Frank Gerhard was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1931 and, following an international career in the oil industry with Shell, he and his wife Jeannette decided the Algarve was where they wished to retire.
They acquired a property in Praia da Luz in 1983 and moved there permanently in 1991. By then they had already started a new project in Salicos, near Carvoeiro, to where they moved in 1992.
They lived there until 2004 when increasing health concerns and a desire to be nearer their roots persuaded them to move to Brisbane, Australia. They never forgot their years in the Algarve and returned for several holidays over the following years.
Frank was never one to spend his retirement in the Algarve idly and soon took a keen interest in afpop. He became President in 1995 when he distinguished himself in somewhat difficult circumstances with determination and leadership.
Always a keen and serious wine drinker, Frank, together with the late Tony Cook and Rod Frew, co-founded the Algarve Wine Society in 1997 and still successfully functioning today.
Frank was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 but, following surgery and with his usual determination and positivity, he kept this successfully at bay and followed his usual active life in Australia. His condition worsened again in recent months and he died on October 18, 2024.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Jeannette, living in Buderim near Brisbane.
Rod Frew
