LONG-serving councillor and Cunderdin shire president Rod Carter passed away early on October 13, after suffering a major heart attack.
Mr Carter was a well known local farmer and community leader.
He was well respected across the region and played a key role in many local and regional groups.
He ran a successful farming enterprise south west of Cunderdin, running the largest sheep farm in the district with 10,000 head of adult sheep, plus offspring, as well as a broad acre cropping program.
Mr Carter is survived by his wife Wendy, daughters Dee and Lynsey, son Chris and son-in-law Ben.
Elected to the Cunderdin Shire Council in 2000.
Mr Carter served as deputy president from 2004-2009, and as president from 2009-2014.
While serving as a councillor, he served on numerous committees and spent considerable time representing the shire's interests at a regional level.
Mr Carter was a strong leader with a regional vision for the long-term future.
He was not afraid of change and was prepared to take the odd calculated risk, as long as the end goal was a positive one.
He valued his family above all else, was very proud of Cunderdin and the local shire community and was and proud to be Australian.
A talented musician, he loved playing with his family band Three Bob.
His other passion was gliding, having been a member of WA Gliding Association operating out of the Cunderdin airfield.
He served in numerous positions with the club and won a number of trophies over his time as a member of the gliding club.
Acting shire president Clive Gibsone said Mr Carter was a natural leader who gave measured and thoughtful consideration to all issues, having in mind the best outcomes for the shire and community.
His leadership, passion and experience will be sorely missed on council.
Cunderdin has lost a favourite son, a strong leader, a true local hero.
Rod Carter was respected by all who knew him.
He will be missed by us all.
