Guyra is mourning the death of the 2015 Citizen of the Year, Robert ‘Bob’ Vidler. He passed away on Saturday and his loss is being felt across the community.
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Bob was a tireless worker with many years of service to a number of local groups. He won this year’s award from a strong field of seven nominations.
In fact, he received three separate nominations recognising his significant contributions to multiple groups in Guyra, and to the Guyra community as a whole.
Bob was the Assistant Principal at Guyra Central School for many years and taught most of the children who passed through the school during his 26 years on the job.
Past students and parents have paid tribute remembering him as a great teacher and a wonderful man.
It is perhaps best summed up by the following tributes on facebook.
“He had time and patience for every student that came into his care at Guyra Central. Will definitely be missed in that circle and whatever else he applied himself to within our small community.” M.L.
“Guyra will miss this wonderful man, he was a wonderful teacher and gave so much to the community through his charity work.” H.H.
“A true gentleman who always took the time to make a positive impact on the lives of all he knew.” B.B.
Bob’s community involvement included the Lions Club, the Historical Machinery Group, Combined Churches choir, Health Advisory Committee, HNEH Carer’s Committee and the SES.
After retiring from teaching, he continued his involvement with education, working as a tutor for the Guyra Adult Learning Association.
Bob worked behind the scenes for the Historical Machinery group and was instrumental in getting the Tourist Train rides up and running.
He held many executive positions for the Lions Club and as a qualified soccer referee, he organised rosters each week and the training of new referees.
Bob also worked as a lay preacher for the Uniting Church and will be remembered as a quiet achiever and a great community citizen.
A funeral service will be held at the Guyra Uniting Church on Thursday November 26, commencing at 10.30am.