Scotch College

ADAMS Bruce Leslie (’43)
BECKWITH Roger James (’61)
BROOKE Noel William (’47)
BROWNLIE John Ross (’50)
BURNS AO Creighton Lee (’41)
BURT David John (Staff 1955–63)
CHONG Jeffrey William (’44)
CRICHTON Ian Beresford McCullagh (’48)
DICKASON Malcolm Edward (’55)
GATES Timothy Clason (’69)
GREAVES William McLellan (Mac) (’46)
HAMMOND Owen White (’29)
HANCOCK Stuart Peter (’37)
HEAD William Neil (’46)
HENDY Ian Gordon (’46)
HODGE Ross Donald (’84)
JOHNSTON MBE Colin Edwin (’38)
KEEP Anthony Charles (’52)
KLEMKE Leslie Frederick (’36)
LAING Alexander Andrew (’41)
LAURIE Kenneth Bayne (’38)
LEWELLIN Edward George (’40)
LINTON-SMITH Douglas (’37)
MACDONALD Dr Colin Ferguson (’39)
MAY Joseph Kenneth (’43)
McALLESTER James Clulow (’36)
McINDOE Robert Edward (’39)
McPHERSON Colin Roy (’37)
MECKIFF Alan Charles Guy (’29)
MELDRUM Maxwell Robert (’58)
MILLAR Alexander Crosbie (’52)
MURPHY Robert John Rigby (’36)
NASH Wilfred Victor (Staff 1964–85).
NILSEN Oliver John (’58)
PROVAN John (Jack) David (’42)
REYMENT, Albert Newton (’46)
ROWELL Francis Albert (’37)
RUSH Gilford Arthur (’47)
SARGEANT Philip Harold Robinson (’50)
SCOTT William John Maplesden (’37)
SECCOMBE Graeme Frederic (’36)
SHAW James Stewart (Jim) (’41)
SHAW Ross Joseph (’41)
STEWART Albert John ‘Joe’ (’55)
TAFT Dr Boyard Israel (’29)
THALLON Robert Jack (’41)
UTTING Jeffrey Russell Harvey (’34)
WELLER John Kirk (’52)
WILLIAMS Kenneth Owen (’47)
WISE Graham Charles (’52)

Bruce Leslie ADAMS (’43) was born at Box Hill on 17 March 1927, and attended Scotch from 1939–43 as a member of Morrison House. In 1939 he was Dux of Form 4A and was 1941 Class Captain of VIa. Bruce was a member of the 2nd VIII and was a Cadet. He obtained his Intermediate Certificate in 1942 and his Leaving Certificate in 1943, during which he rowed in the 2nd VIII, played football, and did athletics. He left Scotch and commenced work as a bank officer before enlisting in the RAN on VE Day, and serving until 1947. He was an Able Seaman at HMAS Cerebus when demobilised.

Bruce qualified as an accountant in 1949 and as a cost account in 1950, in which year he was appointed accountant to the Australian Canned Fruits Board, which he served for 38 years. He was its manager and general manager from 1960–88, taking over from his father, Jim Adams OBE. He retained a connection with Scotch by joining the Scotch Collegians’ Lodge and being involved with the Old Scotch Dramatic Society until its disbanding in 1959. He was past president of the Probus Club of Nunawading, past president of the Friends of Monash University, and past president of the Scotch Film Society. Bruce married Gwenneth Mary Cocks at Scotch on 26 November 1955 and their sons Robert (SC 1971–76) and Andrew (SC 1981–86) attended Scotch. Also at Scotch were Bruce’s brothers Jim (SC 1950–55, also staff 1985–92, died 8 May 1996) and Peter (SC 1950–55) who were twins. Bruce had the satisfaction of seeing his grandsons attend Scotch: James (SC 1997–2005) and William (SC Year 8). Bruce died on 24 November 2007.

Bruce’s son, Robert Adams, and Keith Weymouth (’44) provided the following tribute to Bruce, which has been edited:

Bruce Adams passed away on 24 November 2007, after several months of declining health. Some years earlier he suffered a stroke, but with his characteristic positive determination, he largely overcame its debilitating effects, and lived a reasonably normal life until quite recently.

Until his last days, Bruce’s love of collecting and relating humorous stories was one of his most outstanding and lovable characteristics. He would delight in telling his latest story, and always with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was a marvellously sincere and respected personality.

Bruce was born on 17 March 1927 into the loving family of William Adams and his Scottish wife, Emma. His mother’s Scottish origin had much influence in Bruce’s upbringing and his lifelong love of all things Scottish.

At Scotch, Bruce won some prizes in lower forms, but described his later academic skills as ‘outclassed’. He was active in Cadets, swimming, athletics, football and rowing in House 1sts and School 2nds.

After leaving school he studied accountancy at Melbourne Technical College, and qualified as a member of the Commonwealth Institute of Accountants. His initial employment was with the Commonwealth Bank, but on his 18th birthday in 1945, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve as an Able Seaman, and on his discharge in January 1947, he took pride in describing his discharge rank as ‘unable seaman’!

Bruce served in the commissioning crew of the River class corvette HMAS Condamine, cleaning up the Pacific after the end of the World War. On discharge, he returned to the Commonwealth Bank, but in 1950 he joined the Australian Canned Fruits Board as accountant, where his father, William, was general manager. Bruce subsequently became secretary to the board, and succeeded his father as general manager, retiring in 1988.

Bruce married Gwen Cocks in November 1955, and together they raised a family of two boys, Robert and Andrew and two girls, Catherine and Janet. Both Robert (’76) and Andrew (’86) attended Scotch. Gwen and Bruce were immensely proud of their achievements at Scotch, and participated as active parents.

The involvement of the Adams family has continued since, with grandsons James (Scotch ’05) and William who is currently at Scotch, and further grandsons in the future Scotch ‘pipeline’, making three generations of the Adams family at the School.

Bruce’s wide range of interests included Scouting, the Blackburn Uniting Church as parish councillor and Sunday school coordinator, the Blackburn RSL branch, and time as a director of the Friends of Monash University.

Bruce loved sailing, skiing and surfing in his earlier days. Later, he enjoyed Old Scotch tennis, Old Scotch bowls, and especially golfing with his friends. He continued to play golf after his stroke.

He was also active in the Old Scotch Dramatic Society up to its closure in 1959, and was on the committee. He was a past president of the Scotch Film Society, past president of the Nunawading Probus Club, and member of the Old Scotch Masonic Lodge, the Melbourne Cricket Club and the RACV Club.

Bruce also loved landscape painting, which may have been encouraged by his mother, Emma who painted many beautiful works, displayed in the family home as Bruce was growing up.

Bruce was a great man in every sense of the word, who will be remembered fondly for his dignity, wit and wise counsel.

Roger James BECKWITH (’61) was born on 9 August 1944 and attended Scotch from 1950–61, following in the footsteps of his father John (SC 1921–31, died 18 September 1993) and uncle Vic (SC 1926–36, died 2 December 1999). Other relatives were his cousin Stuart (SC 1957–68) and his Evans nephews, Andrew (SC 1987–94) and Jonathon (SC 1987–98). Roger lived at Carrara, Queensland, and died on 13 December 2007.

Noel William BROOKE (’47) was born at St. Kilda on 27 November 1930, the son of a commercial traveller, and attended Scotch from 1945–47. He married Elva J Reynolds at Scotch on 1 March 1952. A keen yachtsman, he competed in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. Noel died peacefully at Brighton on 8 March 2008 after a lengthy illness.

John Ross BROWNLIE (’50) was born at Caulfield on 5 September 1932, the son of an accountant at Myer, and attended Scotch from 1944–48. Ross married Joan Margaret Macdonald at Scotch on 16 March 1957. Also at Scotch was Ross’ brother Neil (SC 1949–51). Ross died on 5 March 2008. The following obituary was provided by his family:

Ross spent his early years at Lloyd Street Central School in East Malvern. After Scotch he attended Collingwood Tech to complete an apprenticeship in electrical fitting and armature winding. He worked in the industry for a few years before joining his mother in the family business – D W Brownlie Caterers in East Malvern in 1958. Ross and Joan had three children, a son and two daughters. Ross was also a proud grandfather to his four grandchildren.

Ross and Joan worked in the family business until retirement in 1996, closing down the East Malvern catering business after more than 50 years. In his retirement Ross dabbled in woodwork and was very busy making furniture such as coffee tables, display cabinets and toy boxes for his grandchildren. Despite ill health in recent years, Ross continued to enjoy pastimes including cryptic crosswords, sudoko and reading novels. Ross enjoyed reading Great Scot and was always very grateful for the education he received at the school, reminiscing often about his classmates and times he had at the school. Ross Brownlie died surrounded by his close-knit family. He was well loved by many, as was evident by the huge turnout for his funeral.

Creighton Lee BURNS AO (’41) was born at East Malvern on 19 March 1925, the son of a journalist, and attended Scotch from 1938–41. A 1938 Dramatic Society member, he was involved in The Merchant of Venice. He was 1940 Form Captain of VIII Literature, and was a 1940 and 1941 Scotch Collegian Editorial Committee member. Creighton was involved in the 1941 school play, was a Probationer, and was Editor of Satura.

He served in the RAN in World War II from 1942–46, with his last posting being overseas radar on the HMAS Condamine. On 24 May 1947 he married Raithlyn Shaw at Scotch. Several of their sons attended Scotch: David (SC 1963–72) and Creighton ‘Tammy’ Burns (SC 1967–75). Also at Scotch were Creighton’s brothers Arthur (SC 1936–40, died 12 February 1995) and Bruce (SC 1939–45, died 22 August 1997). Creighton died of cancer at Cabrini Hospital on 19 January 2008.

A photograph published in The Age showing him with Jeff Kennett (’65) and John Cain (’48) in 1985 is illustrative of both the influence and the variety of types of influence Scotch Collegians have in Victoria. The following is extracted from numerous newspaper tributes to Creighton:

Creighton became a cadet journalist on The Sun News Pictorial aged 15. The war interrupted, and he served on three warships as ship’s writer, including the HMAS Australia, which was attacked by Japanese kamikazes. He studied History at Melbourne University and graduated with first class honours. Creighton was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1948. He studied at Oxford and took up Balliol and Nuffield Scholarships. He graduated with a Master of Arts from Oxford in 1956.

