27-12-1943 ~ 16-03-2024

Maxine Godbeer joined the Species Orchid Society of WA Inc. in May 1993, and until her death in March 2024, actively supported the Species Orchid Society along with her responsibilities as a member of the Orchid Society of WA and the Orchid Judging Panel of WA, most recently as its Registrar. Over more than 30 years as an orchid society member, Maxine also participated as a member of the planning and organising committees for AOC Conferences staged in Perth, several WA Orchid Spectaculars, and was also the Geraldton Orchid Society’s delegate to Orchids Western Australia Inc.

Maxine was elected Vice President of the Species Orchid Society in 1999, and its President in 2000. At the expiry of the two-year term, she continued on committee as past President from 2002 until 2004. Then in 2006, she was again elected for further two years as Vice President and from 2008, as President. In 2010, Maxine was elected as Secretary until 2014. She continued as an ordinary committee member until her death in March 2024. Maxine was awarded Life Membership of the Species Orchid Society in 2014. The Orchid Society of WA awarded Maxine life membership in 2022 in recognition of her service to the society.

Maxine was a key member of the Orchid Judging Panel of WA, most recently as its Registrar until her retirement in late 2023. Having joined the Panel as a student judge in 1994, she became an AOC accredited judge in 1998, and its registrar in 2014. She was actively involved in training new judges, and for many years presided over judging at all local orchid shows and club meetings. Maxine was also a member of several other local orchid societies including the Paphiopedilum Study Group.

An excellent orchid grower, Maxine built a large collection of orchids including many desirable species and hybrids. Her orchids were always well grown, large and free-flowering and she regularly won awards at local orchid shows. She also participated in several co-operative plant imports, and travel to Asia arranged by the late Tony Watkinson.

Her grandson, Cameron has developed an interest in orchids and in addition to having some of her orchid collection, has recently joined the Species Orchid Society. While her extensive orchid collection was publicly auctioned, many of her plants went to orchid society members so we still see her orchids at meetings and shows from time-to-time.

Tribute by Ken Jones, Secretary Species Orchid Society of WA Inc.

AOTF receipt  4207  The Species Orchid Society of Western Australia Inc.