Scotch College

AITCHISON, Dr Roderick Mailer (’39)
ALLEN, Donald Radford (’42)
ANDERSON, Samuel Fisher (’36)
BELL, George Hugh (’33)
BELL, Robert William (’47)
BELL, Roger Emerson (’34)
BOYD, Michael John (’77).
BREIDAHL, Dr William Frederick (’47)
BRIGGS, David Waddington (’54)
BROWN, Ian James Sheldon (’53)
BRUFORD, John Ord Bews (’30)
BURFORD, Darryl James (’57)
CAMERON, Charles Robin Hamilton (’46)
CAMPBELL, MC, OAM, Ian Leslie Grantham (’50)
CARTER, Robert Geoffrey (’62)
CHESHIRE, Dr Neil Worth Thomas (’46)
CLARKE, Irwin Alexander Fraser (’37)
COBURN, David Tooher (’43)
COOK, George William (’42)
COOPER, Robert Charles James (’43)
DAVEY, Keith Herbert (’38)
DEBNEY, Michael Bruce (’57)
DICK, William John (’35)
DICKINSON, Harley Rivers (staff, 1958)
EVA, Lloyd Stanley (’32)
GATES, Timothy Clason (’69)
GAUNT, Peter James (’45)
GRAY, Robert Barrie (’48)
HALL, Peter Charles (’58)
HARRIS, Sean Anthony (’80)
HARRISON, Dr Keith Ewan (’35)
HOWSAM, Dr Kenneth George (’38)
KANE, Hugh David Morrison (’43)
KING, QC, Hon Alfred Capel (’36)
LONG, Ernest William George (’36)
LUPSON, Kenneth Edward (’34)
MACKAY, Alan Bruce (’51)
MAGNO, Robert St Clair (’50)
MAPLESTONE, John Craven (’47)
MARR, Ronald Hugh (’40)
McALISTER, John Browne (’51)
McDONALD, James Patrick (’43)
McKAY, Hugh Victor (’46)
McKEE, Alan Geoffrey (’37)
McLAREN, Neil (’39)
McWILLIAMS, Ian (‘46)
MURRAY, Ian Lennox (’37)
ODGERS, Dr Graham James (’38)
OLDHAM, Bruce Daniel John (’36)
PATERSON, Lachlan Ian (’79)
PICKEN, James Douglas (’35)
PICKEN, Robert Bruce (’37)
PITT, Andrew Rattray (’32)
PROVAN, James Astley (’47)
RALSTON, John Murray (’45)
SCANLAN, Eric William (’49)
SEARLE, Lindsay George (’65)
SHUGG, Ian Douglas (’39)
SMITH, Graeme George (’45)
SNELL, George (’39)
SOMERVAILLE, AO, AM, Legion d’Honneur, Robert Duncan (’37)
STACEY, Alan Tracey (’31)
TATE, Peter Frank (’46)
TYE, Albert John (’27)
WARD, John Marcus (’32)
WELCH, Peter James (’46)
WELLS, OBE, Alan Desmond (’48)
WILKIN, William James (’45)

Dr Roderick Mailer AITCHISON (’39) was born at Middle Park, the son of a public servant, on 16 January 1921 and although enrolled at Scotch on 12 February 1935, did not attend Scotch until June 1935 due to illness. Despite his difficult start at Scotch, he went on to serve it well. He was a member of the Scotch Collegian editorial committee, 1938–39, the 1st VIIIs of 1938–39, the 1939 1st XV, and in 1939 he was a probationer and later a prefect. Rod won Exhibitions in Latin and Greek and studied Medicine at Melbourne University. He served in the AIF from 1941–44 in the 2/8 and the 13th Armoured Regiment and was a lieutenant upon demobilisation. After war service he graduated MB BS from Melbourne University in 1950 and became a psychiatrist superintendent. Rod had extensive Scotch Family connections, only a few of which include his father, Roderick Mailer Aitchison (SC 1905–14; died 9 May 1955), uncles Lex (SC 1899–1910; died 18 April 1968) and Douglas (SC 1899–1911; died 5 March 1968), grandfather Charles Stuart Ross (a foundation student in 1851; died 29 October 1927), Mailer great-uncles Melrose (SC 1873–77; died 21 April 1926) and David (SC 1886–94; died 21 December 1937) and Cooper great-uncles Henry (SC 1854–?; died 1918) and John (SC 1854–?; died 1926). A father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Rod died on 26 May 2008.

