Vale Val Cormack

Dear members and friends of St David’s and the wider Parish

I am very sad to advise that (literally 11.04am) I received an email from Neil Cormack advising that Val Cormack passed away in hospital this morning.

I know no more details at this stage.

I have retrieved some stories and articles from our official farewell to Val on Sunday 14th December, 2008.  At that time our official release of ties stated:

Val, our sister in Christ, you came to Balkara on 26th September, 1993 as our part time Pastoral Assistant.  You have faithfully served and provided pastoral care to the original congregations of Clayton, Hughesdale, Huntingdale, Macrina Street and Oakleigh and journeyed with them to what is now the St David’s Congregation here at Oakleigh.  During your time with us we have also been joined by the Tamil and Cook Island Congregations to form our Parish for all Nations.

You have been a great support and comfort to our members and a witness of Christ’s welcome and grace in the wider community.  Your husband, Bruce, and your family have also been by your side during our journey together.

You have also been a valued and valuable member of the Ministry Team – which has changed considerably during your 15 plus years with us.

Together the leaders of St David’s, the Ministry Team, the Parish of Balkara and the wider church, we accept with regret and sadness, but understanding, your decision to retire. 

Val formally finished on 31st December, 2008 but we publicly acknowledged her work in the Parish on 14th December, 2008.

Val was an Elder at Burwood Heights Uniting Church at the time that she started at Balkara and continued that role whilst also being a regular attender at services in the Parish. At the time Rev Keith Ellison was the Ministry Team Leader and Rev Dev Anandarajan (Tamil) and Rev Tangi Tangatatutai (Cook Islands) also joined the ministry team.  Keith moved on and we welcomed Rev Arnie Wierenga, an exit student. Dev also moved on and we welcomed Rev Mano Manopavan.  Rev Tangi moved back to Rarotonga to become the President of the Cook Islands Christian Church and was replaced by Rev Temarie Vaeau then later Rev Ta William and Rev Mata Makara.  Val remained constant in all these changes.  She was involved in planning joint ventures across the Parish and had a keen attention to detail – including dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s.

During her time with us, Val undertook a lot of hospital visiting – including pastoral care at the newly opened Monash Medical Centre, Clayton as part of their Pastoral Care Team.  She was known to turn up at the Sandersons to “let her hair down” after some of these visits to members of the parish and the wider community.  She always appreciated her cuppa and chat with Culmer.  She also undertook pastoral care to members in their homes and residential care settings.

When the Wednesday Community Luncheons started, Val was a regular and shared with those attending from the Parish and the wider community. She was also involved in the Devotions in the church prior to the Luncheon.

Although no longer formally working with the Parish, Val (and Bruce) returned for Fashion Parades, Pleasant Sunday Afternoons, Concerts, Carols in the Park, Pancake Day and special Community Luncheons.  They were both present at the Parish Service and Luncheon in October 2022 when the whole Parish was joined by past ministers to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Parish.

Val was greatly appreciated by the Parish and we extend our sympathy to husband Bruce and the family as well as Neil and Jenny Cormack.  Please hold them all in your prayers at this time.

Funeral details will be circulated once arrangements have been finalised.

Blessings

Faye Sanderson

Parish Secretary