David Sweet
The Byron community lost one of its stellar contributors this week. Trevor John Sleep was born in Broken Hill on August 28, 1951; he spent his years growing up in Adelaide and had a life of adventure and surprises.
Early on he realised his life was about challenges, new horizons and doing. Trevor joined the Navy at 15 and served both in Australia and overseas as a radio operator.
After a decade in the navy Trevor moved to Sydney where he quickly found he had the aptitude and skills for corporate life. Trevor moved rapidly through the ranks into a senior position with Canon.
He landed in the northern rivers in 2000 where his warmth and generosity ensured he quickly made many close friends. Trevor was enthusiastic about many aspects of life and this is reflected in the wide range of friends he ‘collected’ from all political persuasions and occupations.
When he finally retired from operating many successful businesses, including the Red Rock Café in Lennox Head, Trevor threw his enthusiasm and determination into volunteering for the community.
In 2006 Trevor was thrilled to discover he had a 34-year-old daughter and two granddaughters. He enjoyed making up for lost time.
His 17-year relationship with Jeana gave them much joy and they enjoyed travelling to fabulous places around the world.
Trevor became a Byron Community Centre volunteer in 2013 and he was instrumental in establishing a number of new projects that will benefit our community beyond his passing.
His financial nous was vital to the ongoing success of the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS). He was treasurer of the Community Centre from 2014 to 2016. Even after he stepped down from the committee owing to ill health, he was organiser-in-chief during the installation of the new seats at the Byron Theatre.
One of his last major contributions was to set up of the Coffee Box. This combined two of his loves: the Community Centre and coffee.
Despite having cancer for a number of years, Trevor still continued to contribute in his capable, kind and warm way.
Trevor is survived by his sweety Jeana, sister Lyn, daughter Elizabeth; and Nash, Ramona, Naomi, Tony, Isaiah, Laila, Isabella, Aleya and Vincent.
Our lives and the lives of the Byron community have been enriched by his life and his generous contribution – thank you, Trevor.
Thank you for this lovely story about my friend and colleague from Macquarie Uni days. We lost touch after he left Sydney. I am so glad he found happiness and fulfillment in his life in Byron with family and friends. He was always a calm and considerate person, I am not surprised to hear he was a valued contributor to his community. I am sad to learn of his passing, but inspired by his legacy.
I leased Canon a major facility and dealt with Trevor then he was a goodn an honest servant to Canon I am saddened by his passing