Donald Radford ALLEN (’42) was born at home in Hughenden Road, East St Kilda, on 13 December 1926 and attended Scotch from 1938–42. He was a member of the Junior School cricket and football teams in 1939, 1941 class captain of VIc and 1942 form captain of VII History and Geography. He served in the RAAF in 1945 as an aircraftman. A right-arm fast bowler, from 1950–51 to 1951–52 he played five games for Victoria, scoring 24 runs and taking 14/341 for an average of 24.35. He was a premiership fast bowler for the Malvern Cricket Club, and a member of its team of the century. On 27 February 1952 he married Margaret Hansen at Scotch. Several relations attended Scotch: his father, Stanley (SC 1910–?, died 13 March 1965), uncles Robert (SC 1900–02; died 1961), James (SC 1900–02; died 10 October 1968), Donald (SC 1910–13; died 1962) and Owen (SC 1919–23; died 1976), brothers Robert (SC 1946–51) and Joey (SC 1949–56) and nephews Will (SC 1975–83) and Ed (SC 1977–85). Don died on 7 July 2008, and a thanksgiving service was held on 9 July at the Le Pine Chapel, Camberwell.

Samuel Fisher ANDERSON (’36) was born at Jolimont on 2 October 1919 and attended Scotch from 1929–37. He was a member of the 1936 1st XV, was a 1936 probationer and prefect, vice-captain of Scotch in 1937, and he rowed in the 1937 1st VIII, after which he left school. He was a cadet at Scotch, and went to Duntroon. From 1940–46 he served in the AIF and was a lieutenant in the Gull Force 2/21 Australian Infantry Battalion upon demobilisation. Wounded at Ambon, he became a POW for the remainder of the war. As a result of his war injury his right leg was amputated years after the war. On 13 July 1946 he married Freida Alice Nolan at Scotch. She died in Queensland on 19 December 2003. They had three boys and a girl, and Sam led a happy life as a farmer. He was involved in Scouts and sporting club activities and was captain of the local bush fire brigade for 15 years. Sam’s principal hobby was making model ships, which could take years to complete. His brother Jock supplied information for this obituary, and himself attended Scotch from 1931–42. Others at Scotch included their father, Dr Archibald Simpson Anderson, OBE (SC 1906–09; died 2 November 1974), who was chairman of Scotch College Council from 1954–59; cousin Lachlan Gardiner (SC 1938–41), nephews Robin (SC 1964–69), James (SC 1968–74) and Campbell (SC 1971–76), great-nephew Euan (SC 1996–2001) and Gardiner first cousins once removed Michael (SC 1957–57) and Peter (SC 1960–68). Sam died at Nathalia Nursing Home on 10 May 2008, and a thanksgiving service was held at the Heritage Park Chapel, Numurkah on 13 May.

George Hugh BELL (’33) was born at Glenelg, South Australia, on 29 January 1916, the son of Old Boy Hugh John Bell (SC 1892–95; died 7 May 1950) who was the manager of James Bell and Co. George attended Scotch from 1924–33. His grandfather, the Hon James Bell, was MLC for North-Western electorate in Victoria from 1882–1904. George’s brother Robert attended Scotch in 1931 (died 13 January 1987) and his nephew Hugh attended from 1967–72. George died on 15 April 2008.

Robert William BELL (’47) was born at East Malvern on 24 June 1930, the son of a manufacturer, and attended Scotch from 1944–47. He was an accountant and partner at Clarke & Co, which became Bentleys MRI, of Melbourne. Robert made trips to many countries, and enjoyed caravanning, bike riding, golf and the gym. He was an expert with a video camera and photography, and had a large circle of friends. He married Rhonda E Goodland at Scotch on 18 September 1952, and later married Patricia (Patti) Anne Stoddart. Patti described him as a man who enjoyed life, always smiling, kind and caring, loving of his family, and always ready to help those in need.

