Mark ‘Blocker’ Houlder, 62: Avalon Beach RSL president and retired firefighter, dies in Thai hospital
Tributes have poured in for a man described as a ‘local institution’ on the northern beaches who died this week while holidaying in Thailand.
Manly
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A man described as a “local institution” between Avalon and Palm Beach for devoting decades of his life to community service has died in a Thai hospital.
Mark “Blocker” Houlder, the president of the Avalon Beach RSL Club, a retired senior firefighter and the longest-serving captain of Palm Beach Golf Club, was holidaying in Thailand when was struck down with a respiratory infection.
Mr Houlder, who had been travelling alone, was just 62 when he died on Tuesday.
He had been away from his Avalon Beach home for about three weeks on an annual holiday to the southeast Asian destination that he usually took with friends.
Tributes have been flowing in from friends and colleagues, who have described the affable man with the big frame as a larger-than-life character and one of the nicest guys on the northern beaches.
“Blocker”, as he was known to his legion of mates, was especially praised for his time spent with, and helping, war veterans through the Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch.
Its vice-president, Tamara Sloper-Harding, also a neighbour of Mr Houlder’s, said on Thursday that he was always supportive of activities to assist veterans.
“He made a big effort to keep the RSL club linked with the sub-branch and honour the military side of what the RSL is,” Ms Sloper-Harding said.
“He supported us with veterans’ projects and supported military traditions.
“It’s going to be terrible without him.
“He basically devoted his life to the service of others.”
The general manager of Avalon Beach RSL Club, Cristo Tracy, said Mr Houlder had been president of the club since 2011 and had been on the board for several years before that.
The club, where he was a Life Member, flew its flag at half-mast on Monday to honour his life and commitment to the club.
“Mark was close friends with all the staff and the board.
“He helped us get through the hardest couple of years during Covid when venues were shutting down
“He was much loved, well known by the members and socialised with all of us.
“It’s come as a real shock.”
Mr Tracy was said Mr Houlder was a larger-than-life figure.
“He was always up for a joke and a fun time.
“I expect we’ll have his wake here at the club.
“There is seriously going to be a big party here for him at some point.”
Mr Houlder was station officer at the Fire and Rescue NSW’s Avalon Fire Station for many years.
His former boss, Northern Beaches Zone commander, Kel McNamara, said he was saddened to hear of his death.
“He was lovely bloke,” Superintendent McNamara said.
“Mark was not only a fantastic mentor to a lot of younger fireys but he had an amazing knowledge of the local area and such good relationships with locals.
“He was part of the furniture at Avalon
“I had a lot of time for him. He was a great character in Fire and Rescue and everyone knew and respected “Blocker”. He had a lot of friends in the fire brigade.”
Palm Beach Golf Club president, Dan Hill, said Mr Houlder had for decades been “part of the fabric” of the club.
“His involvement, captaincy, and loyalty helped shape the club into what we know today,” Mr Hill said.
“In our almost 100 years, Blocker remains the longest-serving captain, with seven years under his belt from 1997 to 2003.
Mr Houlder joined the golf club’s board in 1991, where he served for many years and was a member of its 1992 Warren Shield winning team – the only time the club’s history that it won that pennant.
“Before Blocker left for his recent sojourn, he approached me to ask if he could donate a trophy to be played in conjunction with the Men’s Club Championship. The trophy would be awarded to a member who has attained 70 years or more and has the best overall scratch score over the four rounds.
“I have spoken with a number of his friends at the club and we have decided to honour Blocker’s generosity and donate the trophy in his memory.”
He was elected as a club Life Member in 2021.
Mr Houlder was also on the committee of the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
“This week we have lost a mate and a true gentleman. Blocker will be missed by all those who knew him.”
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