26 May 2011 | Tennis SA

With sadness, Tennis SA regrets to inform that three active members of our South Australian tennis community have recently passed.

Rob Bidmeade a passionate sports journalist who contributed to sports reporting via his roles as; Messenger’s sports editor, long-time sports contributor for the Sunday Mail and represented Messenger in union matters with the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance.  Rob’s natural passion for tennis ensured the sport of tennis was regularly featured within the community.  Rob died after a short illness aged 60. Please join us as we pass our condolences to Rob’s wife Di and son, Paul.

Wayne Kilpatrick, (Mr ‘K’) an accredited professional tennis coach played a pivotal committee member role on the Mount Gambier & District Tennis Association committee for 16 consecutive years from 1971 /72 to 1986 /87 with 12 years as Secretary.  Wayne’s passion was juniors and he was a driving force in the mid 70’s to the formation of the Junior Activities Committee, later to become the Lakes Junior Tennis Association. Wayne was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for his services to tennis.    Please join us as we pass our condolences to Wayne’s wife Bronwyn, mother Norma and daughter’s Jess and Kate.

Darren Aistrope was former junior player and well know tennis coach in South Australia.  His recent passing is a huge loss to the tennis community as he was a well known tennis identity.    Darren was the initial Tennis SA Millswood Manager who provided a first class experience for tennis players of ages and abilities during his time at the centre.  He was also a long serving tennis in schools provider who delivered a fun and quality experience for all children that he taught.  It is unfortunate that tennis mourns the passing of another tennis identity and one whose life was cut short so tragically.  Our thoughts go out to the family and everyone who Darren came into contact with. Please join us as we pass our condolences to Darren’s family.

It’s important we pay our respect to members of the tennis community who contributed to this great game.