The Clark brothers, Laurance (SC 1929–33) and Douglas (SC 1932–33; killed in action in Syria in World War II on 11 July 1941) were related through their mothers, sisters Muriel Dunlop Brown and Doris Steven Brown. Robert died on 16 May 2008, and his funeral service was held on 21 May at the Bayside Church, Cheltenham.

Roger Emerson BELL (’34) was born at Richmond on 4 January 1919, the son of a sales manager, and attended Scotch from 1933–34. He was a member of the Glee Club in 1933. His brother – also a renowned jazz musician – Graeme Emerson Bell, attended Scotch from 1929–30, as did cousins Alister Rogers (SC 1939–41; died 24 November 1988) and Murray Anderson (SC 1933–36; died 17 October 2000) and Roger’s first cousins once removed Ian (SC 1963–66) and David (SC 1963–66). His uncle, Sydney Rogers, taught at Scotch from 1908–11. Roger died at Epworth Hospital on 17 June 2008, and a service was held at the Le Pine Chapel, Camberwell on 23 June, after which he was privately cremated. The following is extracted from an obituary by Ray Marginson, of the Victorian Jazz Archive:

A gifted and virtually self-taught player and inimitable vocalist, his driving but melodic and lyrical trumpet lead was much of the striking sound that characterised the Graeme Bell Band from the 1940s onwards. Bell’s family was seeped in music: his mother, Elva (née Rogers), was for many years a contralto recitalist of distinction who had toured Australia and New Zealand in Nellie Melba’s company; his father, John, was well known for musical comedy and music hall performances, and on the early ABC.

Bell is credited with seducing his older brother, Graeme, from classical piano into the world of jazz. At Scotch College he met with kindred spirits, the late Ade Monsbourgh, AO, and the future medico ‘Spadge’ Davies, and his musical path was set. The brothers became absorbed in the recordings of the classic American black and white jazz spectrum, and by the mid-1930s, with the younger Bell initially on drums, they were playing at local dances.

By the early ‘40s, with Monsbourgh on trumpet and trombone and Don ‘Pixie’ Roberts on clarinet, Roger Bell was leading a group of musicians by then known as the Bell Band, playing at major dance venues such as the Heidelberg Town Hall and the Palais Royale at the Exhibition Buildings. Graeme returned in 1943 from entertaining troops in Queensland to assume full-time leadership of what was now a formidable jazz music ensemble. All the other members of the band had day jobs – in the younger Bell’s case in engineering and drafting.

In 1943, William Miller started his recording label Ampersand, which spread the band’s reputation. The first Australian Jazz Convention, which continues today, drew players and bands from interstate, and Bell’s playing and singing was exposed to a larger, Australia-wide audience. This was consolidated when EMI became the first major recording label to put out the band’s music in 1947. Few dancers of the era didn’t know these records, with Bell singing on ‘Ugly Child’ and other Graeme Bell Band standards such as ‘Smokey Mokes’.

The band left for Prague in 1947 to play at the World Youth Festival, sponsored by the Eureka Youth League. By the time they returned in 1948, the band was widely known in Europe and had sparked a ‘jazz for dancing’ movement in Britain. Bell’s infectious playing and singing were very much part of the success of that tour, and a three-month ABC tour of all states back in Australia consolidated the band’s reputation.

The band again visited Europe in October 1950, and after the core band broke up in 1952, Bell played lead trumpet in popular jazz groups such as Frank Traynor’s Jazz Preachers, Max Collie, the Melbourne Jazz Club house band and with his own group, the Pagan Pipers. His substantial body of compositions of basic themes for improvised jazz were recorded by his and other bands, and he again visited Europe in 1971 and 1981.

Bell was an engaging companion with a wide range of friends in the music and art worlds. Known to his friends as the ‘Badger’, a literary genuflection to his devotion to The Wind in the Willows and the nature works of Henry Williamson, when he couldn’t find a badger for a record cover, he substituted a stuffed wombat from the Museum of Victoria.

