Otago Chamber of Commerce Life Member Bevan Rickerby Remembered

By Otago Chamber of Commerce | Posted: Monday February 1, 2021

We are sad to share the news that Bevan lost his short, but hard fought, battle with cancer on Saturday morning. Bevan was a long term supporter and friend of the Chamber of Commerce and was awarded life membership of the Otago Chamber of Commerce in September 2014.

Bevan was first elected as a Director of the Chamber Board in 1995 and went on to serve as Chamber President from 1999 – 2001. He also had an extensive involvement in the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, as the Representative for the Otago/Southland Region; representing the interests of local businesses at a national level. He had fundamental involvement in the Otago Business Awards since their founding in 1998, as a committee member, chair and chief judge.

His early involvement with our training programmes was instrumental to their success; including the Enterprise Training Programme, Xcellerate, Be Your Own Boss, Not For Profit training and as a Director of Biz Otago.

Bevan also championed talented young people through the Young Enterprise Scheme with an active involvement in the programme for over 13 years. And he chaired the Chamber’s 150th Anniversary Committee, of which the publication “Tales of the Tartan Mafia” was released. He will also be remembered for being a passionate supporter and participant in the Chamber Golf Tournaments.

After moving to Ashburton a few years ago, Bevan continued to be actively involved in the Chamber, attending events and functions where his gregarious personality was well known and enjoyed by those lucky enough to know him. His love for the Chamber was imparted to his daughter Sarah, who worked for the Chamber for six years as our Events Co-ordinator.

Our sincerest sympathies go out to Sarah and her family.