Chris Denny of Morley, seen here with his Scouts Life Membership certificate.
Camera IconChris Denny of Morley, seen here with his Scouts Life Membership certificate. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis www.communitypix.com.au d493731

Scouts WA stalwart awarded OAM

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

SCOUTS WA life member Chris Denny, who will be awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, wished his late wife was here to celebrate with him.

The Morley resident’s wife Pamela passed away in 2016.

She had supported Mr Denny’s scouting career since they got married in 1968.

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Mr Denny (75) has been with Scouts WA for 57 years, and has served as the Tuart Hill Yokine scout leader, assistant scout master, chairman of the committee organising the 1992-93 12th Australian Rover Moot and a campsite directorate chairman.

He is currently the heritage centre chairman where he helped display historic artefacts and organise activities for young people.

He has also been involved with Girl Guides WA and the Baden Powell Lodge.

Mr Denny said he felt honoured to have his peers nominate him.

“It came as a complete surprise to me,” he said.

“The only regret is that my wife is not here to enjoy it.”

Chris Denny. David Baylis
Camera IconChris Denny. David Baylis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Denny said he enjoyed seeing young people achieving high scouting positions, succeeding challenges and helping them with their lives.

“When I was invested as a cub, my group scout master at the time said to me that ‘you have just made a promise on your honour’,” he said.

“Your honour is the most sacred thing you can have and I have always tried to live by that.

“I had a young lad in my scouts that had a lot of trouble with learning how to tie his show laces because he had problems with his legs which eventually all got resolved.

“He came to me and said he could tie his shoe laces…that is the great thrill of it all.”

He said he loved the scout movement and wanted to be a scout for as long as possible.

He will be awarded at a ceremony later this year.

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