Returning to Australia, he taught political science at Canberra (1952–53) and then Melbourne University (1953–63). He wrote two books: Parties and People (1961), covering the LaTrobe by-election, and The Tait Case (1963), which dealt with the last-minute commutation of a death sentence for a murderer. In 1964 he returned to journalism, and joined the flagging The Age newspaper. Appointed south-east Asian correspondent (1964–67), he was based in Singapore and covered the Vietnam War, which included joining soldiers on patrol (taking with him his own stylish picnic lunch, including wine).

Returning to Melbourne, he had various editorial executive roles before being posted to Washington in 1975 shortly after Watergate, and remained there until 1981. He particularly enjoyed his time in the US, and remained interested in American politics until his death. In 1981 he became editor of The Age, remaining in the role until retirement in 1989. His retirement was prompted by the death of his second wife, Anita, on 22 November 1989, leaving him the sole parent of two young children.

Creighton had played a leading role in the creation of The Sunday Age in 1989. He won the Graham Perkin Award for Australian Journalist of the Year in 1984, for publishing tapes of NSW police phone taps, which led to a royal commission. He was made an officer of the Order of Australia for services to journalism in 1991. Creighton became chancellor of the Victoria University of Technology (1990–94), and was a popular president of the Melbourne Savage Club, which he enjoyed to the end. Creighton was regarded as an intellectually brilliant and fearless journalist, who remained firm in his chosen position, and who was respected by friends and foes alike.

David John BURT (Staff 1955–63) was born on 11 September 1929 and was a member of Scotch staff from 1955–63. According to Harry Zachariah, Honourary Archivist at Brighton Grammar School, David attended BGS and was later a resident master on its staff. He said David studied a course for scholastically struggling children at the University of Queensland, and returned from Queensland to teach at Scotch. From Scotch he taught at Cranbrook in Sydney and then had a brief appointment as the headmaster of Rockhampton Grammar School. After returning to Victoria to teach at Haileybury College, David retired. He was a staunch member of the ‘Top Enders’, originally a group of four old BGS boys based at the top end of Collins Street who would meet for lunch. This group expanded to approximately 60 members, who would meet on the last Thursday of every second month. David was married to Diana for 50 years. He died at Cabrini Hospital on 3 December 2007.

Jeffrey William CHONG (’44) was born at Bairnsdale, the son of a herbalist, on 2 September 1927. He won a scholarship and boarded at Scotch in School House from 1943–44. In 1944 he was a member of the Ninth and was Dux of Biology. He studied Dentistry at Melbourne University, and graduated in 1949 with a BDSc and LDS, spending most of his professional life practising in Bentleigh. He retired in 1988. In 1951 he married Irene Wing Young, at the High Street Anglican Church, Kew and their sons attended Scotch: Paul (SC 1971–73) and Timothy (SC 1976–81). Jeffrey lived at Robina, Queensland, and died peacefully at Allamanda Prive Hospital on the Gold Coast, Queensland, on 9 January 2008.

Ian Beresford McCullagh CRICHTON (’48) was born at East Brighton, the son of a war worker, on 31 August 1931, and attended Scotch from 1946–47. His brother David (SC 1942–44, died 30 October 2000) was also at Scotch. Ian married Alice E MacMillan at Scotch on 11 September 1953. Ian lived at Wesburn, Victoria, and died on 29 January 2008.

Malcolm Edward DICKASON (’55) was born at Thornbury, the son of a commercial traveller, on Australia Day 1938. He attended Scotch from 1952–53. Malcolm married Jill Louise McNab at Scotch on 17 February 1967. His nephew Andrew Myers attended Scotch from 1976–84. Malcolm lived at Burrum Heads, Queensland, and died on the Gold Coast, Queensland, on 29 December 2007. The following was provided by Ken and Barbara Myers:

Malcolm was the only son of Edward and Margaret Dickason. He was the brother of Barbara Myers, brother-in-law of Ken Myers (’51) and uncle of Susan, Kim, Andrew (’84) and Tracey. At Scotch he participated energetically in many school activities including being a drummer in the Scotch College Pipe Band. Throughout his life he was responsible for several business enterprises, including the manufacture of steel and artificial diamonds. He travelled extensively overseas on business, and derived great pleasure from the friendship of the many international contacts that this provided.

Timothy Clason GATES (’69) (also known as Timothy Clayson Gates) was born at Beaumaris on 11 February 1952 and attended Scotch as a third generation Scotch Collegian from 1962–69. His father was John (CGS 1932–35, SC 1936–42, died 7 June 1996) and his grandfather was Edward (SC 1909–16, died 1 October 1959). Also at Scotch was Tim’s uncle Edward (CGS 1931–35, SC 1936–39, died 7 August 1944 in World War II).

Tim was involved in surf life saving throughout his life, serving at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, where he was club captain from 1978–81, and five times club champion. In 1980 he was surf life saver of the year, and he won nine state titles and five Victorian masters titles. Tim swam the Lorne Pier to Pub 18 times, with his last one being a week before his death, finishing 15th in the veteran male category. He was teaching nippers to board paddle in difficult conditions when a freak wave dumped him. Tim suffered head injuries when hit by his board, and could not be revived before being airlifted to the Alfred Hospital, where he died three days later.

Tim obtained a BSc at Melbourne University, and his DipEd at Monash, and taught at Brighton Grammar School and Carey Baptist Grammar School. He then joined the staff of Melbourne Grammar School, in 1981. Initially based at Wadhurst (MGS’s middle school), he was a form teacher for Years 7–8 from 1981–92, and was head of science from 1989–92. In 1993 he became the warden of MGS’s Sir Robert Knox Camp at Woodend, where he was also director of outdoor education (Interestingly, Old Melburnian Sir Robert Knox was a brother and son of Old Scotch Collegians.)

In 1994 he wrote to Scotch after 20 months in the role to say he was living there with his family and was thoroughly enjoying it. Tim had married Jane and had three daughters – he did not have to choose whether a son would be the fourth generation to wear cardinal, gold and blue or the first in dark blue! He spent much of his time in the Wombat State Forest, guiding MGS students in activities including navigation, survival exercises and rope courses. Tim was respected and loved by MGS students, one of whom, Elliot Haralambous, echoed the feelings of many by writing: ‘He was a great man who nearly all who went through MGS knew, who died tragically this summer … His contributions and what a great bloke he was will not be forgotten by … MGS’.

Tim died in the early hours of the morning of 10 January 2008. A memorial service in MGS’s Chapel of St. Peter on 18 January 2008 drew over 2,000 people, and the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club named its roll of club champion nippers the Tim Gates Honour Board.

A further tribute to Tim will appear in the next edition of Great Scot.

William McLellan (Mac) GREAVES (’46) was born at Surrey Hills, the son of a grazier, on 15 May 1930. He attended Scotch from 1942–46 and was a boarder in School House. Mac married Judith (Judy) A R Cameron at Scotch on 27 August 1952, and their sons Bill (SC 1969–71) and James (SC 1969–73) attended Scotch, as had Mac’s father William Clement Greaves OBE (SC 1912–?, died 9 August 1973). Mac was a farmer and grazier in the Caldermeade district for many years, and was heavily involved with the Royal Agricultural Society, including 10 years as ringmaster. By 1991 he owned the Jacaranda holiday units in Swan Hill with his wife, and enjoyed the local golf courses. Mac lived at Bunyip, Victoria, and died of cancer at Hillview Aged Care, Bunyip, on 20 January 2008. The following is extracted from the obituary in the Herald Sun of 21 March 2008:

Mac grew up at Caldermeade, a train stop in South Gippsland. At Scotch his boxing prowess was used by sports masters to sort out errant students in the ring. Mac’s family had a long association with the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS). His great-grandfather, George Greaves was on the council of its predecessor, the Port Phillip Farmers’ Society, in 1848. His grandfather joined the RAS council in 1906, his father in 1936, and Mac served it for 40 years from 1968, becoming a life councillor in 1998.

He had a positive attitude to solving problems and was not afraid to push new ideas. He was successful in starting a national show for the horse of the year, and was a fair and respected judge, primarily of horses and equestrian activities, around Australia. Mac was instrumental in forming the Victorian Dressage Club. He was a life member of the Lang Lang Show Society, started the Young Farmers’ Group and for eight years was Cranbourne shire president. He was a life member and one-time president of the Equestrian Federation, and a director of a farming cooperative and insurance and finance companies. In his final decade he was heavily involved with football and cricket clubs at Bunyip.

Owen White HAMMOND (’29) was born at Dandenong, the youngest of three sons at Scotch of a company secretary, on 22 December 1913. He attended Scotch from 1927–29. Owen was a member of the 1927 Athletics team, a 1929 Class Captain and a member of the 1929 Athletics team, winning the 1929 APS athletics under 16 long jump with a 19’ 4.75” (5.91m) leap. From 1941–42 he served in the AIF as a gunner in the 2 Survey Regiment RAA (M), and from 1942–46 he served in the RAAF. He was demobilised with the rank of Flying Officer, being based at RAAF headquarters.

Owen married a widow, Jean Grace (nee Scott) McAuliffe, who died in 2002. Owen’s older brothers at Scotch were John (SC 1918–19, died 31 August 1971) and Maxwell (SC 1918–20, died 23 September 1983), and their Hagan cousins also attended: Keith (SC 1929–32, died 2 November 1961), Bruce (SC 1929–33, died 25 August 1994) and Richard (SC 1934–36, died 9 January 2003), as did his Hagan first cousins once removed: Drew (SC 1964–66), Duncan (SC 1964–69) and David (SC 1967–71) and Hagan first cousin twice removed Andrew (SC 1995–99).

Also at Scotch were their Evans nephews David (SC 1943–45, died 13 August 1996), Ken (SC 1945–48), James (SC 1946–48) and Frank (SC 1949–51); and their Evans great nephews Douglas (SC 1974–79), Greg (SC 1976–81) and Robert (SC 1980–85). Owen lived at Corinda, Queensland, and died at Brisbane on 17 January 2008. The following information has been supplied by his family:

Owen was educated at several state schools before attending Scotch as a scholarship student, as had his brothers. Owen left school at the beginning of the Great Depression and worked as a junior clerk with National Mutual, working there for 44 years, with the exception of his war service. Most of his time at National Mutual was in the Melbourne head office, with stints in Sydney and Perth (where he was head of the branch), and a permanent move to Brisbane, where he was head of all Queensland agencies. The work involved significant travel, including trips to the Top End and PNG, and Owen found its variety interesting and satisfying.

