Scotch College

Obituaries

ALSTERGREN Ian McDonald (’48)
BEYER Charles Henry (’34)
BLAIR Dr John Bruce Murray (’45)
BOELL Robert Alfred (’33)
BURNETT Peter Townsend Laurence (’39)
BUSH Kingdon (’46)
BUTTERY Stephen Hunter (’47)
COX Richard Neil (’42)
CROW Peter Thomas (’70)
CUMMING John James (’39)
DAVEY Geoffrey Watt (’40)
FIDGEON Robert George (’58)
GILLESPIE Ronald George (’31)
GREGORY Anthony Roy (’52)
GUNN Geoffrey Russell (’32)
HARRIS JP CMC Alan John (’44)
HAYES Dr Ross Abbott (’39)
HEPBURN ED Lieutenant Colonel Alec McKenzie (’37)
HILL Allen Forbes (’40)
JOHNSON Noel William (’47)
JOHNSON Robert Daniel (’43)
KING Edward Courtis (’33)
LAMB Ian Neilson (’32)
LAURIE Wallace Samson (’45)
LAWSON John McAlister (’61)
LAWTON Roy Alfred (’34)
LEWIS John Alexander Hampton (’38)
MACPHERSON John Campbell (’30)
MARSHALL Ian Entwistle (’42)
McDONNELL Patrick John (’47)
McINTOSH Alan Anderson (’41)
McLAREN Ian Lawrence (52)
MOCK Walter Charles (’47)
MORRISON Guy Alder (’34)
NORTH Dr Ian McLaren (’58)
ORAMES Kevin Farrington (’41)
PITMAN Robert Francis (’55)
POPE John Hewitt (’25)
PRISK John Geoffrey (’47)
RADFORD Kenneth William (’47)
REYMENT Albert Newton (’46)
SAMBELL Benjamin (’33)
SCAMBLER David Ian (‘61)
SELBY SMITH Professor Christopher (’60)
SLEEMAN Dr Ronald Peter Lancelot (’32)
SLOSS John Cameron (’33)
TAYLOR Dr Donald Stuart (’46)
WARMINGTON John Adamson (’36)
WATSON Bruce Harold (’54)
WILSON Professor Peter Robert (’47) and staff (1957-58)

Ian McDonald ALSTERGREN (’48) was born at East Melbourne on 26 April 1931 and attended Scotch from 1938–48. Also at Scotch were his brothers Edvard (1933–40, died 25 February 1979) and Morton (also known as Martin; at Scotch 1935–46, died 6 June 1995), nephew Edvard (1968–71) and Lie second cousins Harvey (Melbourne Grammar 1931, Scotch 1932–36 and Geelong Grammar 1937–42), Leif (1932–36) and Rolf (1940–43). Ian became a timber merchant in the family business. He died at Hobart on Scotch’s 156th anniversary.

Charles Henry BEYER (’34) was born at Armadale, the son of a contractor, on 27 November 1917, and attended Scotch from 1927–34 as a member of Monash House. From 1940–41 Henry served the Army as a Gunner in the 2 Medium Regiment, and from 1941–46 he served in the RAN, being an Able Seaman on the Air Clan upon demobilisation. Henry married Dorothy Chalk at Scotch on 4 September 1943. He became transport manager of Henry Beyer Pty Ltd, and was a member of the MCC, RACV Club and the Kew Golf Club.

Henry had extensive family connections with Scotch: brothers Carl (1929–38, died 18 March 1996) and Peter (1935–46, died 18 August 2005), cousins John (1935–44, died 24 February 1996), Richard (1940–46) and Thomas (1938–49, died 17 May 2005), uncles John (1908–?, died 18 January 1975) and Guido (1910–19, died 6 May 1956), nephew Mark (1970–73) and first cousins once removed Andrew (1969–75) and Stephen (1970–75). Henry died on 2 September 2007.

Dr John Bruce Murray BLAIR (’45) was born at Mitchell, Queensland, the son of Dr John Murray Blair OBE (1910–16, died 11 October 1986), on 22 November 1926, and attended Scotch from 1939–45. Jock was a boarder in McMeckan House, and had a busy period as a Scotch Collegian. He was a member of the 1939 Junior School football team, the 1942 Athletics team, the 1944–45 1st XI and the 1944–45 1st XVIII, with cricket and football premierships in 1945. Jock was Form Captain of VIIIa Science in 1944, and in 1945 was a Probationer and later a Prefect.

He studied dentistry, attaining his BDSc and LDC at Melbourne University in 1954, and his BSc in London in 1960. In 1965 Jock was practising in London. He published the book ‘En Saga Med Okse Mokk’ in Oslo, Norway, in 1968. He was a member of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club and the Australian Nordic skiing team.

Jock had extensive family connections at Scotch: brothers William (1939–43) and David (1940–50), Dean cousins John (1945–49) and Michael (1950–53), and Thomas Shanasy (1939–41), uncle William Blair (1904–06, killed in action in France in World War I on 16 February 1917), grandfather William Blair (1877–79, died 5 July 1940), great-uncle John Blair (1880–85, died 18 January 1957), nephew Jeremy Blair (1968–71) and first cousin once removed Geoffrey Dean (1987–90). Jock died peacefully at Mildura Base Hospital, following a short illness, on 17 September 2007.

Robert Alfred BOELL (’33) was born on 2 January 1917 and attended Scotch from 1930–33. He worked as a factory manager. Several generations of Robert’s family attended Scotch, including brother Joseph (1920–28, died 6 December 1980), son Robert (1951–55), nephews David (SC 1953–58) and Graeme (1951–53), grandson David (1981–86), and great-nephew Alastair (1975–82). Robert lived at Bermagui South, NSW. Scotch has only recently been notified by his widow that Robert died on 21 August 2005.

Peter Townsend Laurence BURNETT (’39). Further to the obituary published in the September 2007 Great Scot, the following is extracted from the eulogy read at Peter’s funeral:

Peter and his brother Bill came to Australia with their parents in 1923 and settled on the north shore in Sydney. Peter attended Mowbray House in Mosman, which was across the road from his house. A science teacher at the school inspired Peter’s lifelong interest in science. When the family moved to Melbourne, they initially lived opposite Scotch, which Peter and his brother attended.