Bell’s first marriage to Bonnie Henderson failed; he later married Lorraine Watson. He is survived by Lorraine and the children from his first marriage, Helen, John and Jean, by his six grandchildren and by his brother Graeme Bell, now a redoubtable 93.

Michael John BOYD (’77) was born on 14 December 1959, the son of Old Boy John Campbell Boyd (SC 1937–45; died 9 July 1972), and attended Scotch from 1969–77. He was a house prefect of Monash House in 1977. Michael was a nephew of Peter Harkness (SC 1947–51) and a great-nephew of Cluny Harkness (SC 1902–03; died 10 May 1970). His career included work as a ranger at the Healesville Sanctuary. Michael tragically chose to take his own life, in New South Wales, on 10 March 2008.

Dr William Frederick BREIDAHL (’47) was born in a house on the corner of Male and Bay streets, Brighton, on 14 February 1930, the son of Old Boy Frederick Breidahl (SC 1909–15; died 22 January 1977). After attending Firbank and Haileybury College, he attended Scotch from 1941–47. He was a member of the 5th VIII in 1945, the 3rd VIII in 1946, and the 2nd VIII in 1947. Bill was a 1947 probationer. In 1955 he married Priscilla Morgan-Payler and their sons Bruce (SC 1972–77; 1st VIII 1976–77) and Alan (SC 1973–78; 2nd VIII 1978) attended Scotch. Also at Scotch were Bill’s uncle Harold (SC 1906–10; died 20 March 1980), first cousin once removed, Harold (SC 1956–68), and grandson Emil (Year 12; 2nd VIII 2008). Another grandson, Will, wore the dark blue of Melbourne Grammar School in its 1st VIII this year. Bill died peacefully at home on 7 May 2008, and a service was held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Brighton, on 12 May. His son Bruce added the following:

Bill obtained his MB BS at Melbourne University in 1953 and became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in 1970. He worked in general practice in Moonee Ponds (1955–1967) and Carnegie (1968–1974). In 1975 he joined the AMP Society, where he worked as the Victorian Senior Medical Officer until his retirement in 1997. Bill held a variety of RACGP positions at both national and Victorian levels over two decades. Significant was his work on the examination panel and accreditation committees for the Family Medicine Program. He is survived by his three children, Amanda, Bruce and Alan, and 11 grandchildren.

David Waddington BRIGGS (’54) was born on 5 June 1937 and attended Scotch from 1950–55. He married Heather M McGregor at Scotch on 27 October 1962. David worked in management. Scotch has only recently been informed that David died suddenly on 26 August 2004.

Ian James Sheldon BROWN (’53) was born on 24 June 1937 and attended Scotch from 1951–53. Ian was a father, grandfather, and a Demons supporter. He died on 14 March after a short illness, and his funeral was conducted at the Tobin Brothers’ Bromley Chapel, Echuca, on 19 March 2008, after which he was privately cremated.

John Ord Bews BRUFORD (’30) was born at Malvern on 1 April 1913, and left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1924–30. He married Joan Amie Pontet Harrison in Victoria in 1939, and their son Andrew attended Scotch from 1957–58. Joan died on 30 September 1993. John was a nephew of Annie Muriel Bews, who worked for Scotch from 1923–54 on the Hill, tending boarders in Leighwood House and Arthur Rob. Born in about 1877, she died aged 88 at Canterbury on 29 August 1965. John was believed to be one of Scotch’s oldest Old Boys, but recent research revealed that he died in Queensland on 23 June 1970 and was interred in the Woombye Cemetery.

Darryl James BURFORD (’57) was born at Wentworth, NSW, on 18 November 1940, the son of a fruit and vegetable merchant at Victoria Market. He attended Scotch from 1953–57. On 9 March 1968 he married June Margaret Annand at Scotch. Darryl’s brother Neville attended Scotch from 1953–60. Darryl died on 30 March 2008.