After his retirement, Owen was saddened when ownership of the company went to Paris-based AXA. Owen attended a Brisbane Golf Club function in 1969 and there met Jean, his future wife of 30 years until her death in 2002. They were both cremated and their ashes placed side by side in the Mount Gravatt Cemetery.

Stuart Peter HANCOCK (’37) was born at East Kew, the son of a manager of the Mitchell Lime Estate, on 16 September 1919, and attended Scotch from 1934–37. He was a 1935 Class Captain, 1936 Class Captain of Vlc and 1937 Class Captain of Vllc. Stuart was a member of the 1st XVIIIs of 1936 and 1937. In 1940 he served in the AIF as a gunner in the 2 Anti Aircraft Regiment, and from 1942–46 he served in the RAN. He was demobilised as a Lieutenant (SP) on the HMAS Lonsdale. He married Valda Hoath at Scotch on 16 January 1943, and their son Andy attended Scotch from 1956–65. Stuart became general manager of Namco Industries. He died on the 65th anniversary of his wedding, at Grossard Court, Cowes, after a short illness; his wife predeceased him.

William Neil HEAD (’46) was born at Kew, the son of a fitter and turner, on 6 August 1929. He attended Scotch from 1944–46, as did his brother John (SC 1933) and nephews John (SC 1960–64), Peter (SC 1962–67), David (SC 1963–68) and Roger (SC 1969–74). William lived at Kerang, and Scotch has recently been advised he died on 9 July 2006.

Ian Gordon HENDY (’46) was born on 1 May 1930 and attended Scotch from 1942–46 as a member of Monash house. He was involved in Scouts and Cadets at Scotch. He married Patricia M Arnold at Scotch on 7 April 1954. Ian died on 7 February 2008.

Ross Donald HODGE (’84) was born on 22 May 1967, the son of a grazier, and attended Scotch from 1981–84 as a boarder in School House. He was a member of Littlejohn House, and of the 1981 Athletics team and the 1984 1st XVIII. Also at Scotch were his brothers Brian (SC 1976–81) and Adrian (SC 1982–84). Ross died accidentally at home, Lynbrae, Deniliquin, New South Wales, on 20 February 2008. His wife provided the following valedictory, after which follows an edited eulogy by classmate John Launder (’84):

Valedictory by Ross’s family (wife, Angela, son, William, 10 years and daughter, Sophie, seven years):

Some of Hodgey’s favourite memories were when he attended Scotch as a boarder. He considered his time at Scotch as a valuable foundation for his life as a friend, businessman and a member of the community. Coming from the land, and working hard to successfully buy and operate his own property near Deniliquin, it can be seen that Hodgey was a strong man with excellent work ethics and ambition. He recognised these traits consistently among fellow Scotch colleagues no matter what occupation they chose to pursue.

On reflection, Hodgey believed his time at school, together with his family values, contributed to his belief that he should strive for the best, and that that his friendships from school were to be valued, as they were a constant source of support, guidance and fun. We now look forward to Will attending Scotch as a boarder in secondary school. This is something both Hodgey and Will were looking forward to in the near future.

Eulogy by John Launder:

Born in Maffra, Ross’s early years were spent on the family property in Newry where his natural affinity with the land was apparent from a very early age. It was also apparent that we had a fair sportsman in the making. His love of all things farming never left him: horses, working dogs, utes, livestock (perhaps with the exception of alpacas!), tractors, cropping, whips, guns, knives, the smell of diesel and of course a wardrobe full of R M Williams clothing and accessories.

I met Ross in 1981 where he joined me at the Scotch College boarding house, he in School House, and I in Arthur Rob. It became immediately apparent we had a strong friendship to look forward to. Perhaps it was because we shared the view that school was more about a life experience than an academic experience, much to the teachers’ and housemasters’ torment. At one point Ross was sent home on suspension. What a terrible punishment, he thought – a week at home doing what I love doing most!

It was sport where we would see Roscoe in his element, be it as an oarsman or on the athletics track, where he would cover the ground with the speed of a cheetah. It was on the football field he was at his best. He would strike fear into opponents, never once taking a backward step. He would often play well above his height and weight, and more often than not would lower his opponent’s colours. However, if he marked anywhere inside 50 metres from goal he would never give it off, even if a teammate was in a much better position. Mind you, better in his hands than most. The motto was win at all costs, but at the end of the match look your opponent in the eye and shake hands. He was a true sportsman.

I am convinced that the song ‘I’ve been everywhere, man’ was written with Hodgey in mind. He has spent time in Melbourne, Charlton, Darlington, Derrinallum, Glenormiston, Kalgoorlie, Albury, Julia Creek, Woomargama, Holbrook, Nyngan, Corowa and Deniliquin, to name a few.

Roscoe was involved in vocations including concreting and working in the mines, but mostly it was agricultural pursuits. The most significant factor was the friendships he nurtured along the journey. He did surprise us all by completing a diploma in farm management, which again was more about the life experience, mateship and the footy rather than the piece of paper he ended up with … eventually!

Three significant events would change his life forever. The first was at the Holbrook picnic races in 1996 when he met his future wife, the beautiful Angela Ward. Never one to procrastinate, Hodgey married her on 11 January 1997. The second significant event was the birth of William and Sophie, fondly referred to as Henry and Budgie. The third significant event was the diagnosis of thyroid cancer approximately eight years ago. He was now a man on a mission to provide the best possible future for his family.

He was the hardest working man I have ever met. He would come in from the paddocks physically exhausted, but his mind would never rest. They took a lease on the ‘Maryvale’ property in Albury. Roscoe had more water than you could poke a stick at, as the property was owned by the paper mill and all of the waste water was his for the taking. He grew vast amounts of lucerne and took advantage of rising feed prices. He had the canny knack of knowing when to buy and sell livestock.

Approximately four years ago was one of his proudest moments, the purchase of ‘Lynbrae’ in Deniliquin. He transformed this property into a well laid out, incredibly efficient production facility. Most blokes would have a Playboy or a car magazine by the dunny; not Roscoe. He would have the farm machinery trader, the Weekly Times and the Deals on Wheels magazine. He would ring up the bank manager, get another fifty grand, buy a bit of second-hand machinery, flog it to death for a season and sell it at the other end for seventy grand.

If asked to sum up Hodgey in one word just open your thesaurus at the word ‘shrewd’. There wasn’t any particular moment that I recall as being the best moment. It was all the times I had with him, be that fishing or the countless evenings under the stars on a back verandah, where we would drink beer and attempt to solve all the problems of the world. Put simply, I loved his company. Thanks for the memories. I’ll see you when I see you.

Colin Edwin JOHNSTON MBE (’38) was born at Camberwell, the son of the managing director of Aspro, on 22 April 1921. He left Deepdene Primary School to attend Scotch from 1933–38 as a member of Monash house. He was a 1938 Dramatic Society member, involved in one-act plays. He joined the AIF in 1940 and from 1941–45 served in the RAAF, becoming a Flight Lieutenant in the 2 Operational Training Unit. On 1 September 1947 he married Elizabeth Suzanne Smith at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

Colin had extensive Scotch connections, including his brother Cam (SC 1924–29, died 14 August 2003); sons David (SC 1960–68) and Stephen (SC 1963–70; nephews Campbell (SC 1955–67) and Richard (SC 1949–61, died 16 July 1991) and great-nephews Campbell (SC 1991–2003), Timothy (SC 1982–85) and Edwin (SC 1985–88). Colin was a physiotherapist, and died on 22 January 2008. The following information is extracted from two obituaries supplied by his family:

Colin played for his house at Scotch in cricket and football, and competed in athletics. He also took part in drama productions in Steve Yarnold’s time. He matriculated from Scotch College in 1938 and secured a job with BHP, and joined the Victorian Scottish Regiment. He volunteered for overseas service with the RAAF, with two years of local training being completed in Southern Rhodesia and the Middle East. He flew in Harvard trainer aeroplanes.

He received his ‘wings’ and was posted to 239 Wing Fighter Squadron, and then to Italy, flying at times across the Adriatic, and dive bombing Yugoslavia. He also flew Kittyhawks as a fighter pilot over Italy. With activities decreasing in Europe he was then sent back to Australia to Mildura for training as an instructor in fighter bombers. During later service with 450 Squadron as an instructor he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.

While carrying out dive bombing missions he had routinely blacked out when re-ascending. The effects of this, and of a disease in his eyes in the last stages of the war, undoubtedly had delayed and permanent effects. The war ended, and on demobilisation he joined Nicholas Pty Ltd and went to Queensland as a medical detailer. While there he met his wife to be, Elizabeth. They expected to remain in Brisbane for some time, but after a little more than two years he was sent, with Elizabeth and new baby David to the Perth office. After a couple of years in WA, problems with his eyes forced a return to Melbourne for operations and specialist treatment. Still with some sight, he was sent to Holland to a famous professor, but without success.

While Colin was in hospital in Holland, the then chairman of St Dunstan’s (the renowned centre for rehabilitation of blinded ex-servicemen), Sir Ian Fraser, later Lord Fraser of Lonsdale, recommended that he should attend the Royal National Institute for the Blind to train as a physiotherapist. He did so, pioneering study technology now taken for granted. Volunteer readers recorded large tracts of the medical ‘bible’, Gray’s Anatomy which he then memorised, and he used a prototype miniature wire recorder, and a Braille writer during lectures, later touch typing notes into a comprehensive reference card system. His wife Elizabeth gave him essential and unwavering support.

After qualifying and having a riotous farewell party, Colin returned to Australia. During the 1950s, blind physiotherapists had been barred from practice in Victoria. This was quickly overturned, and on returning to Melbourne Colin began travelling by tram into the city to his first job at the Chamber of Manufacturers clinic. He also worked mornings, nights and weekends to build up the successful private clinic that he established at the family home in Mont Albert.

Colin became active in Rotary (Balwyn), and in 1979 received its highest honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship. He was president of the Victorian Blinded Soldiers’ Association, and was recognised by the Queen with the MBE in 1981. He began competing in blind lawn bowls, and when Colin and Elizabeth retired to Warwick, Queensland, in 1980 he founded the Queensland Blind Bowlers’ Association.