Peter had a wonderful time at Scotch, where the education was first class, with many of the teachers being graduates of Oxford and Cambridge. Apart from the compulsory medical examinations that Peter thought were awful, his time as Scotch was full of sport, food and study. He was president of the Camera Club and did a roaring trade developing photographs for other students, not all of which were for public viewing. He liked eating cakes and similar things at the tuckshop until his father ordered him to eat at home.

During his teenage years Peter travelled to England, Germany, and by train across the USA. He studied engineering at Melbourne University until he was called up for service. After the war, with business partner Sam Cohen, he set up Micro-Castings in a shed at home in Church Street, Toorak, making small alloy castings in oil-fired furnaces. The company quickly grew, and employed five people, but business began declining after 1950 due to pollution concerns and a lack of investment.

On his father’s advice, Peter took a job at General Electric as an engineer, and spent over 35 years in various engineering roles. He worked at Australian Controls, Vokes, Morgan and Fram, Thornthwaites, AACI, Wankel Controls and K-Tron.

Peter met his wife at a Liberal Party meeting, and said she made his life very happy. He looked after her as her health declined in old age. Peter was a member of the Athenaeum Library for over 50 years, which was officially acknowledged by the Athenaeum.

He loved Westernport Bay, and fishing for flathead off Hastings. He enjoyed painting and took a painting trip to Central Australia. Saturday mornings were devoted to golf, and his interest in woodworking led to the creation of the Timber Toys business, then Corella Carvings. He loved his cats, and had many.

In retirement he joined the Field Naturalists’ Club and its microscopy group, and the Postal Microscopists Club, so he could look at various items through the microscope he bought himself. Peter loved the Doncaster Football Club and its Saturday games. Although he went to the USA three times during his working life, and to the Maldives in 2004, the South Australian outback was his favourite destination.

Peter is survived by his widow Mary, children Rowan, Vivianne, Christine and Anthony and grandchildren Justin, Kyle, Dylan, Ross and Chiara.

Kingdon BUSH (’46) was born at Bendigo, the son of a solicitor, on 23 December 1927, and attended Scotch from 1944–46. Kingdon boarded in Arthur Rob. He sent his sons to Scotch: Philip (1982–87) and Michael (1975–80). Kingdon died at Broughtonlea on 10 October 2007.

Stephen Hunter BUTTERY (’47) was born on 9 February 1930 and attended Scotch from 1944–47. He married Lesley June Erwin at Scotch on 14 July 1962, and their sons Jim (1978–83), Jon (1976–81) and Charles (1986–91) attended Scotch. Stephen completed a degree in biochemistry then worked in Sydney as a technician. He developed research skills and then worked as a research scientist for the CSIRO. He died on 21 August 2007, and a memorial service was held at St Dunstan’s Anglican Church, Camberwell, on Thursday 27 September 2007 following a private cremation.

Richard Neil COX (’42) was born at Hall’s Gap, the son of a returned soldier, on 7 January 1925. He was a boarder in School House from 1938–42 and was a boarding house prefect in 1942. Neil died on 30 October 2007 and his funeral service was held in the W D Rose Chapel at Brighton on Wednesday 7 November 2007, followed by a private cremation.

Peter Thomas CROW (’70) was born on 9 June 1953, the son of well-known Scotch Old Boy, the Rev. Archie Crow (1934–38, staff 1965–85). Peter attended Scotch from 1960–71 and was a member of the 1st XV and a Prefect in 1971. Also at Scotch were his twin brother: James (1960–71) and brother Ian (1960–68), uncle Russell Crow (1935–37, died in World War II in the RAAF on 26 November 1943), and Bruce second cousins Robert (1976–88) and Jamie (SC 1978–90). Peter died on 20 September 2007 after a two-year battle with illness, and his funeral service was held at Wattle Park Chalet, Surrey Hills, on 26 September 2007.

John James CUMMING (’39) was born at Caulfield on 14 November 1921, the son of Old Boy James Charles Cumming (1900–02, died 8 February 1953) and left Caulfield Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1935–39. He was a member of the 1939 Athletics team. He served in the Army in World War II from 1942–46, becoming a Lieutenant in the 2/1 Australian Pioneer Battalion. John married Dawn J Martin at Scotch on 27 February 1946.

His family had a long association with Scotch, with family members including brothers Max (1933–36, died 14 November 1988) and Frank (1934–36, died 16 December 1943), uncle Henry (1900–03, died 10 March 1969), grandfather: Bernard Zander (1869–?, died 21 August 1929), great-uncles William Zander (1867–?, died 1918) and Albert Zander (1869–?), nephew Peter (1961–65) and son John (1958–67). John lived at Sunshine Beach and died in Queensland on 27 August 2007. A funeral service was held at the Drysdale Chapel, Tewantin, on Monday 3 September 2007.

Geoffrey Watt DAVEY (’40) was born at Camberwell, the son of a manager, on 9 February 1925, and attended Scotch from 1938–40. From 1944–46 he served the Army during World War II, becoming a Staff Sergeant in the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit. At Scotch on 11 February 1950 he married Victoria Amy Duggan. His brother, Trevor, attended Scotch from 1940–42. Geoffrey died on 3 November 2007.

Robert George FIDGEON (’58) was born at East Malvern on 15 October 1941 and attended Scotch from 1949–58. He married Elvie Elaine Penduck at Scotch on 23 September 1966. Robert worked as a television writer. He died at Melbourne on 2 September 2007. The following is extracted from the obituary by Gerry Carman published in The Age:

Robert obtained a diploma of art (illustration) at RMIT, during which, from 1959–60, he ran sports results on weekends to the GTV9 studio in Richmond. He joined the Herald & Weekly Times in 1964 as an artist for the weekly Listener In-TV, then worked for The Herald before starting TV Scene, which included a weekly cartoon ‘comment’ on current TV issues.

