Brian Pitkin
30th July 1946 – 21 March 2021
We are saddened by the loss of a great mate and well-respected volunteer. Brian volunteered at APRDA for over 12 years and only retired in September of 2020, he was our go to man who could fix anything and loved a mechanical challenge. Brian created many interesting innovations in the work shed, that all came with complex hand drawn diagrams, there were some great successes and the odd failure, but there is no doubt the work shed and being at Arundel park was Brian’s happy place. The maintenance crew looked at Brain as their leader, but he was always too modest for any formal recognition and was simply happy to get on with job and discuss the news of the day. We are all very privileged to have known Brian and to have shared many heartfelt moments, his legacy will always be etched in the grounds and memories of the APRDA community.
Brains family have generously offered that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arundel Park Riding for Disabled Inc. We greatly appreciate their consideration during this difficult time.
For Donations please follow the link to our GIVE NOW donation page.
https://www.givenow.com.au/arundelparkrdadonations.
All donations will help fund a memorial tree and plaque in Brian’s honour along with much needed tools and equipment that will help and support the maintenance crew (Brian’s gang) at APRDA.
Lastly, Brian had a passion for poetry and we want to share a piece of his work with you.
“The Challenge”
Author: Brian Pitkin
His owner called him Precious.
An impressive Billy Goat, despite his funny ways
He used to like to go walking on every other day
He was a known escape artist in the Houdini vein
He didn’t do anything different on this early Sunday morn
Just climbed the fence like he always did and head off for the fray
He picked a flower, a rose or two
Had a munch on some sweet grass covered in dew
Eventually made it to Main Street
Thought “It’s time to take a rest”
He was standing quiet and contented when Jim Amsley driving the Wolsley came into view
But got a glimpse of another Billy when it stopped to give way
Too much competition was now on display
Time to act, no fear, running to the fray
That Billy hit Jim Amsley’s bumper bar like a ram-rod gone berserk
Then backed away and charged again
This Billy was tough but in full retreat as Jim threw it in reverse
A crowd had gathered quickly
There was action in the street
Man against old Precious, it was time to take a seat
Advice was flying random
So Jim stopped his car, opened the door, sucked in his breath and swore
He could feel his blood arising
He was called to go to war
He thought a rear-guard manoeuvre would even up the score
So he circled and slid unnoticed
The crowd held their breath with glee
This was going to be stouch to remember
Better than a Sunday on TV
This was something to be talked about
Whoever you may be
Having completed his rear-guard manoeuvre
Jim slowly lined him up, and like an arrow tried and true he kicked him in the butt
Precious spun on his back legs
His belly full of rage
Time to retreat – he’s been hit from behind
But Jim had his blood up
This was a fight to the death
He grabbed the goat’s horns like he would never let go
Precious responded in kind with a hit to the ribs
Jim was getting weaker but he would never give up
So they pushed and grunted and pushed and shoved
The crowd yelled encouragingly at every blow
They even took sides
You know how it goes
But it came to a demise
With a quick, evil thrust
Jim screwed the goats neck
Got him off-balance and nailed him to the deck
But Precious wasn’t finished
He had his reputation to keep
So used his secret weapon
Spread his scent East and West
The result was immediate
The encounter complete
Comments are closed.