Anthony Robert "Atom" Airth
22/1/1950 - 5/10/2015
'Atom' as he was known by his Scouting friends grew up in Rondebosch and attended Rondebosch High School. His father was the Group Scoutmaster of 1st Mowbray and when Atom turned eleven, he joined the group as a Scout. He stayed with the group for many years becoming a Rover, Cubmaster and Group Scoutmaster.
When he moved to Plumstead he became Assistant Group Scoutmaster with 1st Naruna and at the same time tried very hard to keep 1st Kenilworth from closing.
Atom then became Assistant District Commissioner and in 1991 District Commissioner in the Constantia District (then CW9).
Many Scouter's probably remember Atom for the dedicated and active roll he played in promoting the Area Scout Band. He and Alan Shinton were in 1974 among the founder members of the Band. Being an excellent trumpeter from his school days, he was an ideal instructor and when Alan stood down he became the Bandmaster. Atom was part of the Band for 24 years participating in over 350 engagements.
During his long Scouting career he received the following awards:-
- 1982 - Long Service award
- 1985 - Certificate of Merit
- 1991 - Medal of Merit : Citation - "For special services to Scouting especially in 1st Kenilworth, Constantia District and the Area Scout Band".
- 1992 - the Long Service 30 year bar
He was appointed an Honorary Commissioner in 1996 and in the early 2000's emigrated to Scotland. Atom as some of his friends called him, passed away after a short illness.
Go in peace Atom.
Scout Heritage Centre 2015