After 10 years he moved to The Sun to write and illustrate his own stories. After 15 years with the Herald & Weekly Times, he started a freelance career as a writer and illustrator for companies including Mazda. He did court illustrations for TV, including the Lindy Chamberlain trial, and did storyboards for TV and films. He returned to The Sun in 1989, and took charge of the art department; and when the Herald Sun started in 1990 he wrote the ‘Close-Up’ column, also being the newspaper’s art director. He wrote the ‘My Say’ column for the paper’s TV guide.

A friend of actor and (then) Brisbane Bears’ director Paul Cronin, Robert was invited to design the Bears’ first guernsey. Although he retained an interest in the Bears/Lions, he loved Essendon. He had been a good sportsman, being captain-coach of the premiership Wattle Park football team, and into his 30s he was a wicketkeeper for Como. Robert died at the Alfred Hospital as a result of bowel cancer. Bert Newton described him as ‘the most influential TV writer in our TV history’.

Ronald George GILLESPIE (’31) was born on 10 October 1914 and attended Scotch from 1928–31 as a member of Monash House. He married Audrey Bradford at Scotch on 14 June 1947. Ron was a member of the state championship IV (rowing) in 1946, a member of the Mentone Bowls Club, and was involved in Freemasonry at a high level. He worked as a company director. His son Roger attended Scotch from 1965–68, and his grandson Aaron attended from 1986–97. Ron died on 28 July 2007.

Anthony Roy GREGORY (’52) was born at Healesville, the son of a guest house proprietor, on 12 March 1936, and boarded at Scotch from 1947–51. He lived in McMeckan House, with the exception of living in Arthur Rob in 1950. On 2 March 1962 Tony married Judith Catherine Taggart at Scotch. Tony was an accountant, and worked for Caford Australia and Caford NZ. He was a member of the Army Reserve. A number of relatives also attended Scotch, including his brother John (1944–48, died 14 October 2004), Bisset cousins Peter (1943–48, died 16 August 1986) and Brian (1942–46), and James Fairbairn (1944–47), Fairbairn first cousins once removed Nigel (1967–76), Rowan (1965–74), Hamish (1970–76) and Philip Bisset (1970–75), as well as his son Simon (1975–80). Tony died on 2 November 2007.

Geoffrey Russell GUNN (’32) was born at Camberwell, the son of an Old Boy (Peter Robert Innes Gunn (1879–80, died 1952) and auctioneer, on 1 August 1914, and left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1929–32. He married Mimi Cray at Scotch on 3 April 1943 during his service in the RAAF from 1941–46. He was demobilised as a Sergeant in the Air Force HQ Records section. Geoffrey died peacefully at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, on 29 August 2007.

Alan John HARRIS (’44) was born at Canterbury, the son of a traveller, on 9 August 1927, and attended Scotch from 1939–42. He was a member of the Junior School football team in 1940. He married Lorna M T Newman at Scotch on 5 August 1953 and their sons Sean (1975–55) and Andrew (1971–76) attended Scotch. Alan lived at Kyabram and died at Kyabram Hospital on 20 September 2007.

Dr Ross Abbott HAYES JP CMC (’39) was born at Grahamstown, near Tumut, New South Wales, the son of a grazier, on 6 May 1921, and attended Scotch from 1934–39. He was a weekly boarder in School House, and was an active member of the Scotch arts community. Ross was a member of the Scotch Orchestra in 1935. He was a 1936 Dramatic Society member and was involved in ‘The Dragon’, as well as being 1936 Class Captain of Vlb. In 1937 he was Class Captain of VIIc. A 1938 and 1939 Dramatic Society member, Ross was involved in one-act plays in 1938 and in 1939 he was involved in ‘Busman’s Honeymoon’. He was a 1939 Scotch Collegian editorial committee member and was Scotch’s first Captain of Music. A popular leader, he was a boarding house prefect in 1938, house prefect in 1939, and a 1939 Probationer.

Given his full involvement in the life of Scotch, it was natural he should marry at Scotch, on 12 August 1949, to June Joy Brown. Their sons David (1960), James (1959–60) and Clive (1956–60) attended Scotch. Ross’ half brother David Thomas Davies (1920–24) was also at Scotch. A medical practitioner, in 1958 Ross was invited to Japan to attend the first Asian congress on haematology as the Anti-Cancer Council’s representative. Ross died on 16 August 2007. The following is extracted from an obituary by Miranda Harman:

Few people can claim to have brought sport and the arts together, but Dr Ross Hayes could count this among his many achievements. He was a pathologist, highly respected for researching the connection between nuclear fallout and leukaemia. But one of his passions was Australian rules, and his religious attendance at Sydney Swans games inspired Alex Broun to write The Prince of Brunswick East, which was performed at the Old Fitzroy in Woolloomooloo last year. Hayes was a founding member of the Sydney Swans. His football ritual included bringing a flask full of Irish whiskey and plastic containers full of picnic ingredients.

Away from the field there were more serious pursuits. He was so concerned by the human suffering caused by the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan in 1945 that he offered his skills as a pathologist, travelling to Japan to research the connection between nuclear fallout and leukaemia. The results were so well received by the medical profession that he was invited to serve with the Australian Defence Forces, where he worked on treating malaria with the Australian Mobile Malaria Field Laboratories in Papua New Guinea. He was a major in the Army Reserve from 1962–66.

He was a director of the St Luke’s Hospital Board for 23 years, helped found the Asthma Foundation of NSW, was honorary secretary of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia from 1962–66 and was on the parish council of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Darling Point, from 1990–95.

Ross was a clinical pathologist at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, from 1950–60, a pathologist at St Luke’s Hospital from 1961–89, a visiting pathologist at Royal South Sydney Hospital from 1961–86, an honorary assistant in haematology at Sydney Hospital from 1961–72 and a pathologist at the Sydney Adventist Hospital from 1982–87. He was appointed a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Royal College of Pathologist in Britain and elected an honorary fellow of the Association of Clinical Scientists.