Charles Robin Hamilton CAMERON (’46) was born at Red Cliffs, Victoria, on 8 May 1928, the son of Old Boy and horticulturist Charles Hamilton Cameron (SC 1912–?; died 3 April 1941). Rob attended Scotch from 1941–46 as a boarder in Arthur Rob. He was a member of the Scotch swimming team from 1943–46. On 17 May 1958 he married Ila Ruby Colyer at Scotch and their son Alistair attended Scotch from 1974–75. A grandson, Samuel Myers, is in Year 10. Rob’s brother Alan attended Glamorgan (1939–40) and Scotch from 1941–44 (died 8 April 1998). Rob lived at Clifton Springs and died on 24 March. His funeral service was held at the Drysdale Uniting Church on 1 April 2008, after which he was privately cremated.

Ian Leslie Grantham CAMPBELL, MC, OAM (’50) was born at Stawell on 22 December 1932 and attended Scotch from 1947–49 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland House. He served in the Korean War in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps as a second lieutenant. In 1959 he was ADC to the Chief of the General Staff. Ian served in the Vietnam war as a member of 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, from 18 March 1968 to 15 October 1968, and at the headquarters of the Australian Force, Vietnam (Army Component), from 16 October 1968 to 18 March 1969. During this service he was awarded the Military Cross. In 1970 he was in the Directorate of Infantry. The OAM was awarded in the general division to Lieutenant Colonel Ian Leslie Campbell in 2005 for service to the welfare of veterans and their families. He was a chairman of the RSL War Veterans’ Homes Trust of Victoria and the Widows’ Trust Limited, as well as a member of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and was a director of Vasey RSL Care. His service to the RSL was honoured with life membership with gold badge in 2004. Relations at Scotch include Grantham uncles Victoria (SC 1918–21; died 15 August 1964) and Austin (SC 1918–23; died 27 May 1994) and nephews Ross Campbell (SC 1984–89) and Peter Farrell (SC 1965–70). Known as ‘Digger’, he died on 10 May 2008 after a long illness, and a memorial service was held on 21 May at St Paul’s Church, Frankston.

Robert Geoffrey CARTER (’62) was born at Perth, Western Australia, on 11 April 1945, the son of Old Boy and manufacturing salesman Robert John Carter (SC 1936–39; died 2 September 1993). Rob attended Scotch from 1957–62 as a member of Lawson-MacFarland House. He studied at Dookie, where he was its 1965 captain, and from which he graduated in 1965 with a Diploma of Agriculture. He graduated with a BEc from Monash University in 1970. After compulsory national service, he worked in sales at Cadbury Schweppes, and then at Kiwi Nicholas. His final role was at Pacific Dunlop as sales manager for Ansell in South-East Asia. On 21 February 1970 Rob married Anne-Maree McKenzie at Scotch, and their son Timothy attended Scotch from 1985–90. Rob’s uncle Gordon attended Scotch from 1939–45 (died 9 October 1988). Rob died on 23 May 2008 as a result of leukaemia and a melanoma. A memorial service was held for him at Arlington at Wattle Park Chalet, Surrey Hills, on 30 May.

Dr Neil Worth Thomas CHESHIRE (’46) was born on 12 November 1927, the son of well-known bookseller F W Cheshire. He attended Scotch from 1935–46. On 16 March 1955 he married Joan E Lethlean at Scotch. Neil died on 31 March 2008, and his funeral service was held at the Boyd Chapel at the Necropolis on 7 April.

Irwin Alexander Fraser CLARKE (’37) was born at Footscray on 9 November 1921, the son of a men’s clothier. He attended Scotch from 1936–37. Irwin’s brothers at Scotch were Keith (SC 1924–28; died 16 January 1967) and Jack (SC 1927–33; died 17 August 1982), and his nephews were John (SC 1947–51), David (SC 1948–52) and Michael (SC 1948–55). Irwin died on 14 April 2008.

David Tooher COBURN (’43) was born at Ballarat on 1 March 1926, the son of an architect, and attended Scotch from 1942–43. David died on 18 June 2008 and a service was held at the Doveton Park Funeral Centre, North Ballarat, on Monday 23 June.

