The news of the passing of Jamberoo’s Gordon Streek is seeing him remembered for his contribution to the community on many fronts, including the Roo Theatre, the Rose Society and the Labor Party.

“We are all devastated at his loss,” says Jean Ogilvy, a friend who worked with him at Roo Theatre as an administrator and costume designer for his many productions. 

“He was a friend and mentor to so many throughout the Illawarra and beyond.”

All remember him as a kind, generous and inspirational man, very willing to share his experiences as an actor, playwright, director and teacher.

“Gordon was the guest speaker at our most recent artists’ gathering, and his generosity of spirit shone through as he shared his wealth of knowledge and experience,” says Council’s Cultural Officer, Louise Croker.

“He was a very special man. I feel so honoured to have known and worked with him.”

Gordon served for many years on the Kiama Cultural Board, making an enormous contribution.

He is best known for founding the Roo Theatre as a local theatre company in 1987. It soon outgrew its humble beginnings in the local Anglican Church Hall, and Gordon helped guide its development into a leading regional community theatre.

“Roo Theatre was his life's work and his impact on thousands of actors over many decades will live on through all of us for many to come,” says a tribute by Roo Theatre.

Many of the students and performers who have studied and performed under his guidance continued in the arts and completed courses at recognized colleges such as NIDA, Nepean, Wollongong Creative Arts, Western Australia Performing Arts, and The Australian Ballet, including show business entrepreneur Michael Cassel.

“Joel Elferink is currently in a musical on the West End stage and Brendan McDonald is lecturing in film making at the Film & Television School in Sydney,” says friend James Phillpott, a high school teacher and actor.

“Gordon was my first acting teacher and my mentor. He gave me such a great variety of characters to play and had faith in my ability.”

After meeting on a pedestrian crossing in London in 1966, Gordon married Colin Hollis, his partner of over 50 years, a couple of years ago.

Both he and Colin were awarded Life Membership of the NSW Labor Party at last Saturday’s NSW State Labor Conference.

“He was a true thespian, a true gentle man and a true believer,” said the Secretary of the Kiama Branch of the Labor Party when breaking the news to members.

“He will be greatly missed by his Labor colleagues and friends.”

Gordon and Colin also shared a love of roses, participating enthusiastically together in the work of the Rose Society at a local, regional and state level.

“Gordon inspired so many people,” says Colin.

“He had such a zest for humanity and for life.”