Ross had a towering physique, a wide frame and an eclectic mind. Following a chance meeting when author Bryce Courtenay stopped to admire a frangipani Ross was pruning, Ross became Courtenay’s medical adviser for all of his books.

Ross studied medicine at Melbourne University, graduating as a medical doctor in 1945, before specialising in pathology and haematology. He is survived by his wife, three sons and eight grandchildren. His fourth son, Matthew, predeceased him.

Lieutenant Colonel Alec McKenzie HEPBURN ED (’37) was born at Elsternwick, the son of an Old Boy civil engineer, Edward (1904–07, died 23 January 1951), on 8 March 1920. He attended Scotch from 1933–37 as a member of Monash House. His brother Kenneth attended Scotch from 1937–41 and died in World War II on active service with the RAAF on 14 December 1944. Alec survived the war despite his own service in the Army from 1940–45 as a Gunner in the 3 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Alec married Rosemary Inches at Scotch on 15 September 1945. He worked for Westpac. Alec died at the Homestead Nursing Home at Wallington, outside Geelong, on 23 September 2007, following an extended stay.

Allen Forbes HILL (’40) was born at Princes Hill, the son of an estate agent, on 26 April 1925. He attended Scotch from 1939–40 and was a member of the 1st XV in 1940. He served in the RAAF from 1943–45, becoming a Flight Sergeant in the 8 Operational Training Unit. On 24 May 1951 he married Karen M B Anstee at Scotch. Allen followed his father’s profession and was for 20 years a director of H R Hill and Co real estate in Mordialloc. Allen died suddenly in Queensland on 29 August 2007 after a short illness.

Noel William JOHNSON (’47) was born on 22 December 1930 and attended Scotch from 1942–46 as a member of Monash House. He was involved in Scouts at Scotch. Noel was the managing director of Johnson General Ironmongers Pty Ltd, and was interested in woodturning. His wife predeceased him. Noel died on 26 October 2007.

Robert Daniel JOHNSON (’43) was born at Caulfield on 12 October 1926 and attended Scotch as a boarder from 1940–43. He served in the Army during World War II from 1945–47, becoming a Corporal in the 1 WTR TPS Company. Robert died on 22 December 2006.

Edward Courtis KING (’33). Further to the obituary in the September 2007 Great Scot, the following further information has been provided by Ted’s family:

After leaving school, Ted assisted his father from 1935–38 with his work in the Surveyor General’s Department in East Gippsland. In 1938 he jackarooed for a pastoral company in Brewarrina, NSW, and in 1939 became the manager of a pastoral company’s sheep station at Coonamble. He served in Darwin in World War II from 1940–42, after which he managed the Brewarrina property on which he had jackarooed in 1938. In 1946 Ted married Aurelia Hinderle in Sydney. From 1947–50 he managed a property at Cunnamulla, Queensland, during which time two children were born.

In 1950 Ted was allocated 128 square miles of rough country in the Cobar–Ivanhoe district of NSW under the soldier settler scheme, and developed this into a working sheep property. He raised and educated five children, and left the property in 1982 to move to Wangaratta, buying a small property a Mulwala, NSW, which he tended until his death. Ted was passionate about his family, his Herefords, farming, the great outdoors, and is particularly remembered for his passion for the Essendon Football Club. He is survived by five children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Ian Neilson LAMB (’32) was born at East Malvern, the son of a public accountant, on 22 January 1917, and attended Scotch from 1922–32 as a member of Monash House. He was active in Scouts at Scotch, and was patrol leader of Wombat troop. In 1940 he enlisted in the Army, and was a Private in the 37 Battalion. From 1943–44 he served in the RAAF, where he held the rank of Aircraftman 1 at the 54 Radar Station. Ian followed in his father’s professional footsteps and became a chartered accountant, becoming a partner in Maclachlan & Lamb, which amalgamated with David Fell & Co.

On 11 October 1947 Ian married Phyllis Cerutty at Scotch. Ian was the first of three generations of his family to attend Scotch, along with his brother Colin (1923–34), who died on 11 April 1944 in action for the RAAF over northern France in World War II. Ian’s son Andrew attended Scotch from 1964–69 and his grandson David was at Scotch from 1990–91. Ian was a member of the Scotch Foundation. He died on 4 September 2007.

Obituaries in this and previous issues have been compiled by Paul Mishura (unless otherwise stated) from information held or obtained by Scotch College, or provided to Scotch, and content is limited to this information. Scotch depends on the completeness and accuracy of information it holds or is supplied, and while the School takes all reasonable care in compiling obituaries, it cannot take responsibility for any actual or perceived errors or omissions.
Eulogies, obituaries and any other biographical information are welcomed, and must include the exact date of death to permit publication. Space limitations may require submitted material to be edited. Information can be emailed to Paul Mishura at
paul.mishura@scotch.vic.edu.au. Alternatively, please phone Astrida Cooper on 9810 4304 or send information to Great Scot, 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn 3122.

Wallace Samson LAURIE (’45) was born at Albert Park on 6 April 1928 and left Trinity Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1937–45. His brother Robert Bruce Samson Laurie attended Scotch from 1938–49 and died on 8 February 2004. Wallace married Rae Dennis at Wellington, New Zealand, in which country he was a manager in the wool trade. For at least 40 years he was a member of the Rotary Club in Essendon. Wallace died on 4 September 2007.

John McAlister LAWSON (’61). Further to the obituary in the May 2007 Great Scot, the following has been supplied by John’s widow, Wendy Lawson:

John was born on 6 December 1944 and attended Scotch from 1954–62. His favourite subjects were maths and science, but he was also an ardent piano pupil of Mrs Limb and a devotee of George Logie-Smith. He led 2nd Troop in the Scouts and was in his element at Elliott Lodge. John completed a BSc (Honours) in physics at Melbourne University in 1967 and then embarked on a remarkable 35-year career in public education. He taught at several Melbourne secondary schools, including Box Hill, Camberwell and Brunswick, where his dedication enhanced their senior science and maths programs. His experience and qualifications were broadened by obtaining a Master of Education and by a teacher exchange in 1982 at a tiny school in remote Canada.