George William COOK (’42) was born on 17 May 1926 and left Haileybury College to attend Scotch from 1935–41. Bill married Lorna Brownbill at Scotch on 17 December 1947 and their son Garry attended Scotch from 1955–68. Also at Scotch were his brother Geoff (SC 1935–45), nephew Ian (SC 1963–74) and grandson Michael (SC 1985–96). Bill was a managing director. He died on 20 June 2008, and his funeral service was held in the Blair Chapel at the Necropolis on 26 June.

Robert Charles James COOPER (’43) was born at Gardenvale on 21 January 1928, the son of a hotel proprietor, and attended Scotch as a boarder in Arthur Rob from 1941–43. On 19 May 1951 he married Audrey N George at Scotch. Robert died on 23 June 2008 at Ti-Tree Gardens, Rosebud. A graveside funeral service was held at Altona Memorial Park on 27 June.

Keith Herbert DAVEY (’38) was born at Sunshine on 4 May 1923 and attended Scotch from 1935 until term 3, 1938. Keith died at Mornington on 13 May 2008, and his funeral service was held on 20 May at the Village Uniting Church, Mount Eliza, after which he was privately cremated at Bunurong.

Michael Bruce DEBNEY (’57) was born on 3 May 1941, the son of Old Boy and farmer Bruce Robertson Debney (SC 1924; died 30 May 1983). He attended Scotch from 1954–57. Scotch has only recently learned Mike died on 16 October 2005.

William John DICK (’35) was born Fitzroy, the son of a manager, on 27 October 1918. He attended Scotch from 1932–33. In 1940 in Victoria he married Pauline Dempsey Turner. Bill served in the RAAF from 1940–47 and was a corporal at the 1 Aircraft Depot upon demobilisation. He served in New Guinea and other countries as an aircraft mechanic in World War II. He died on 9 June 2008.

Harley Rivers DICKINSON (staff, 1958) was born on 20 October 1938 and attended Geelong College from 1949–57, where he stroked the winning 1957 1st VIII. He coached the 1958 Scotch under 16 crew to win in its heat and final at the Junior Regatta. This crew included future Australian oarsman and Scotch staff member Graeme Boykett. In 1958 Harley went to Papua New Guinea, where he undertook pioneering exploration, was a native patrol officer, resident magistrate, and coroner. He participated in the Olympic torch relays of 1956 and 2000, was a founding member of the Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, and was MLA for South Barwon from 1982–92. His cousin, Peter, attended Scotch from 1939–47. Harley died on 4 April 2008.

Lloyd Stanley EVA (’32) was born at Ballarat, the son of a chemist, on 27 March 1917, and attended Scotch from 1931–32 as a member of Morrison House. From 1937–41 he was a member of the 1st XI of the Hawthorn-East Melbourne Cricket Club. He married Marjorie Soderstrom in Victoria in 1941, and from 1941–45 served in the RAAF. He was a corporal in the 89 Operational Base Unit on demobilisation. In 1948 he became a CPA and he worked as a self-employed chartered accountant. Lloyd and his brother Ross (SC 1931–36; died 13 June 1995) were the first of three generations at Scotch. Lloyd’s sons were David (SC 1959–63) and Ross (SC 1961–67), his nephew Michael (SC 1954–63; died 16 May 2005) and his grandsons Chris (SC 1996–2001) and Richard (SC 1999–2004). Lloyd died on 11 May 2008.

Timothy Clason GATES (’69). Further to the obituary in the May 2008 Great Scot, another obituary appears elsewhere in this edition.

Peter James GAUNT (’45) was born at New Plymouth, New Zealand, the son of a senior bank inspector. He left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1941–45. His time at Scotch was one of leadership, as 1943 form captain of VII German, 1944 form captain of VIIIc Science, a 1945 cadet lieutenant, a 1945 Scotch Collegian editorial committee member, and a 1945 prefect. His brother Edward attended Scotch in 1941 and died on 29 June 2000. Peter was living at Esperance, Western Australia, in 1964. He died on 27 February 2007.