He maintained a crystal clear swimming pool and a large vegetable garden, and he hand-knotted pure wool floor rugs: for each row Elizabeth recorded colour coded instructions that he meticulously followed. Choosing not to depend on a guide dog, Colin took himself off with a cane for long neighbourhood walks, and undertook rugged bushwalks with his wife and sons.

He and Elizabeth returned to Cumberland View Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill in 1994 to live nearer their sons’ families. Colin joined Probus and kept his mind active with Vision Australia’s U3A (University of the Third Age).

Anthony Charles KEEP (’52) was born on 18 January 1934 and left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1944–52 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland house. He was involved in Scouts at Scotch as a member of 2nd Troop. Tony was a member of the Naval Reserve from 1951–56. He continued his association with Scotch as a member of the Old Scotch Dramatic Society.

For some years he worked for Keep Brothers and Wood, and after it was sold he moved to Pura Milk. He was also managing director of Gadsden Dairy Products. By 1989 he had become the assistant director of corporate operations for the Council of Adult Education in Melbourne. He was the general manager of the Victorian Prison Industries Commission. He was a member of Rotary for 37 years and became a Paul Harris Fellow. He was the president of YHA Victoria from 1990.

Tony had a number of connections with Scotch, and contributed two generations of Keeps to Scotch. His brother David also attended Camberwell Grammar School and then Scotch from 1944–48. Their aunt married Alexander Rowan ‘Spray’ Macneil (SC 1907–11, staff 1925–34, died 14 October 1953) and their cousin was James Macneil (SC 1931–41). Tony married Joan and his sons were James (SC 1966–77), Geoff (SC 1968–79) and Philip (SC 1969–80). His grandson Thomas continues the Scotch tradition in Year 9. He was also the uncle of Andrew Myers (SC 1976–84). Tony lived at Shoreham and died on 18 December 2007 after a long and debilitating illness.

Leslie Frederick KLEMKE (’36) was born at North Williamstown, the son of a builder and contractor, on 22 November 1920. He attended Scotch in 1936, and his brother Geoffrey attended from 1944–49 (died 18 September 1991). From 1941–44 he served in the AIF, becoming a Corporal in the 55 Dental Unit. Leslie married Violet Wilkinson at Scotch on 22 January 1947. He died on 3 December 2007.

Alexander Andrew LAING (’41) was born at Malvern, the son of Old Boy Bruce Laing (SC 1904–06, SC Bursar 1948–53, died 21 January 1958), on 26 November 1924. He left Trinity Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1933–40 as a member of MacFarland house. Alec served in the RAAF from 1942–46 and was demobilised with the rank of Leading Aircraftman in the 6 Wireless Unit. He was a public servant in the Department of Foreign Affairs, and a member of the Hawthorn Football Club, the Prahran Cricket Club, LaTrobe Golf Club and the Moonee Valley Racing Club. He married Beverley A Addison at Scotch on 6 March 1961.

His brother Bruce (SC 1934–43) attended Scotch, as did their cousins John (SC 1926–37, killed in action at Bardia, Libya, on 3 January 1941) and Gordon (SC 1933–43, killed in a crash while motorcycle racing at Spa, Belgium, on 4 July 1954), uncle John (SC 1904–11, died 24 July 1967) and grandfather William Thomas Wright (SC 1878–81, died in September 1922). Alec died on 21 January 2008. His brother Bruce wrote the following:

A world without Alec. I’m the youngest of Bruce senior’s three children, so it doesn’t seem possible, but I must adjust. Alec loved people. He would talk to anyone anywhere, even complete strangers at tram stops. Alec loved books, so he had a lending library in Auburn Road, Auburn, but he went broke through customers not returning books. Alec was in ground staff of the RAAF during World War II and had a gold card because he was in Manilla when Japanese snipers were active. Alec was a good cook and perhaps could have made a living of this instead of being in the Commonwealth public service which he hated. I miss him.

Kenneth Bayne LAURIE (’38) was born at East Camberwell, the son of Old Boy Dr William Spalding Laurie (SC 1893–95, died 28 October 1939), on 21 January 1920. He attended Scotch from 1926–38 and made the most of the many opportunities offered by Scotch even then. He was a member of the Junior School’s 1st XI in 1932, and a member of its Under 13 XVIII. In 1936 he was a member of the Athletics team, running in the mile, and the 1st XI, which he captained in 1937, and again in 1938, in which year Scotch won the premiership. In 1936 he played in the 1st XV before returning to Australian Rules, playing in the 1st XVIII in 1937, and captaining it in 1938. He was awarded triple colours.

In addition to his sporting interests, he was a member of the The Scotch Collegian editorial committee from 1937–38. In 1937 he was a school Probationer, and in 1938 was Captain of MacFarland House and Vice-Captain of Scotch. In 1939 Ken was working for Nixon’s Advertising Company. He played A grade rugby for Melbourne.

Ken’s brothers attended Scotch: Bob (SC 1924–33, died in London in May 1997), Edward (SC 1924–30, died 29 October 1989) and Bill (SC 1921–26, died 31 August 1956). Their uncles were Henry (SC 1890, died 8 August 1939) and Andrew (SC 1893–98, died 4 January 1944). Ken’s son David attended Carey Baptist Grammar School from 1955–57 and Scotch from 1958–63, and his nephews at Scotch were Bayne (SC 1961–66), William (SC 1964–69) and Simon (SC 1958–67). Ken’s great nephews at Scotch were Thomas (SC 1995–2000) and Nicholas (SC 1998–2003). Ken died on 15 February 2008. The following is extracted from the eulogy provided by Ken’s son David:

Ken had an upbringing which sounded idyllic, living in a big house with a tennis court and paddocks backing onto the old Outer Circle railway. There was a holiday house at Mount Eliza, where Ken would ride his horse Nigger and sleep out on the verandah with friends.

Playing in the 1938 1st XI premiership, Ken scored 48 in 35 minutes to help beat Xavier and make Scotch not only premiers, but also champions. Playing footy against Geelong College that year he managed 32 kicks, 12 marks and two goals, but a narrow loss to the Dark Blue football juggernaut of the 1930s, Melbourne Grammar School, left Scotch in second place for the year.

Ken left Scotch with hopes of studying Law, but these hopes were dashed when his father lost his job after speaking out about the abuse of boys in a church run home for boys. He instead followed his brother Bob into advertising. He attempted to join the RAN in World War II, but was rejected due to stomach ulcers. He was instead given a job writing instruction manuals for tank drivers, despite a lack of mechanical aptitude.

Ken joined the ABC and worked for Radio Australia for seven years. As deputy editor in charge of political warfare news he was privy to behind-the-scenes events he declined even to reveal 60 years later. Ken wrote the radio transmissions and was bemused by Japanese radio broadcasts describing his movements and activities at home in Melbourne.

He met Halina Horenstein in about 1939 during a play in which he spoke one line. They married on 7 March 1942 and shared 65 years of marriage. A short stint in the rag trade (his father-in-law’s occupation) was unsuccessful, after which he wrote short stories for the ABC. By this time he was having difficulty obtaining work, as his brothers Bob and Ted were vocal communists, despite the fact he did not share their views.

Ken attended his son’s school matches and enjoyed catching up with Old Scotch friends. After a period of unemployment Ken studied accountancy at RMIT in a night course. He topped the course, and in 1953 commenced work with the Country Press Association, with which he remained until retirement in 1986.

He transformed the parochial organisation into a federal body, negotiating with unions and prime ministers. Ken introduced computers to it as soon as they became available, and was loved by his staff for his fairness and generosity. The job involved significant interstate travel, and a near-fatal trip to New Zealand. While on a boat trip through glow-worm caves, rising flood waters pushed the boat against the cave roof, and only by pushing the boat along using their hands on the cave roof were the occupants able to escape.

Ken and Halina spent several years in Mount Macedon to be closer to their grandchildren, and created a beautiful garden. Their final move was to a retirement village in Williamstown. A number of overseas trips were made, including to Europe and the USA. Ken is gone now, and it is perhaps fitting his one line in the play at which he met Halina was: ‘When you gotta go, you gotta go.’

Edward George LEWELLIN (’40) was born at Murrumbeena on 20 February 1923, and attended Scotch from 1937–38 as a member of Morrison House. He was a Cadet Corporal. From 1941–46 he served in the RAN, and finished his wartime service on the HMAS Lonsdale. He served in the army from 1947–74. In 1947 he graduated with a Building Certificate from RMIT, but became a farmer and grazier. He married Bonnie Ruth Adams at Scotch on 24 December 1949 and their sons Ed (SC 1964–68) and James (SC 1968) followed Edward at Scotch. Edward was a grazier in the Swan Hill district, and later lived in Geelong. He was a member of the Masonic Order Legion of Frontiersmen of the Commonwealth. He died on 27 November 2007. The following was supplied by his son Ed:

Dad’s funeral was conducted at Jonathan Hepner’s Chapel at East Geelong Cemetery, by Rev Graham Hammel, ex-Scots Presbyterian Church, Geelong. He also had a Masonic service conducted by his Barwon Lodge representatives, and an RSL service where his wartime naval service, and later CMF service to WO2 were explained. He had representatives of the many organisations he had been associated with, and fellow farmers from the soldier settlement area at Shelford, where he had his grazing and mixed farming block.

He was cremated, and buried in the East Geelong Cemetery, the suburb that he had retired in, overlooking his beloved Corio Bay, the wharf area he had overseen in semi-retirement, working for Howard Smith, and the mooring at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club where he had for many years kept his 6.5 tonne steel cruiser. The cemetery can be sighted from his upstairs room at his home, where he used to operate the radio as communications for Flotilla 8, of the Volunteer Coast Guard. He died peacefully on Tuesday night at 7.18 pm, from advanced emphysema and obstructive lung disease.

Douglas LINTON-SMITH (’37) was born at Bright on 8 August 1922 and attended Scotch in 1937. He served in the RAAF from 1941–46 and completed his service as a Sergeant, based at Laverton. Douglas died on 27 November 2007.