From the 1990s, he held several posts as school principal where his leadership, humour and meticulous planning were crucial in a difficult time of relocations and mergers. His family life was very happy – devoted as he was to his wife Wendy, his son Thomas, and daughter Alexandra. Waiting at Torquay beach for the right swell or at the MCG for Wayne Carey to take another big grab were his relaxations. John was diagnosed with cancer in early 2003. He fought the illness with great good sense, endurance and courage until his death on 8 January 2007 aged 62.

Roy Alfred LAWTON (’34) was born at Richmond, the son of a contractor, on 24 May 1918, and left Trinity Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1929–34 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland House. He was a member of the Junior School’s 1st XI and XV, and left in August 1934 at the end of term II. He became the manager of Reliance Cleaning Company. His sons attended Scotch: Allan (1957–61) and Graham (1961–64), as did his grandson Andrew (1986–90) and grandfather Charles de Jersey Cohu (1868–70, died 13 July 1939). Roy died on 7 November 2007 and was privately cremated before a thanksgiving service at Camberwell Uniting Church on Tuesday 13 November 2007.

John Alexander Hampton LEWIS (’38) was born at Brighton, the younger of twins, on 2 August 1920. His twin brother, David, was also at Scotch, from 1936–37 (died 17 October 1984). John attended Scotch from 1936–38. He obtained his LLB and LLM at Melbourne University in 1943. He married Patricia Beauchamp at Scotch on 19 January 1945 and their sons Ian (1961–64), Gerald (1960–63) and Clive (1962–67) attended Scotch. John was a solicitor, and for almost 30 years a partner at Corr and Corr (now Corrs Chambers Westgarth). In retirement he was a viticulturist at Lochvie Wines. From 1968–87 he was a member of the board of management of the Royal Women’s Hospital. He died on 9 September 2007 and a funeral service was held at St Margaret’s Anglican Church, Eltham, on Tuesday 18 September 2007, after which he was buried in the Eltham Cemetery.

John Campbell MACPHERSON (’30) was born at Gundagai, New South Wales, the son of a grazier, on 6 July 1915. He boarded in McMeckan House in 1928, then left due to illness. Campbell later attended Cranbrook in Sydney. His brother Roy was at Scotch from 1926–29, and was killed in World War II on 6 December 1944 while piloting a Beaufighter over Celebes in the Dutch East Indies. Campbell also served in World War II, in the RAAF from 1941–46, ending his service as a Flight Lieutenant in the 37 Squadron. Campbell’s Balmer cousins also attended Scotch: John (1926–29, killed in action serving the RAAF in action over Germany on 11 May 1944) and Lee (1926–31, died 23 February 1980). Campbell died on 10 November 2007.

Ian Entwistle MARSHALL (’42) was born at Surrey Hills on 27 September 1926 and attended Scotch as a boarder from 1936–42. Ian served in the RAAF from 1944–46, becoming a Leading Aircraftman at RAAF headquarters. His brother Robert was at Scotch from 1936–41. Ian died on 22 January 2007.

Patrick John McDONNELL (’47) was born at Pimba, South Australia, on 12 May 1928 and attended Scotch from 1940–47. He was a keen Scotch rugby player in the days when rugby was in its infancy at the School, and was years away from becoming an official APS sport. However, he had the honour of representing the Scotch 1st XV from 1943–46, and was its vice-captain in 1945 and its captain in 1946. Patrick married Eryl Judd at Scotch on 19 February 1960. Patrick’s brothers were also at Scotch: Denys (1940–42, died 1 March 1971) and Peter (1940–43, died September 1995). Patrick died on 7 October 2007.

Alan Anderson McINTOSH (’41) was born at Horsham, the son of a clerk, on 20 August 1925. He boarded at Scotch in 1941. From 1944–45 he served in the RAN, being demobilised as an Able Seaman on the HMAS Lonsdale. John died at Horsham on 8 September 2007.

Ian Lawrence McLAREN (’52) was born on 12 April 1936, and boarded at Scotch in School House from 1951–52. His brother John (SC 1945–50, died 8 October 2000) was also at Scotch. Ian died on 15 September 2007 and was privately cremated after a funeral service in the Bromley Chapel, Echuca, on Thursday 20 September 2007. His widow, Leona provided the following information:

Ian and I met in 1972 and married in the Presbyterian Church, Wattletree Road, Hawthorn, in 1977. We lived in North Carlton until 1982, at which time we had the opportunity to purchase Ian’s grandfather’s farm at Moama, New South Wales. Taking up the challenge to be full-time farmers, along with traditional practices of growing wheat, sheep and cattle, we produced squab for Melbourne’s top restaurants, and we were quite successful at it. That still continues today, over 20 years later.

Ian was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 14 years ago, going through the rigours of radiotherapy after which he lived a full and healthy life. Two years ago the cancer reared its ugly head again more aggressively this time. I was with him as he slipped peacefully away on 15 September 2007. God bless him

Walter Charles MOCK (’47) was born at East Burwood on 15 August 1930 and attended Scotch from 1944–47 as a member of Morrison House. His brother Stuart was also at Scotch, from 1947–53. Walter died on 2 October 2007 and was buried at the Morning Cemetery on Wednesday 10 October 2007.

Guy Alder MORRISON (’34) was born at South Yarra, the son of Old Boy dentist William Alder Morrison (1887–94, died 29 December 1972) on 15 January 1917, and left Glamorgan (1925) and Ivanhoe Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1932–34. He was a member of the Scotch Orchestra in 1932, and was a 1934 Class Captain. He was a member of the 1st VIII in 1934, and his death leaves only two survivors from the crew. Guy served in the Army in World War II from 1943–46, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal in the 1 AAD.

