Published on Monday, 1 June 2020 at 3:04:00 PM
Shire of Denmark staff and Councillors farewell Honorary Freeman of the Municipality Mrs Eileen Lunan, as we celebrate and reflect on her life and contribution to the Denmark community.
Born in Kenya, Eileen migrated to WA with her family in the 60s after living through the Mau-Mau uprising.
After settling in Denmark and the passing of her husband Robert, Eileen started working as a secretary for a local politician, and went on to work as a correspondent for the ABC and the West Australian newspaper.
Eileen was key in establishing a local newspaper for Denmark, the Denmark Bulletin, and continued to run the newspaper for many years while simultaneously raising her four children.
Eileen was known to have never missed a Shire Council meeting, and has been described as a wonderful storyteller (it was considered a privilege to hear one of her stories from her adventurous life), strong, enthusiastic, dedicated and loving.
When times were tough Eileen, never shaken, would say “Well I’m here, so I may as well get on with it.”
In February 2006 the Shire of Denmark Council presented Eileen with the Honorary Freeman of the Municipality Award at a special reception. She was one of only two residents to have ever received the honour.
The Honorary Freeman title is reserved for residents who have a long and exceptional service to their community.
Eileen’s photograph is displayed in the Council Chambers alongside that of fellow Honorary Freeman, Percy Berridge.
Eileen passed away on 25 May 2020. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met her.
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