Dr Colin Ferguson MACDONALD (’39) was born at Warracknabeal, the son of Old Boy Dr Colin Ferguson Macdonald (SC 1909–13; Scotch College Council member; died 11 January 1969), on 4 August 1921. He attended Scotch from 1933–39 as a member of Morrison house. He was a member of the Under 13 cricket team in 1933, and Captain of the Junior School XI in 1934, in which year he also played for the Junior School football team, and was a Class Captain. He was Captain of the Junior School in 1934. In 1936 he was Class Captain of VIe, and of VIIa in 1937.

A member of the Athletics teams of 1938 and 1939, he was also a member of the premiership 1939 1st XVIII, and a Probationer. Colin was also a notable runner, specialising in the mile. As well as his sporting interests, he was a member of the Scotch Dramatic Society, and was involved in the 1938 production of The Merchant of Venice, and the 1939 production of Busman’s Honeymoon.

Colin served in the AIF from 1941–44 and ended his part in the war as a Sergeant in the 2/15 Lt. Field Ambulance. In 1949 he graduated with an MB BS, and practised as a gynaecologist and obstetrician. 1954 was a busy year, as he married Joan Clements at Scotch on 30 January 1954 and soon thereafter was at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, doing post-graduate studies in obstetrics and gynaecology with Professor Chassar Moir. He and Joan toured Europe during the 1954 summer, attended a July 1954 garden party at Buckingham Palace, and visited public schools in the Oxford area.

In 1955 he was at Edinburgh, Scotland, having become a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In 1975 he became a Fellow of the RCOG, and in 1978 a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Colin was on the Melbourne University Convocation Committee from 1970–85. He served the Ivanhoe Medical Clinic for over 25 years, and for many years was on the staff of PANCH.

Colin’s brother Ken attended Scotch (SC 1934–43, died 26 February 2005), as did their cousins Fergus (SC 1947–52) and Ranald (SC 1951–58), first cousins once removed Andrew (SC 1974–75), David Ashton (SC 1953–65) and Peter Ashton (SC 1957–67) and uncles John (SC 1911–?; died 24 April 1965) and Alex (SC 1917–18, died 23 January 1967). Colin sent his son to Scotch from 1962–73. Colin died on 24 February 2008.

Joseph Kenneth MAY (’43) was born at Middle Park, the son of an electrical engineer, on 19 November 1926, and attended Scotch from 1941–43 as a member of Morrison house. He married Norma E Reid at Scotch on 14 March 1953, and became a company manager. Ken sent his son Rohan to Scotch from 1974–78. Ken died peacefully at Caritas Christi, Kew, on 3 March 2008. Scotch has been provided with the following obituary:

Ken was very active in all forms of sport at Scotch, which he described as some of the happiest days of his life. After leaving school, Ken trained as an electrical draftsman and worked for Oliver J Nilsen, APM (both in Melbourne and Maryvale), BGE (Sydney) and ICI in Melbourne. In 1964 he started a Technical Employment Service called Staff Aid Pty Ltd, with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. Ken remained its managing director until retiring in 1987.

Ken married Norma, daughter of Lionel Reed, and had (besides Rohan, above), a daughter, Jennie, born in 1954. The family lived in the North Balwyn area until Ken and Norman moved to Applewood Retirement Estate in Doncaster in 2005.

Ken retained a passionate interest in sports of all varieties; still playing tennis twice weekly aged 80, as well as golf. He was a member of the Old Scotch Tennis Club, Kew Golf Club, North Balwyn Probus Club, and the RACV. He built holiday houses at Bonnie Doon, and at Taylor Bay at Eildon, where the family boated and water-skied. In their later years Ken and Norman travelled extensively, and spent several months a year at Noosa Heads in Queensland. In retirement Ken researched his family history, publishing From Polgooth to Port Phillip, and meeting relatives from the UK, USA and Canada. Ken died at Caritas Christi Hospice in Kew as a result of prostate cancer. A private cremation followed his funeral at St Silas’ Anglican Church in North Balwyn.

James Clulow McALLESTER (’36) was born at Camberwell, the son of a retired teacher, on 28 October 1919 and attended Scotch from 1932–36. His father, Archie, was a Geelong College boy from 1868–72, but Jim’s half-brother Keith attended Scotch from 1912 until an unknown date, dying at Finley, NSW, on 26 August 1986. Five of Jim’s seven grandsons have attended Scotch: McCurdy brothers Daniel (SC 1988–93) and Timothy (SC 1991–96); James Buckley (MGS and then SC 1994–2002; whose brother Cameron attended MGS 1981–93); and Allen brothers James (WC then SC, in Year 10) and Tom (WC then SC, in Year 9). Jim married PLC girl Valerie Sloss at Scotch on 12 February 1944 and their three daughters attended PLC. Jim died on 28 January 2008. A daughter, Rhonda Allen, supplied the following obituary:

James Clulow McAllester was educated at Camberwell South Primary and Gardiner Central from which he won a government junior scholarship and a full scholarship to Scotch College. In 1936, his final year of school, he was Dux in Physics and Chemistry and won a government senior scholarship to study Chemical Engineering at Melbourne University.

He joined the Victorian Scottish Regiment. Completing his degree in 1939, he planned to return to do a Master of Science, but war intervened and he joined the 2/14th Army Battalion and saw service in the Western Desert and Syria. The battalion returned to Australia in 1942 and, at the age of 22, Jim was promoted to Captain and then Company Commander. At the end of that year he was recalled to headquarters and asked to raise a specialised unit in the engineers to seek evidence of Japanese chemical warfare. He saw service in New Guinea, Bougainville, New Britain, Borneo and the Philippines. He was promoted to Major in 1943.

At university Jim met Valerie Sloss and long before he proposed on her 24th birthday he decided that she was the one for him. Jim left the army in 1946 and he and Valerie lived with Jim’s mother in Glen Iris. Three daughters, Jill, Pamela and Rhonda were born while they lived there, and Jim worked with Commonwealth Fertilisers in Yarraville. In 1951 he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In early 1952 the family moved to Adelaide, where he took a job with the South Australian Department of Mines. Eventually this involved setting up a plant in Port Pirie, but the prospect of raising a young family in a remote town did not appeal and they returned to Melbourne in 1954.

Jim took a job as head of production at Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. In 1961 he went to Glaxo as production director, and eight years later he joined G N Raymond as deputy chief executive. Shortly after, the company was taken over so he became a management consultant and later operated two small businesses on the Mornington Peninsula.

In 1983, Valerie and Jim sold the family home in Toorak and retired to the beach house at Mount Eliza. His retirement was spent gardening, researching the family tree and writing. In 1992 after many years of research he produced an extensive family tree for the McAllesters, dating back to 1765 in Scotland. He published two books, The Clulows of Tartaraghan in 1999 and The McAllesters of Thornhill in 2000. The chief of the Clan Alasdair in Scotland awarded him the order of the Loup and Glenbarr for his efforts.

He was keenly interested in military history, and in 1990 published Men of The 2/14th Battalion, a detailed history of the battalion members. From 1976 he was trustee of the welfare fund of the 2/14th Battalion, which provided for the widows and dependents of deceased members. This involved him in pension appeals and writing about World War II. In 1995 at the request of the Australian Army he published, in conjunction with Syd Trigellis-Smith (SC 1934–39, died 28 June 1999), Largely a Gamble – A History of the Syrian Campaign of 1941. He also assisted with the writing of Esprit De Corps – A History of The Victorian Scottish Regiment and was instrumental in raising funds for the book to be written.

Jim passed away at the Alfred Hospital after a fall at home. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His happy memories of Scotch College led to his lifelong involvement with and support of the School.

Robert Edward McINDOE (’39) was born at Leongatha, the son of a farmer, on 8 January 1921. He was a boarder in School House from 1938–39. His short time at Scotch was spent profitably both for Robert and Scotch, as he was a member of the 1st XI in 1939, the 1st XVIII in 1938, and the premiership 1st XVIII of 1939. Robert served in the RAAF from 1942–46 and became a Leading Aircraftman in the 1 Aircraft Performance Unit.

He married Ellen Mavis Sellwood at Scotch on 17 July 1948 and their son Ward attended Scotch from 1966–68. Robert had the satisfaction of seeing his grandson, Stewart Mitchell, attend Scotch from 1984–86. Also at Scotch were Robert’s brothers Alastair (SC 1940–41) and Donald (SC 1941–42) and their cousin William (SC 1952–54). Robert lived at Nerang, Queensland, and died on 23 December 2007.

Colin Roy McPHERSON (’37) was born at Williamstown, the son of a shipping company manager, on 1 June 1920. He left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1930–34. Colin was a Lance-Bombadier in the 4th Anti-tank Regiment of the AIF in World War II. His brother Gordon attended Scotch from 1930 to May 1932, and died on 11 January 1995. Colin lived at Loch, and later at Korumburra, and was a member of the South Gippsland branch of Legacy. He died on 18 January 2008.

Alan Charles Guy MECKIFF (’29) was born at Richmond, the son of banker and Old Boy Albert Charles Meckiff (SC 1899, died 2 June 1977), on 17 April 1913. Alan attended Scotch from 1925–29 as a boarder in both McMeckan and School Houses. In recent years he told Scotch he won the Harry and Keith Davies Prize in 1926, was in the 2nd XVIII and 2nd XI in 1929, and was Scout Patrol Leader of Mopoke’s 2nd Scotch Troop in 1929.

Alan married an Old Scotch Girl, Joan Ailsa Cliff (SC 1918–?; died 26 May 1997). She attended Parkville High School, which was bought by Scotch, along with its boys and girls, who became Scotch boys and girls. This occurred when Scotch was based in Lansdowne Street, East Melbourne, and was desperately short of space during World War I, following rapid expansion under the headmastership of William Still Littlejohn. Some of the Parkville boys remained at Scotch when the Parkville campus was closed and some went to Scotch’s new Hawthorn campus.

Alan and Joan’s son Charles (SC 1964–67) is the only known Scotch boy whose parents (and grandfathers) all attended Scotch. Alan served in the AIF from 1940–45 and was a Sergeant in the 2/3 Australian Anti-Aircraft Regiment. He was later a farmer and grazier, living at Wedgewood Darriman via Sale. Scotch has only recently been advised he died on 13 May 2005.

Maxwell Robert MELDRUM (’57) was born on 5 March 1941 and attended Scotch from 1953–58. He married Faye Lorraine Harris at Scotch on 20 November 1965. Rob died peacefully at Ballarat on 13 February 2008.

