Brett Peter JUDE Obituary
Brett Peter Jude passed away on Monday 6 January 2020 after a long illness. Brett's enormous contribution to the aquatics and recreation sector was felt by many.
Brett's career in aquatics started in 1988 when he joined the Manukau Council as a seasonal pool attendant at the old Manurewa Pools on Russell Road. He was a beloved attendant by all and a loyal hard worker, willing to take on the jobs that no one else wanted to. It didn't take long for Brett to make an impression on his colleagues and he quickly rose to Aquatic Supervisor and then Manager at the Papatoetoe Centennial Pools.
Family, friends and colleagues will remember Brett for his generous spirit, dogged determination and dedication, his good humour and hunger for knowledge. His leadership and entrepreneurial skills saw him develop a life-long career in facility management - from Operations, General Manager, to CEO.
In 2000 Brett joined Manukau Leisure Services and helped breathe life into some key professional management and water safety programmes, including the Community Swim programme, set up to provide primary aged children with eight free swimming lessons. During his tenure, Manukau Leisure Services took away multiple Recreation Aotearoa Awards (formerly New Zealand Recreation Association) and in 2009 Brett himself was awarded the Paul Stuart Memorial Award - recognising his outstanding contribution to the aquatics industry. For a time, he sat on the Recreation Aotearoa Board and Regional Committee.
In 2010, after 22 years of service to Manukau City Council and Manukau Leisure Services Brett, moved on and into a new facility management position with Community Leisure Management (CLM) at Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre in Pukekohe. Not long into his role with CLM did his illness begin to take hold and he made the decision to take time to look after himself.
It is with tremendous sadness that we farewell Brett. His kindness, intelligence and impact on the industry and the lives of those around him will be remembered fondly.
Arohanui, Brett.