From President Steve Tranter, and members of the Clarence River Historical Society.

Francis James (Frank) Mack was a member of the Clarence River Historical Society for 32 years from 1990 to the present time.

As the saying goes, he rose through the ranks, becoming the President in 1999 after taking over from Janet Cannon.

Originally only coming in to work on a project of his, he liked what he saw and decided to stay and contribute to the society and its aims.

Like many members and volunteers before and after him, Frank was well suited to research work, being a retired teacher.

In fact, some of the members remember him as their teacher.

At the time Dr Jim Alexander was the President of the society, and Frank quickly commenced helping in the research room.

He also assisted with the production of the society’s bulletin which commenced in April 1991.

Over the course of many years, he contributed in large and small ways with the production of many of the books published by the society.

Several that come to mind are “Shipwrecks”, “Grafton Bridge” and the “Sesqui-centenary of Grafton High School.”

His manner in Schaeffer House was always of a friendly and helpful nature.

No task seemed too difficult for him.

One of his great passions was providing the local information for many of the excursions that the society members took in the 1990s.

Members invariably arrived at historic locations well-armed with this local knowledge and were better able to understand the artefacts that they were shown.

Positions he held in the Society included President, Secretary, Committee Member and Research Assistant.

He was also one of the few life members of the society.

The society wishes to thank the family of Frank for allowing him to spend considerable time at Schaeffer House providing a very valuable service to the Clarence Valley community.

His work at Schaeffer House will be of great benefit for all for untold years in the future.

Frank passed away on February 2, aged 87.