Alexander Crosbie MILLAR (’52) was born at Perth, the son of manager and Old Boy Norman Howard Millar (SC 1907, died 4 July 1978), on 13 December 1934 and attended Scotch from 1948–52. His brother Leonard (SC 1956–57) attended Scotch, and Alex sent sons David (SC 1977–81) and Andrew (SC 1983–89) to Scotch. His first cousin once removed, Paul Weston, attended Scotch from 1955–61. Alex attended the Toorak Teachers’ College as part of the 1954–55 intake, and was president of its SRC. He became a lecturer at the State College of Victoria, Toorak. Alex was a member of the Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir for over five years. He died on 18 December 2007. The following is extracted from an obituary in the Herald Sun of 1 February 2008:

Alex Millar, the man who instituted the Educational Technology course at Toorak Teachers’ College, has died peacefully at home just after his 73rd birthday, as a result of prostate cancer.

Alex Millar was born in Western Australia in 1934. In 1937 his parents drove to Melbourne at a time when there was no road, just tracks from station to station. Each station owner took the responsibility of looking after travellers till they got to the next station. The aborigines also watched over the Millar family, because Alex’s parents had been kind to local aborigines in the vicinity of Cue.

Alex went to Melbourne University. He was awarded a studentship to Toorak Teachers’ College (TTC) where he trained as a primary teacher. He was granted an extension course to complete his Arts degree. Alex was appointed to Wangaratta North State School in 1959. In December 1961 he married Frances Walker. The Education Department offered Alex a job as a liaison officer with the Australian Broadcasting Commission. The job of the liaison officer was not only to determine what teachers needed by way of audiovisual assistance in the classroom, but also to ‘market’ the programs to teachers and to show them how to incorporate the television lessons into their daily curriculum.

In 1966 Alex was awarded a Carnegie Grant to travel to Europe and the USA to study the use of television as a teaching tool in the classroom. He travelled to 23 cities in three months. He felt the ABC was not ready for what he was recommending, but the TTC was so convinced of the value of television to the classroom that it installed a closed-circuit television system and, at Alex’s suggestion, a television production studio. In 1968 Alex returned to TTC.

In 1971 Alex led an Education Department committee to plan a course to train teachers as school media specialists. In 1973 the course began at TTC with Alex as its head. In 1974 Alex went to Bloomington, Indiana, to study at Indiana University for a Master of Science in Education, with a major in educational technology. The course at TTC evolved in its final form as a Graduate Diploma of Instructional Design and Technology in 1989, when he took early retirement.

Alex encouraged the use of satellite communication, teleconferencing and micro-teaching. He was the founding president of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Society of Educational Technology from 1977–80 and national president from 1979–81. He was president of UNICEF (Vic).

Alex established his own educational technology consultancy firm, IDEA. Its most challenging project was in Pakistan in 1996. Alex continued as youth leader and as an elder of the Burwood Uniting Church. He was a talented sportsman, having played cricket, football and golf, and was a passionate Richmond supporter.

In 1993–94 Alex started his own tourism venture using houseboats on Lake Eildon and the Gippsland Lakes. He loved boating and had several boats over the years, one of which he built himself. In 1995 he purchased a hobby farm at Welshman’s Reef, near Maldon, and lived there for five years. He joined the board of the Castlemaine Health Centre and became its president. He started a men’s group at Newstead Uniting Church and became involved in promoting the local rural district. He returned to Melbourne in 2001.

In 1999 Alex instigated a successful 150-year reunion of the Millar/Miller family, and he and Fran wrote the family history. Relatives include Keith Miller and IVF specialist Prof Carl Wood. There were several overseas trips, caravan travel to Queensland and a flight around Australia in a six-seater plane in 1999. In 2002 Alex joined the Victoria Welsh Choir (who sang at his funeral) and went to Wales for the Eisteddfod in 2004. He and his wife organised two very large and successful fund-raising choir concerts to raise money for projects in Africa.

Alex was diagnosed with cancer in April 2005. Despite that, he visited his daughter and her family in Kenya in September 2005. He went by wheelchair to the 2007 AFL Grand Final. He attended the wedding of his son, Andrew, 12 days before his death. He is survived by his brother Len, wife Fran, sons David and Andrew, daughter Sue, and seven grandchildren.

Robert John Rigby MURPHY (’36) was born at Richmond on 8 June 1921 and attended Scotch from 1935–36. He served in the AIF from 1942–46 and became a Lieutenant in the 37/52 Australian Infantry Battalion. Robert lived at North Balwyn and died on his 59th wedding anniversary on 29 February 2008. His wife, Mary, predeceased him.

Wilfred Victor NASH (Staff 1964–85) was born on 2 July 1925 at Linton, Victoria, and was educated at Ballarat Grammar School, at which he later also taught. Vic served in the RAAF from 1945–46 and was a Leading Aircraftman in RAAF Headquarters upon demobilisation. He taught at Caulfield Grammar School for 15 years before teaching at Scotch from 1964–85, where his contribution to rowing was particularly notable. He taught mathematics and was an officer in Cadets. His sons David (SC 1966–74) and Robert (SC 1973–81) attended Scotch, and Vic lived to see his grandson James start Year 7 at Scotch in 2007. A detailed obituary is to be found elsewhere in Great Scot. Vic died peacefully at Ringwood Private Hospital on 9 March 2008.

Oliver John NILSEN (’58) was born in Melbourne on 21 November 1940, the son of electrical engineer and Old Boy, Oliver Victor Alexander Nilsen (SC 1920–26, SC council 1955–73, died 7 January 1995). John attended Scotch from 1950–58. He was a member of the 1st XVIII in 1957, and of the premiership 1st XVIII of 1958. Originally a day boy, he became a boarder in Arthur Robinson, becoming a boarding house prefect in 1957, and Captain of Arthur Robinson in 1958. He was a 1957 Probationer, and a 1958 Scotch Prefect. On 14 August 1963 he married Penelope Dorothy Boyes at Scotch.

John completed a Bachelor of Engineering at Melbourne University, followed by an MBA at Harvard in 1965, after which he began working with an electrical firm in the UK as an electrical engineer. He sent his son Mark to Scotch (SC 1973–84), and saw his Wickham nephews Matthew (SC 1990–95) and Edward (SC 1990–99) attend too. John died on 20 February 2008 after a long illness. Kate Nilsen provided the following obituary:

Among other Scotch connections, John was the son-in-law of Geoffrey Boyes (SC 1912–19, died 19 November 1990). John was part of a long and proud history with Scotch College – a tradition which he was pleased will continue when his grandsons, Oliver Joshua and Harris John, attend Scotch.

He was a passionate and dedicated sportsman who represented Scotch College with great pride in tennis, cricket and football. One of the highlights of John’s sporting achievements was being named full-back of the century during Melbourne University’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Upon completion of his education at Scotch College, and in pursuit of continuing his intellectual excellence, he gained a degree in Electrical Engineering (Hons) from Melbourne University. In 1965 he furthered his education by completing an MBA from Harvard. Highly revered in the business world, John served on many boards, while managing the family business, O J Nilsen Australia.

He married Penny Boyes (died 5 July 1989) in 1963 and had two children, Oliver Mark and Jane Hamilton. He remarried in 1994 to Christie Kircher. A love of tennis, sailing, travelling and opera led him to many corners of the globe. He was a vivacious and caring man, who had a zest for life and all of its adventures. A very accomplished man, his life was cut short by illness. He fought his last days with much will and determination, which was indicative of how he led his life. We will remember him always.

John (Jack) David PROVAN (’42) was born at Heidelberg on 5 October 1926 and attended Scotch from 1939–41 as a member of Gardiner house. From 1944–45 he served in the RAAF, attaining the rank of Aircraftman 1 in the 1 Operational Training Unit, in which he repaired instruments. He became building managing director of J &D Provan Pty Ltd. Jack was interested in restoring and driving classic cars. He married Joyce Beryl Cope, who died on 2 September 2004. Jack’s son John advised Scotch that Jack had three sons and a daughter. Jack had heart problems and died peacefully on 21 November 2007.

Albert Newton REYMENT (’46) Further to the obituary on Newton published in the December 2007 Great Scot, the following was provided by Newton’s family:

Newton left Scotch earlier than he had wanted, but he moved on and soon found work with a chartered accountancy firm, and enrolled in night classes at RMIT for study in accountancy. At age 19 he qualified for admission to the profession – the youngest to do so at that time in Australia – however, he had to wait a further two years before he could be formally admitted. He soon became a partner in the firm, but eventually sought further challenges and decided to join the corporate world.

In 1960 he married Ruth Hedwig Koopmann and they had two children.

Specialising in costing and international tax law, his career took him through a succession of engineering companies: accountant rising to general manager of Bethune Engineering (Clyde); and then financial controller/director of Dillingham Construction, of Ralph M Parsons Engineering, and of Mather & Platt Engineering, which saw Newton and his family move to live in England for six years.

In 1989 Newton suffered a heart attack and retired, developing his investments and his skills in photography. He found particular delight in his five grandchildren. His great passion was music where he developed significant knowledge and became a walking encyclopaedia. Music always filled the Reyment home.

Francis Albert ROWELL (’37) was born at Canterbury, the son of an investor, on 19 August 1919. He left Carey Baptist Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1930–37 as a boarder in School House. Frank was a member of the Under 13 football team in 1932, was a 1934 Cadet Corps Corporal, and was a member of the 1937 athletics team. He played in the 2nd XVIII and was a Cadet Lieutenant.

He wasted little time after the declaration of war, enlisting in the AIF on 2 November 1939, and serving until 20 August 1945, becoming a Major in the 58/59 Battalion. On 18 March 1944 he married Sister Phyllis Marion Ball in Brisbane (she died on 31 January 1995). Frank was a grazier, and was 1968–69 shire president of the Shire of McIvor.