Robert Barrie GRAY (’48) was born at Melbourne on 14 July 1932, the son of a manager, and attended Scotch from 1945–48. He married Janice May Maling at Scotch on 18 July 1959. Barrie’s brothers John (SC 1947–50) and Peter (SC 1948–52; died 27 January 1998) were also at Scotch. Barrie died on 15 May 2008, and a service was held at Le Pine’s Eltham Chapel on 19 May.

Peter Charles HALL (’58) was born at Sydney on 11 September 1941, the son of an Australian Army Regular. Peter attended Scotch from 1955–58. He married Caroline Sue Gill at Scotch on 17 September 1966. Peter died on 12 April 2008.

Sean Anthony HARRIS (’80) was born on 27 February 1963, the son of Old Boy Alan John Harris (SC 1939-42; died 20 September 2007). Sean attended Scotch from 1975–77. His brother Andrew was at Scotch from 1971–76. Sean died on 11 May and his funeral was held at Bulla. The following has been prepared from media reports and from information provided by his mother, Lorna:

Before he turned eight, Sean came third in the 10 and under state swimming titles for butterfly. As a 10-year-old he made the final of the 200m butterfly for 12-year-olds at the first Australian age group championships which were held in Sydney. At 10 Sean also held every 10-year-old record for all strokes. At 11 and 12 he won the 200m butterfly, swimming in the 12-year-old competition.

Sean went to the USA, where he swam competitively. He returned to Australia, but did not return to Scotch because he did not enjoy the single-sex environment. Sean went to Verdale High School near Vermont, where he enjoyed woodworking classes, which led to a cabinetmaker apprenticeship in Bayswater, Essendon and Hawthorn. His cabinetmaking work included refurbishing the Menzies Rialto reception area, working on Doncaster’s Pancake Parlour, and extensive work on the home he built at Bulla. His work was ‘stunningly beautiful’. Meanwhile, he continued his swimming, and also became a champion surf lifesaver winning swimming and iron man events.

After completing his apprenticeship, while returning to Melbourne from a triathlon in Wodonga in 1990, his car rolled three times after hitting a barrier near Kilmore, and his left ankle was severely injured. In hospital he contracted methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Sean was allergic to Vancomycin, the only drug available to combat MRSA, and with increasing pain, his leg was amputated in 1992.

This setback only made him even more determined to continue with competitive swimming. In 1996 at the Atlanta Paralympics he came seventh in the 100m butterfly final. In 1998 he became the first disabled Australian to swim the English Channel. His time of 10 hours 52 seconds made him the fastest disabled athlete to swim the Channel, beating the previous record by five hours. Before leaving the water, he produced an engagement ring from his bathers and proposed to his second wife, with whom he had a daughter. He had had a son and daughter with his first wife. Sean carried the Olympic Torch in 2000. He was a motivational speaker and was Hume Council’s ‘inspiring stories ambassador’.

Sean died when his 4WD rolled on Mother’s Day 2008 at Bullengarook, on the outskirts of Melbourne near Tullamarine airport.

Dr Keith Ewan HARRISON (’35) was born at Brighton on 11 November 1917, the son of a secretary. He left Trinity Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1924–35 as a member of Monash House. He was a member of the 2nd XVIII and the 1931 athletics team, and was a cadet. From 1942–46 he served in the AIF, and he was a captain in the 15 Field Ambulance. On 10 October 1944 he married Nolene Buhl at Scotch. Keith’s brother Bill attended Scotch (SC 1929–39; died 22 April 1975), as did his nephew Geoffrey (SC 1961–68) and his great nephew Scot Holbrow (SC 1987–95).

Keith died at Hazeldean Nursing Home on 1 June 2008, and a service was held for him at Nelson Brothers’ Williamstown Chapel on 5 June after which he was privately cremated. The following is extracted from a eulogy provided by his son David:

Keith and his brother Bill both attended Scotch College until matriculation level. They were great mates all their lives. Although Keith failed his Leaving Certificate, a word from his mother Doris re-motivated him and he topped his class the following year. Although Keith was invited to stroke the 1st VIII, he was devastated when his father refused to allow him to do so on the basis it could ‘strain his heart’.

