MSWA Bulletin Magazine Spring 2021

VALE DR GREG BROTHERSON
It is with great sadness we say our final goodbye to former
longstanding Board Director and Bulletin Editor Greg
Brotherson. After more than a year of struggling with various
health issues, he passed away on 7 August 2021.
Greg joined what was then the MS
Society in 1979 after being diagnosed
with MS. From the start he showed
a willingness to put his skills and
abilities to use helping others with
MS. Shortly after, Greg became the
Editor of the magazine, MS Bulletin,
which over time evolved from
a typed newsletter into a highly
valued, quality, quarterly colour
magazine. He remained Editor of
Bulletin until 2019, only handing the
role on when his health deteriorated
and compromised him. As Editor, he
was passionate and committed to
providing people living with MS the
latest information about multiple
sclerosis in a very accessible and
understandable way. He also used
Bulletin to help Members connect
with others, whether with MSWA
staff who could help them live their
best lives, or with other people living
with the condition who could share
stories and experiences.
Greg started his working life in
the mailroom at Dalgety’s. He and
Myrna, his devoted wife, married
in 1961. He spent some time as a
truck salesman for a while, then
he undertook a flying course,
graduated as a pilot, and went on to
work for various airline businesses
for a number of years. As a result, he
was often known as ‘Biggles’.
Greg was elected to the Board of
MSWA in 1982 and continued to
be re-elected for many years at the
end of each of his terms of service.
He was so well known to Members
that they never thought twice when
election time came around.
Greg decided to undertake various
studies at Murdoch University,
and was granted his Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) in 2000. He then
became a tutor in history.
I met Greg on my very first visit to
the Wilson Services Centre after
being diagnosed with MS. His
gentleness, wit and intelligence
were a great comfort to me at what
was a difficult time. He heard that I
was a high school English teacher
and encouraged me to begin
writing articles for Bulletin.
His encouragement gave me a new
interest when other areas of my life
were closing down.
Greg has always been an inspiration
to so many others, as he lived his life
with gentleness and fortitude in the
face of the continuing progression
of his MS.
Dr Greg Brotherson served MSWA
with loyalty, commitment, and great
honour for over forty years. He will
be fondly remembered as a hero of
our organisation.
I would particularly like to mention his
wife Myrna’s constant support for him
over the years. We all wish you well
Myrna as you go through this tough
time. I would also like to express my
deepest condolences to Greg and
Myrna’s sons, Kim and Jason.
Vale Dr Brotherson.
We will miss you.
ROS HARMAN
13