Guy was a member of the Morrison family synonymous with Scotch. His great-uncle was Alexander Morrison, principal from 1857 until his death on 31 May 1903. Alexander’s brother Robert taught at Scotch from 1857 to 1904. Robert died on 10 September 1908 and was Guy’s grandfather. Another brother, George Morrison, was the first headmaster of Geelong College, which he served from 1861 until his death on 15 February 1898. Guy’s brother, Alistair, attended Scotch from 1922–25 and died on 15 March 1998. Alistair was the author of Let Stalk Strine.

Through their mother they were related to very early Scotch boys from the Goyder family: grandfather Charles (1867–?, died 25 August 1907), great uncles George (1867–?, died 1896), Harry (1882, died 1947), William (1867–?, died 1940) and Edward (1868–?, died 1874, aged 11). His first cousin once removed, Alister Goyder, attended Scotch from 1907. Guy lived in Sydney, and did not have any contact with Scotch for over 60 years. He was a ‘missing’ Old Boy until he was located in the late 1990s. He was delighted to hear from Scotch despite his long absence. Guy died on 2 October 2007. The following obituary was provided by Sandra Symons:

It is a vision, a daydream shared by many of us: to escape life’s demands and run away to live on a tropical island in primitive splendour. The well-known Sydney journalist and playwright, Guy Morrison, did just that as a young man of 23, accompanied by his new wife and her two small children. He described it in his book We Shared an Island, published in 1952.

It was a romantic vision that had the Morrisons negotiate with a local artist, Paul, to set up a colony of artists and writers on an island off North Queensland. They sold their typewriter and sewing machine, gave away most of their clothes, and packed 150 books, a portable gramophone and 12 music albums to join Paul and two other ‘colonists’ on the island.

The Morrisons built a hut with a thatched roof and walls of plaited palm fronds. They got a couple of goats and some hens and planted sweet potatoes, pineapples, bananas and pawpaws; they ate salads of wild fruit and set up their fish traps. The family shed their clothes and swam and played in the lovely protected little bays around their hut.

But as with many such stories, the idyll soured when more people arrived on the island, the rains returned and a cyclone demolished the Morrisons’ hut. They beat a retreat to the mainland.

Guy Morrison was a gifted newspaper journalist and editor, poet and playwright. His was a life devoted to literature, theatre, music and art. He was driven by his commitment to social justice. Although he enrolled in a maths and science degree at Melbourne University, Guy left to take up a job as a journalist on the Courier-Mail. Marriage and time out on the tropical island followed.

During World War II he saw service in Papua New Guinea; on his return he worked on the Daily Telegraph while he wrote We Shared an Island in his spare time. The book was well received in Australia, England and America, and provided the funds for the family to travel to London where Guy worked for the News Chronicle in Fleet Street for six years until 1955.

He returned to Australia, and in the early 1960s joined Rupert Murdoch in Canberra to work on the country’s first national daily newspaper, The Australian, which was launched in 1964. As production editor, Guy designed the paper and when, under the understanding he would soon be editor, he discovered Murdoch had appointed someone else, he resigned and returned to Sydney to start work on The Sydney Morning Herald.

Guy became involved in the Association for International Co-operation and Disarmament and the anti-Vietnam War movement. As well as helping organise the Moratorium marches in 1970 and 1971, Morrison joined forces with others to form Arts Vietnam in 1968. The Arts Vietnam organising committee, chaired by Morrison, presented a season of drama, music, poetry and painting over two weeks to give voice to the artistic community’s protests against the war.

Nine years later, when features editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, Guy Morrison was instrumental in forming Apmira, Artists for Aboriginal Land Rights. Apmira presented four successful concerts and three art exhibitions in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The festival’s purpose was to publicise the land rights cause, allow artists to proclaim their support of the cause and raise money for the NSW, Kimberley and North Queensland Land Councils to advance Aboriginal rights. He organised lobby groups against the humanitarian crisis in East Timor in 1999, and was a vocal supporter of the movement to bring David Hicks back to Australia.

Guy Morrison had a passion for women. He had many love affairs and kept his lovers as his best friends after the affairs ended.

After he left The Sydney Morning Herald in 1977, Morrison worked as a freelance journalist while writing plays and poetry. His play Jara, based on the life of the Chilean folk singer Victor Jara who was murdered during General Augusto Pinochet’s coup to oust Salvador Allende, was staged at The Performance Space in 1984 to critical acclaim. Other works include Those Old Picasso Blues (Harold Park Hotel, 1987), Dancing the Tango in Sensible Shoes (Bay Street Theatre, 1988), Victor (New Theatre, Melbourne, 1989) and Eat Cake (Cafe de Lane, 1991).

He worked with the Sidetrack Theatre and Lookout Theatre as publicity officer, and co-produced, among other events, the Fred Hollows Benefit Concert at the Clancy Auditorium in 1992, and the festival of choirs, Gracias a la Vida at the Addison Road Community Centre in 1998. Guy donated his body to Sydney University’s Anatomy Department.

Dr Ian McLaren NORTH (’58) was born at Brisbane, the son of a Presbyterian Minister, on 17 September 1941, and attended Scotch from 1956–58. Others in his family with the honour of attending Scotch include his brother Scott (1961–66), and nephews Andrew (1989–94) and Peter (1994–99). At Scotch on 16 January 1965 Ian married Joy Lynette Hince. Ian obtained his MBBS at Melbourne University and practised as an ophthalmic surgeon. By 2003 he was sadly rendered a quadriplegic as a result of Devic’s Disease, a fast onset of multiple sclerosis. Ian lived at Mosman Park, Western Australia, and died in Perth on 22 October 2007.

Kevin Farrington ORAMES (’41) was born at South Melbourne on 5 August 1923 and left University High School to attend Scotch from 1940 to term 1, 1940. He served in the Army in World War II from 1943–46, becoming a Corporal in the 41 Australian Landing Craft Company. Kevin lived at Main Beach, Queensland, and died peacefully in Queensland on 26 August 2007.