His brother Thomas attended Scotch (SC 1922–32; died 16 April 1980), as did his son Peter (SC 1967–72), nephews Harvie Rowell (SC 1965–67, died 28 October 1970 aged 20 when his motorcycle collided with a car in the driveway of Dookie Agricultural College) and Robert Lobban (SC 1955–66), Rowell grandsons Michael (SC 1993–96) and Tim (SC 1999–2002) and Wallace grandsons James (SC 1995–98) and Tom (SC 1997–99); and great-nephews Michael (SC 1993–96) and Timothy Rowell (SC 1999–2002), Hugh Paynter (SC 1982) and Andrew Bullen (SC 1991–99). Frank died peacefully at Epworth Hospital, Richmond, on 13 February 2008. His family supplied the following additional information:

Frank completed matriculation at Scotch, and applied for his licence. When asked by the policeman taking the test if he could drive, he responded he had been driving from Mont Albert to Phillip Island for the past three years. He got the licence. In early 1938 Frank joined the Bank of Australasia, as well as the voluntary CMF as a Junior Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment).

He took leave of absence to join the AIF, and sailed with the 2/5 Australian Infantry Battalion for Palestine on 14 April 1940. He served on the front line as a platoon Lieutenant in Libya, as a 2IC in Greece, a Company Commander in Syria and a battalion 2IC in New Guinea. He was wounded in the right shoulder near Salamana in northern New Guinea and was stretchered out by Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. He was nursed back to health in Australia by Sister Phyllis Ball, whom he married. When promoted to Major in February 1943 he understood he was the youngest of this rank in the Australian Army.

After the war Frank jackarooed in the Wangaratta district, then took a short course at Dookie Agricultural College before buying ‘Carronshire’ at Tooborac and taking possession on 1 December 1947. He was active in this region for most of his life. He spent over 50 years from 1948 with the Tooborac Rural Fire Brigade, becoming its brigade lieutenant. He was the inaugural McIvor/Pyalong Group Officer from November 1962 until 1989 and was active on many advisory committees. From 1948 he was a member of the Heathcote RSL, becoming a president and honorary life member. He was a prime mover in seeking to build an RSL hall in Heathcote, and was chairman and works supervisor of the committee from 1955–57.

Frank joined the committee of the Heathcote AP and H Society in 1951 and was its past president in 1971. From 1956–65 he was on the Heathcote Hospital Committee, and became a life governor. He helped raise a 30,000-pound loan to finance the extension of power from Heathcote to Tooborac in 1957, was a member of the Tooborac Primary School committee from 1961–66, and was the prime mover in establishing a publicly owned sports reserve in Tooborac. He was a councillor of the Shire of McIvor from 1964–88, and shire president in 1968–69 and 1976–78, as well as being involved in a host of other regional committees.

It was not all work though, as Frank was a member of the MCC from 1938 and of the Naval and Military Club from 1943. He had a single figure golf handicap as a member of the Tooborac Golf Club until its closure in 1968, and then the Heathcote Golf Club, of which he was also a committee member, from 1969–79.

In the late 1990s he was less able to drive long distances, and moved to Melbourne, where he was closer to his children and grandchildren. He lived to see in the new millennium, and his first great grandchild (of which there were five at his death), but did not live long enough to see the Demons win another premiership. His final illness was sudden and short. Frank was survived by three of his four children, and a number of grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Gilford Arthur RUSH (’47) was born on 3 November 1930, the son of Old Wesley Collegian (WC 1916–?) and Scotch teacher Arthur Mortimer Rush (SC staff 1936–63, died 20 November 1965). Gil attended Scotch from 1937–45. He was a member of the 1942 Junior School XI, and was its Captain in 1943. Gil continued with his cricket after Scotch, playing for South Barwon in the Geelong A grade competition. He won the batting average for 1961 with an average of 61. Gil worked in the Myer sports department, and then for South British Insurance and North British Insurance. Gil’s brother Trevor attended Scotch from 1951–62. His brother-in-law was former Geelong Football Club player Geoff Williams, who was best on ground in the 1952 grand final. Gil died on 23 January 2008. Gil’s brother, Trevor (’62) provided the following obituary:

Gil was a promising junior cricketer. His father, Arthur, was coach of the 1st XI from 1942–55 while on the Scotch staff from 1936–63. Gil left school at the end of World War II aged 15 and continued his cricket in the South Suburban Churches and Burwood and District Cricket Associations. In 1959 he moved to Geelong and began an association with the South Barwon Cricket Club which was to last until his death.

In a 16-year playing career he was, at various times, captain of both the 1st and 2nd XIs, and secretary and president of the club. He became a life member and had the honour of an oval in the South Barwon complex being named after him. He was selected as an opening batsman in the South Barwon team of the 20th century after compiling 3,350 runs at an average of 35 with three centuries during a 12-year 1st XI career.

In civic life he was elected to the council of the Shire of South Barwon in 1970 and in 1973 became shire president. South Barwon became a city in 1973 and Gil was its first mayor. The proclamation ceremony was conducted by Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Winneke (SC 1919–25; died 28 December 1985). Gil died on 23 January 2008 after a long battle with leukaemia. His is survived by children Michael (GC 1973–76 and GGS) and Susan, and siblings Joan and Trevor.

Philip Harold Robinson SARGEANT (’50) was born at Surrey Hills, the son of an engineer, on 13 October 1932. He attended Scotch from 1944–50. A member of the choir in 1944, he was a 1950 Prefect and 1950 Editor of The Scotch Collegian. In 1955 Philip was attending Melbourne University. Philip lived at Carnegie and died on 22 February 2008. Scotch has received this obituary of Philip:

Philip Harold Robinson Sargeant (’50) – poet, painter, actor and architect – died in Melbourne on 22 February 2008. His mother was descended from orchardists who settled in Doncaster in the 1840s.

Philip was a Prefect and Co-Editor with Colin Falconer Munro (’50), of The Scotch Collegian in 1950. They had been prolific contributors of paintings and poetry for several years. Both were also very active in the Literary and Dramatic Societies, playing leading roles and designing the sets for Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (1949) and Henry V (1950), as well as some of the annual one-act plays.

Their report in the December 1950 issue of The Collegian on a talk by Professor Brian Lewis, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at the University of Melbourne noted: ‘… we cannot do justice to such an entertaining speech ... we will mention that his subject “Architecture as a profession” [was] extremely provocative …’

In the following year they both entered Architecture and completed it with distinction. Philip obtained a council residential scholarship to Trinity College at the end of his first year and remained in residence until 1955, contributing to the cultural life of the college, particularly in designing and acting in dramas such as acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and J E Flecker’s Hassan at the Union Theatre. He also played Montague to Colin Munro’s Capulet in a University production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet directed by John Sumner.

His prodigious artistic and design creativity continued, and in 1952 a spectacular outdoor exhibition of large abstract murals was mounted at the Grattan Street gates to the university. Participation in the design and performance of architecture revues continued over a number of years and friendships with other actors, including Barry Humphries, led to the production of Le Bain Vorace, a short film written and directed by Colin Munro.

Philip designed and completed a building, even before graduation, for the campus of Ballarat Grammar School, the alma mater of friends at Trinity College. Houses were designed and others renovated in Melbourne and Canberra, and practice experience was gained with leading architectural offices in Melbourne and Sydney before he went to London in 1960. Travelling and painting in Egypt, Greece and Italy on the way, he held a very successful exhibition of collages at a well-known gallery on the Grand Canal in Venice.

On returning to Melbourne in 1964, Professor Lewis invited him to be a part-time tutor in design as he opened a private architectural practice. Two regional art galleries were established in partnership with Colin Munro, who was also lecturing at the University of Melbourne. The McClelland Gallery at Langwarrin and the Benalla City Gallery have both expanded into major centres attracting considerable philanthropy from wealthy donors.

From 1977 Philip spent five years working in Apia, Western Samoa, designing with a local architectural firm. His scheme and documentation for the National Museum and Cultural Centre to be funded by UNESCO never left the drawing board. Others were built. But numerous landscape paintings were completed and exhibited upon his return.

His last project, before suffering a debilitating stroke, was a house for himself in St Kilda completed in 1991. On a small site, it was an impossible place to live for someone with his new physical limitations. Yvonne Eckersley, a constant friend over many years, helped him into the care of Yooralla at Flete Court, Armadale where in 1994 he published Something in Between an anthology of poems and occasional verse.

The foreword by Barry Humphries, who was among many friends who visited him in Samoa, declared: ‘From the first he wore his many talents lightly and was never taken as seriously as he deserved, since he regularly committed that most unforgivable solecism: he made the difficult look easy.’

William John Maplesden SCOTT (’37) was born at Wangaratta, the son of an engineer, on 22 August 1920. He left Ivanhoe Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1932–37 as a member of Gardiner house. He served in the RAAF from 1941–46 and became a Flight Lieutenant in the 1 Aircraft Depot. He was a member of the Beaufort Squadron, and became a member of the Naval and Military Club. He married Jessie Olive Morris at Scotch on 2 April 1947. She died in 1986. William became the manager of economic evaluations and tariffs for the Gas and Fuel Corporation. William’s brother Graham attended Scotch from 1935–41 (died 20 January 1956), as did their uncles Alexander (MGS 1893, SC 1894–96, died 10 July 1965) and John (SC 1900, died 1962), Gamble nephews Peter (SC 1946–50) and David (SC 1950–61), and great nephew Euan Gamble (SC 1989–94). William died on 24 January 2008.

Graeme Frederic SECCOMBE (’36) was born at Hawthorn, the son of a financial manager, on 1 February 1920. He attended Scotch from 1926–36 as a member of Gardiner house. Graeme was a member of the 1932 Junior School 1st Xl and the Under 13 football team. He was a member of the 1st XI in 1936.

He served in the AIF from 1940–45, becoming a Lance Bombardier in the 2/2 Australian Heavy A/A Regiment, seeing service in the Middle East and New Guinea. Graeme married Joy P Williams at Scotch on 4 February 1954. In 1956 he was playing his 21st season in A1 grade hockey, and was a member of the Old Scotch Collegians’ Hockey Club (now Hawthorn Hockey Club) from 1936–1958 and was vice-president of the VAHA in 1960. He was a life member of the Old Scotch Athletics Club and was named in its team of the century as a runner. Graeme became company secretary of Felt & Textiles of Australia Ltd, and was federal president of the ASFA in 1973.

He was the last survivor of four brothers at Scotch: Howard (SC 1919–25; 1930 Rhodes Scholar, died 27 July 1945), Laurence (SC 1919–26, died 24 September 1949) and Arthur (SC 1922–32, died 16 December 1992). Graeme died at Canterbury Nursing Home after a short illness on 21 January 2008.

