John was Commodore during 2002—2004, a time of steady growth and development. His dedication was recognised earlier when he was named Club Member of the Year in 1998, in acknowledgement of his outstanding contribution to the Squadron, receiving Life Membership in June 2005, one of the Squadron’s highest honours. He was also a passionate and accomplished sailor, and part of the crew of Etchell “Tool Box” with Peter White and Steve Girdis and winning the National Championship in 1990 and Queensland Championship in 1990–1991. A well-known photograph shows Tool Box competing at the World Championships off Fremantle, capturing John’s and the crew’s love for the sport. John will be remembered by the sailors he inspired, the friendships he forged and the enduring contribution he made to the Squadron over many decades. n Born in Cloncurry, later relocating to Stonehenge in the Far West Outback, Laurence became a champion bull rider. In 2006 he moved to Brisbane, discovered Moreton Bay and sailing. He joined the Squadron in that year, bought a yacht and moved aboard. (His ‘seachange’ was earlier than most!) He fell in love with racing and got heavily involved sailing RQYS’s Keppel Race, as well as several Brisbane—Gladstones and Hammo Race Week. Then, in 2011 he conquered one of the ‘Everests’ of ocean racing, competing in the Rolex Sydney— Hobart in his own boat ‘Sweetheart.’ He also achieved first in the short-handed division of the Pittwater—Coffs Harbour Race. Laurence was a common sight around the Squadron, well known for his willingness to help others at any time. After a whirlwind romance with partner Sharon, he moved with her to Darwin, where he crossed the Bar after a long illness. n ~ RQYS Member Jimmi Doherty P/Cdre John Miall Life Member (LM) + 11 December 2025 Tom Cuneo Life Member (LM) + 9 April 2026 Laurence Pidgeon ‘Sweetheart sailor’ + 17 June 2026 PIC: Matthew Tesch Ian was a Member for more than eight years and a passionate Volunteer for over a decade whose contributions to RQYS were truly appreciated. His boundless enthusiasm, generosity, and camaraderie made a lasting impact on those around him. Ian loved being part of the Squadron as a Member and Volunteer and is greatly missed. n Ian White Passionate Volunteer + 20 February 2025 After P/Cdre Bill Kirby’s passing in 2020, Margot continued her membership and connection with RQYS, attending annual Opening Day celebrations and, recently, the Squadron’s ‘Past Commodore and Spouses Luncheon’ on 31 July 2026. Around mid-1975, when RQYS first allowed ladies to be Members—and during the time of the late P/Cdre John Hattrick’s term— Margot was pivotal in the launch of a ‘Ladies’ Committee’ in August that year. She will go down in history as the inaugural President of the Squadron’s Ladies’ Committee. Together, they were responsible for the enhancement of social functions such as Melbourne Cup lunches and Bridge parties, even introducing a “happy hour” within weeks, every Friday night from 22 August 1975. The Ladies’ Committee was also responsible for operating the kiosk on the ground floor of the new Manly Clubhouse (today the Cavill Building). n Margot Kirby RQYS Ladies’ Committee + 15 August 2026 87 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook Mainsheet 2026 Valedictories
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