Robert Francis PITMAN (’55) was born on 17 September 1938 and attended Scotch from 1947–55 as a member of Gardiner and Gilray Houses. At Scotch he was a cadet, a member of the 2nd XVIII and a member of the 3rd VIII. He married Barbara Dell in January 1968. Bob obtained his BAgrSc at Victoria University in New Zealand in 1990, and became a manager at the MacAlister Research Farm Cooperative Ltd. He was a life member of the Rotary Club of Maffra, being a member of it since 1993. His interests included tennis, skiing and vintage machinery. Also at Scotch were his brothers Ian (1947–53) and John (1958–63), Davey cousins John (1939) and Norman (1941–43), and Pitman nephews Mark (1976–82) and Robert (1994–99). Bob died on 28 October 2007.

John Hewitt POPE (’25) was born at Caulfield on 18 September 1909, the son of Walter Pope, a travelling jeweller and diamond merchant who came to Australia in 1900. John attended Scotch from 1920–24, leaving at the age of 15. In 1927 he entered his father’s business in the jewellery trade. From 1928 he was a commercial traveller, selling jewellery throughout Victoria, New South Wales, and as far west as Mount Gambier in South Australia. He later ran a successful gem and jewellery business in Collins Street, leaving it in 1992, aged in his 80s. John was founding president of the Victoria branch of the Gemmological Association of Australia, from 1946–48. A very lively man, he was a member of the Old Scotch Lodge.

Notwithstanding his continuing connection with Scotch, on the basis that Melbourne Grammar was closer to home, he sent sons John (1944–53) and David (1950–61) there. John died on 21 January 2000. He has erroneously appeared in the list of Scotch’s Top 20 oldest known Old Boys, but Scotch has only recently been informed by his son of John’s death.

John Geoffrey PRISK (’47) was born at Adelaide on 19 May 1931 and attended Scotch from 1943–48 as a member of Gardiner House. John was a member of the Scotch shooting team, the 6th VIII, and was a cadet sergeant. He obtained his Bachelor of Engineering at Melbourne University in 1953, and in 1954 was working in production for the Department of Defence at Footscray. He became the manager of fuse production at the Commonwealth Ammunition Factory. From 1971–75 he was the departmental mechanical engineering representative to the Australian High Commission in London. On 30 November 1963 he married Shirley Ismay Adams at Scotch. John died on 16 September 2007.

Kenneth William RADFORD (’47) was born on 29 June 1930 and attended Scotch from 1943–46. He was Form Captain of VI Commercial in 1945. After leaving Scotch he worked in a variety of jobs, but was primarily involved in the clothing industry. He worked for bandage manufacturer BDF and was a strapper and trainer for several VFL clubs. His daughter Julie described him as a golf fanatic, who spoke fondly of his years at Scotch. He kept every issue of Great Scot. Kenneth died on 7 August 2007 as a result of a bicycle accident. His wife died two weeks later, after a long illness.

Albert Newton REYMENT (’46, pictured above) was born at Coburg, the son of a clerk, on 3 January 1929 and attended Scotch in 1944. Variously known as Newtown or Newt, he left Scotch to work in the family business. Newtown became an accountant. His brother, Richard, attended Scotch from 1942–44. Their cousin, Thomas Congleton, attended Scotch in 1933 (died 15 June 1984) and their Congleton first cousins once removed were also at Scotch: Thomas (1960–64), John (1968–73) and Ross (1971–76 and Scotch Bursar since 2005). Newtown lived at Gordon, New South Wales, and died on 4 August 2007.

Benjamin SAMBELL (’33) was born at Warrnambool, the son of a chemist, on 13 February 1916, and boarded at Scotch from 1932–33. In his final years he was still living at Warrnambool, and he died at Warrnambool on 18 October 2007.

David Ian SCAMBLER (’61, pictured above) was born on 12 July 1943 and attended Scotch from 1951–61 as a member of Gilray House, and as a boarder in McMeckan House. On 26 October 1967 he married Margaret Murray at Scotch. David died on 11 August 2007. His family provided the following obituary:

David Ian Scambler (’61) was born on 12 July 1943, the son of Harry ‘Mac’ McEwin Scambler CBE (1923–26, died 25 July 1998) and Valerie Isabelle Scambler, and brother of John (1949–47). He was a nephew of Donald (1935–36, died 8 December 2003) and father of Robert (1980–91) and Sarah. David spent time as both a day student and occasionally as a boarder. During his time at Scotch David played rugby for the 1st XV and was an important member of the swimming team, a passion he later took to the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club.

David attended Melbourne University where he completed a BCom and FCPA. In 1970 he took on a role at CRA (now Rio Tinto), where he enjoyed a distinguished career of 31 years. During this time he was engaged in a number of roles which included working for Hamersley Iron, Mary Kathleen and AM&S, before being appointed to manage corporate finance and the treasury.

Following his retirement in 2000 to enjoy more time engaged in lifestyle pursuits, he worked on a number of boards including Coal & Allied Industries. David’s love for water endured through his life: he was an active member of the Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club, where he raced boats of various shapes and sizes and won several state titles. He regularly engaged in his other passion of fishing, both locally and in far-flung destinations.

David married Margaret Drummond, daughter of Ralph Murray Drummond, (1922–25, Captain of Scotch 1925, died 30 March 1969) and sister of Ian (1961–64). His first grandson Macgregor David Alan Foote was born on 15 November 2007. David passed away on 11 August 2007, at the Alfred Hospital.

Professor Christopher SELBY SMITH (’60) was born in Kent, United Kingdom, on 29 July 1942, and, with his brother Peter (1953–65), came to Australia with their parents so their father Richard could take up duties as the new headmaster of Scotch (Principal 1953–64, died 22 October 2005).

Chris attended Scotch from 1953–60 as a boarder in School House. His life at Scotch was one of leadership, scholarship and sportsmanship. He was a Probationer in 1958, Prefect in 1959, and Captain of Scotch in 1960. From 1959–60 he was a Scout troop leader, and became a Queen’s Scout. In 1959, along with Alan Pilkington, David Kemp and Peter Turner, Chris was Dux of Scotch. In 1964 Christopher was the Rhodes Scholar for Victoria. From 1959–60 he was a member of the 1st XI, and in 1960 was a member of the 1st XVIII, as well as being captain of the 2nd XVIII.