James Stewart (Jim) SHAW (’41) was born at Malvern, the son of bank manager, company director and Old Boy, James Stanley Shaw (SC 1910–12, died 7 March 1963), on 2 October 1923. He attended Scotch from 1937–41 as a member of Gardiner house. He was a member of the Scotch swimming teams of 1940 and 1941, and rowed in the winning 1941 Head of the River 1st VIII. He was a Cadet, and a member of the 2nd XVIII. Jim coached the 1945 2nd VIII. Jim served in the AIF from 1942–45 and became a Signalman in the LHQ Heavy Wireless Section. In 1954 he graduated from Melbourne University with a BCom.

From 1962–81 he was a director of Petersville Ltd, and a director of Petersville Sleigh from 1982–88. These companies are well known for Peter’s ice cream, and Jim was responsible for bringing the Drumstick ice cream to Australia in 1963. From 1970–80 he was a councillor on the Institute of Directors. Jim was a member of the West Brighton Club, and a president and committee member of Golden Days Radio. He married Kathleen June Christensen at Scotch on 15 May 1947.

Jim’s brother John attended Scotch from 1937–44, as did their cousins John Blanch (SC 1928–38, died 10 October 1997), and Cameron cousins Alan (SC 1941–44, died 8 April 1998) and Robin (SC 1941–44); Blanch first cousins once removed John (SC 1953–64) and Graeme (SC 1957–69) and Alistair Cameron (SC 1974–75); and Blanch first cousins twice removed Sam (SC 2002–04) and Charles (SC 2004–07), and Sam Myers (SC Year 10).

Jim was very proud that his twin grandsons James and Scott Sansom (both Year 11) followed him to Scotch, and that another grandson, Nick Russell, was School Captain of Melbourne Grammar School in 2003. Although his son Chris attended Carey Baptist Grammar School, Jim reconnected with Scotch after his retirement, and for four years from the late 1980s worked with then Scotch Archivist Geoffrey Tolson in Archives.

He became a Trustee of the Scotch College Foundation, giving true practical support to Scotch, and was Chairman of the East Melbourne Glen Chapter for Old Scotch Collegians aged over 75. Jim died on 11 February 2008 after a year-long illness.

This is an edited transcript of a tribute to his father by Jim’s son, Chris:

When you are young, fathers know everything. As you grow older they sometimes sink in your estimation and become the only father in the world who doesn’t understand. Only when you become an adult do you learn to appreciate your father for exactly what he is.

When you reflect on Dad’s career you can’t help but be proud. He left his beloved Scotch College in 1941 and enlisted in the army, where he served in Morotai and what was then Dutch New Guinea, where he served in the Signals Corps.

After the war he obtained his commerce degree at Melbourne University while working at the MacRobertson’s chocolate factory. He then moved on to Peter’s, and served that company with distinction for over 40 years.

Although Dad was quite a private person, he never confused this with a lack of affection and love for those around him. He was a man’s man, and perhaps this was inconsistent with displays of emotion. He wasn’t gregarious by nature nor was he what you would call a people person. He would much prefer to tinker with his cars, or transcribe Morse code in the garage than indulge in small talk.

Recently I learned that a one-on-one chat was the way to break through the wall. He would reminisce about many things, and would always tell me that the best Morse code message he received was the one that read ‘the bloody thing is over’.

Dad never wanted to be the centre of attention, yet in his own way he made a deep impression on all who met him. He was a loving husband, a wonderful dad, a devoted grandfather, a respected colleague and a good friend.

Gadgets, technology and anything with a mechanical bent fascinated him. We all knew that when Dad brought home a box of something he would probably need to pull it apart to see how it worked, and then he would have an excuse to fix it.

Dad was always our number one supporter. He listened to our problems and offered advice. We didn’t always listen to that advice, but we knew that Dad would let us discover our own mistakes and learn from them. He ticked us off when we needed it and his quiet disapproval meant more than all the shouting in the world. We didn’t want to disappoint him. All he ever wanted was for us to use our talents to the best of our abilities.

So we’ll miss his dry sense of humour, his capable hands, his obliging nature and that little twinkle and glint in his eye and the knowing nod. Yet we’ll find comfort in the fact that he was obviously loved and respected by so many other people.

His thoughts were centred on his family; all his aspirations and hopes were for us. Dad, though, was a realist. He said many times recently it was his time to go, and that life would go on without him. So it will, but it won’t be the same.

He loved his country, too, and was proud of it. That is not to say he agreed with everything or anything the government did. In fact on the contrary – his distrust and dislike of politicians was only equalled by his complete disdain for anyone else who happened to be driving on the same road.

Dad was interesting and interested, he was charitable and generous, and an exceptionally proud person, although he never boasted about his achievements. He was not much for standing on ceremony.

He had a vast interest in the world around him and he tried to stimulate us so that we too saw that. Of course he had his faults. He was bigoted, he could be terribly cantankerous and intolerant, and enjoyed being politically incorrect.

But Dad was honest and fair and tried to teach us how important these values were. He had integrity and great pride.

He has left us, and it will be hard to go on without him, but we have great memories. Above all, he has left us a family life where there is comfort and love. We will find our solace there and that’s just what he would have wished.

A further tribute to Jim by Sir Laurence Muir appears on page 97 of Great Scot.

Ross Joseph SHAW (’41) was born at Fairfield on 22 March 1924 and attended Scotch from 1936–41. He served in the RAAF from 1943–45, and was based at RAAF headquarters as a Leading Aircraftman at the end of the war. He saw service as a radar operator at the Boepel and Mappi Outposts in New Guinea. Ross died on 29 February 2008.

Albert John ‘Joe’ STEWART (’55) was born at Sale, the son of a farmer, on 23 December 1936. He attended Scotch as a boarder in School House in 1952, following in the footsteps of his brother Frank, who attended from 1948–50. Joe died at Sale on 4 March 2008. His brother provided the following obituary:

The family lived on a dairy farm at Maffra Road in Stratford. Joe was educated at Stratford State School, Sale High School and Scotch College. He joined his father and brother Frank on the farm. His father died suddenly in 1955 and then a farming partnership was formed with Frank which endured until the farm was sold and they both retired about three years ago.

Over the years the farm was enlarged and the substantial dry land area came under irrigation. Fat lambs, fat cattle and dairying were carried on and eventually the enterprise became solely dairying, with sharefarmers milking in two dairies.

A large crowd attended the service at St Columbus Uniting Church in Sale, and he was buried at the Stratford cemetery. Joe’s widow wrote:

Being a country boy, Joe particularly loved all outdoor activities offered at Scotch. Inter-school competitions provided a good opportunity to learn his way around the city. He pursued a lifelong career on the land and became active in local community organisations, including Stratford Football Club, Maffra Apex, Maffra Golf Club, and he was for many years a steward with the Sale Agricultural Society. The local newspaper dubbed him ‘Jovial Joe Stewart’ in writing about him winning the monthly medal at Maffra Golf Club. Joe was passionate about the land and very proud to be a Gippslander, claiming he never missed the city. He was a director of radio station 3GG Warragul, and of the Eastwood Corporation, Bairnsdale.

As a supporter of the Central Flying School he became an honorary member of the officers’ mess at the RAAF’s East Sale base in 1965. Since then, the Stewart Family Trophy has been awarded to the student with the highest aggregate marks in flying training in the flying instructor’s course.

Joe enjoyed boating and fishing on the Gippsland Lakes, and found pleasure in thoroughbred racing. Initially a confirmed bachelor, he married local blonde school teacher Sande in 1990, and they travelled extensively. Throughout his life Joe continued to sing the Scotch College Anthem with pride, and gave good renditions of the war cry. Among his treasured possessions was his Scotch blazer, showing signs it had been worn by a country boy! Although diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer at the end of 2005, he enjoyed a relatively good quality of life and managed two overseas trips. He died suddenly at Sale.

Dr Boyard Israel TAFT (’29) was born at Albert Park, the son of a stationer, on 13 February 1913. He left Canterbury State School to attend Scotch from 1923–29. In 1935 he graduated from Melbourne University with an MB BS, and became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Radiologists in 1950. Boyard married Olive Dabscheck in Melbourne on 19 August 1937. He was a past president of the Rotary Club of Hawthorn from 1955. Also at Scotch were Boyard’s brother Ronald (SC 1929–36), cousins Alec (SC 1929–34; died 26 December 1957) and Leon (SC 1941–44), son Dr Rodney Taft (SC 1950–57), nephews David (SC 1966–67) and Marcus (SC 1966–69), and first cousins once removed Michael (SC 1959–63) and Peter (SC 1971–82). Boyard died on 15 January 2008.

Robert Jack THALLON (’41) was born at Camberwell, the son of a broker, on 5 September 1924. He attended Scotch from 1938–41 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland House. He served in the RAAF from 1942–46, and was demobilised as a Leading Aircraftman at the Care and Maintenance Unit at Mount Gambier, South Australia. Bob worked on the Elsa Park Poll Shorthorn stud at Kialla, Victoria. He died on 21 November 2007.

Jeffrey Russell Harvey UTTING (’34) was born at Ballarat, the son of a journalist, on 6 April 1917, and attended Scotch in 1931. He served in the AIF from 1942–45, enlisting at Port Moresby, New Guinea. He was a Warrant Officer Class 1 in the HQ NG Force at the end of the war. His grandson, Charles Gibson, attended Scotch from 1990–2003. Jeffrey died on 10 March 2008.

John Kirk WELLER (’52) was born on 19 March 1935 and attended Scotch from 1941–49. He was a member of the Cubs at Scotch. John left Scotch in term 3, 1949, due to illness. He died on 12 January 2008.

Kenneth Owen WILLIAMS (’47) was born at Sea Lake on 8 May 1931 and attended Scotch as a boarder in 1947. During his year at Scotch, Kenneth became a day boy. Kenneth died on 1 March 2008.

Graham Charles WISE (’52) was born on 23 March 1934, the son of blazer specialist Charles Eric Wise. The name C E Wise has been synonymous with school blazers for decades. Graham attended Scotch from 1946–52, and was Captain of Tennis in 1952. He continued his involvement with Scotch as a member of the Old Scotch Athletics Club, of which he was still a member in 1964. His brother Phillip attended Scotch from 1937–43 and died on 27 August 1980. Graham died on 18 January 2008.

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.