In 1964 Chris obtained his BA (Hons) at Melbourne University, followed by a DPhil at Oxford in 1968. Chris was a Professor of Economics at Monash University, where he was a founding director of the ACER Centre for the Economics of Education and Training. He sent his son Hugh to Scotch (1988–91). Chris died suddenly on 16 September 2007.

Scotch cricket coach from 1955–76, John Miles, wrote the following about his former pupil:

Chris Selby Smith, as the eldest son of a wonderful and successful Scotch Principal, Richard Selby Smith, brilliantly overcame the potential problem of being the Headmaster’s son, by sheer ability and class. As School Captain, outstanding 1st XI cricketer and later Rhodes Scholar, and a professor, like his father, Chris or Kit or Young Selby, did it all.

As a person who was privileged to be Kit’s cricket coach at Scotch in 1959 and 1960, I observed him from close quarters, and he was one of the most impressive young men whom I had the privilege of coaching in my 23 years at Scotch. The qualities Chris showed in his later and highly successful career were exemplified in his cricket as a fine Scotch batsman: intelligence, coolness under pressure, courage, determination, concentration, a sound technique, unselfishness and a great team spirit.

With it all Chris had a great sense of humour and a lively and pleasant personality, always interested in other people. Like brother Peter, Kit was a chip off the old block, but a pretty big chip! Dick Selby Smith was extremely proud of his two successful sons, and so he should have been. My condolences to the Selby Smith family on the premature passing of a fine cricketer and sportsman, and a true gentleman in the best sense of the word.

Dr Ronald Peter Lancelot SLEEMAN (’32) was born at Wonthaggi, the son of Old Boy doctor, Dr Lancelot Osbert Sleeman (1900–01, died 20 December 1968), on 18 December 1915. He was a boarder in McMeckan House while attending Scotch from 1929–33. In 1933 he was a House Prefect. His uncle, James, was also at Scotch, attending from 1906–09 (died 10 November 1969). In 1938 he won the Warragul tennis singles.

Ronald obtained his MBBS at Melbourne University in 1940, and for four years was a member of the intervarsity tennis team. He served in the Australian Army Medical Corps from 1941–46, reaching the rank of Captain. In 1952 Ronald married Helen Gooch, at St Columba’s in Elwood. He followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a general practitioner. Ronald lived at Elanora, Queensland, and died on 22 August 2007.

John Cameron SLOSS (’33) was born at Cobden, the son of a teacher, on 2 January 1916 and attended Scotch from 1932–33. He was a 1933 Class Captain. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army, and was a Signalman in the Signals 3 Lines of Communication. World War II records do not record his date of demobilisation. John married Jean Black at Scotch on 17 April 1943. One great nephew, James Buckley, attended Melbourne Grammar and then Scotch from 1994–2002, while James’ older brother, Cameron Buckley, attended MGS from 1981–93. John died on 23 September 2007.

Dr Donald Stuart TAYLOR (’46) was born at St. Kilda, the son of Old Boy and insurance departmental head Charles Stuart Taylor (1900–03, died 10 September 1963), on 9 February 1929. Donald attended Scotch from 1943–46. He also married at Scotch, on 15 March 1952, to Pamela J Seabrooks. Also at Scotch was his brother Roy (1940–42). Donald died peacefully at ‘Nangatta’, Geelong, on 3 November 2007.

John Adamson WARMINGTON (’36) was born at Sunshine, the son of a property salesman, on 14 July 1919, and attended Scotch in 1935. He served in the Army in World War II from 1942–46, becoming a Lieutenant in the Australian Military Force HQ. A number of relatives attended Scotch, including brother James (1935–38), uncle John Adamson (1897–1900, died 28 November 1948), Warmington nephews Richard (1965–72), Michael (1970–75), Andrew (1966–74) and David (1968–75), and McKay second cousins Hugh (1913–21, died 17 January 1966), Hubert (1907–12, died 8 June 1913) and Cecil (1911–19, died 26 January 1968) John lived at Doncaster and died in Templestowe on 16 September 2007. A funeral service was held for him at Le Pine in Kew East on Thursday 20 September 2007 after which he was privately cremated.

Bruce Harold WATSON (’54) was born on 5 May 1938 and attended Scotch from 1950–54 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland House. He became managing director of T A Australasia Pty Ltd, and was a member of Boma, secretary of the Diamond Bay Private Street Scheme, a member of the Sorrento/Portsea Conservation Group, a member of the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, and a representative in baseball of Victoria, NSW and the ACT. Others at Scotch included his brother Brian (1949–51, died 20 February 1987) and nephew Timothy (1979–83). Bruce died on 30 September 2007 after a long illness.

Professor Peter Robert WILSON (’47) was born at Kew, the son of Scotch teacher Robert ‘Nutty’ Wilson (staff 1911–56, died 1 February 1969), on 17 October 1929, and attended Scotch from 1935–47 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland House. Peter was a member of the 1943 and 1944 Athletics teams, a member of the 2nd XVIII and Captain of the 3rd XI. He was a 1946 Probationer, and a 1947 Prefect. In conjunction with John Fuller, Peter was Dux of Scotch in 1947.

Peter taught mathematics at Brighton Grammar School in 1952. He obtained his PhD at Sydney University in 1953. In 1954 he was a tutor at Ormond College, then a master at Cheltenham College in the United Kingdom, and in 1955 he was teaching at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, Scotland. Peter was a boarding house master in Arthur Rob in 1957 and 1958. By 1962 he was lecturing at Sydney University. In 1964 he spent a year at Colorado University on sabbatical leave.

Peter was named Professor of Applied Mathematics at Sydney University in 1971. From 1992 he was a member of the Rotary Club of Sydney. He wrote Solar and Stellar Cycles. Other relations at Scotch included brother Ian (1937–44) and cousin Kenneth Leslie Christian (1935–38). Peter lived in Sydney, and died there, suddenly, on 11 November 2007, following years of ill-health.