Aged 12, Keith left a movie saying ‘I want to be a doctor’. He studied Medicine and practised for six months, learning mostly surgery, before serving in World War II in New Guinea and Darwin. During this service he married ‘Topsy’, his wife of 35 years then returned to his unit. In a war zone, inexperienced, and performing trauma surgery, the strain of the situation was evident in a photograph of him looking very thin at an advanced dressing station at Bougainville. Keith was hospitalised with what was a lifelong back injury after a mortar attack while in a trench. He completed his military service in Darwin and then practised as a general practitioner at Wangaratta, and Bunyip in Gippsland. He spoke little of the war.

The family moved briefly to Murrumbeena, then Williamstown, where he worked in a surgery opposite the town hall. He worked at Melbourne’s oldest medical practice, The Clinic, and established the Williamstown General Practitioners Group, where he worked until retirement. Keith’s practice included a lot of surgery, including gall bladders, appendectomies and hernias, and he was in the operating theatre several days a week. He practised medicine until he was 86. Keith was a member of the Williamstown RSL, and was its 19th president for two years. He was a Mason, and played golf at Kooringal. He loved bay fishing, and would annually fish for tuna and crayfish at Port MacDonnell in South Australia. Keith was interested in classical music and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he drove Jaguars for years.

Dr Kenneth George HOWSAM (’38) was born at Malvern, the son of a bank manager, on 8 March 1921. He attended Scotch from 1934–37. In 1940 he joined the Melbourne University Rifles, and from an unknown date until 1947 he served in the RAAF, and was a flight lieutenant at Laverton on demobilisation. Ken married Betty Rae Gray on 14 July 1945, and their sons David (SC 1962–68) and Robert (SC 1964–69) attended Scotch. Ken was an ophthalmologist who was a member of the senior medical staff and administration of the Eye and Ear Hospital from 1947–82. He lived at Inverloch and died on 24 May 2008. A funeral service was held for him at the Anglican Church of Ascension, The Crescent, Inverloch, on 30 May. The following is extracted from the obituary in the Herald Sun of 2 July 2008:

Doctor Ken Howsam became medical superintendent of the Eye and Ear Hospital in 1947 after completing a Diploma of Ophthalmology at Melbourne University. He was an excellent eye and ear, nose and throat surgeon who specialised in removing foreign bodies from eyes. He guided the reconstruction and expansion of the rundown hospital. Ken was obsessed with education, and helped set up Melbourne University chairs in ophthalmology and otolaryngology at the hospital. In conjunction with Dr John Colvin, he established the William Gibson lectures for eye and ear, nose and throat undergraduates.

Ken insisted on high standards from his specialists, and in 1969 played a key role in forming the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmology, of which he was elected president for 1981–82. He retired from the hospital in 1983 but continued to work for it in a reduced capacity. He was presented the College’s first gold medal in 1987. His was a formidable intellect, known for his careful preparation, sincerity and single-mindedness. Ken retired to Inverloch, and died at Epworth Hospital of mesenteric artery thrombosis.

Hugh David Morrison KANE (’43) was born at Windsor on 9 March 1926, the son of Old Boy Hugh Alexander Kane (SC 1909–13; died 18 April 1963). He attended Scotch from 1940–43 as a member of Lawson House. David served in the RAN from 1944–46 and was demobilised as an able seaman on HMAS Lonsdale. At Scotch on 22 March 1949 he married Dorothy Joan Davies. She died in 1976, aged 47, and David later married Jeannie. He was self-employed, and worked for the Austral Chemical Company Pty Ltd.

David’s mother was a Morrison, and he had extensive Scotch connections with the Morrison family. His great-grandfather was Alexander Morrison, Principal from 1857–1903 (died 31 May 1903) and his great-great uncles were George (SC staff 1857–59, Geelong College headmaster 1861–98; died 15 February 1898) and Robert (SC staff 1857–1904, Vice-Principal 1869–1904; died 10 September 1908). Among the many relatives who attended Scotch were his grandfather Howard Morrison (SC 1867–79; died 10 March 1908), uncle Eric Kane (SC 1910–18; died 1983), Cattermole great-nephews Hugh (SC 1982–93) and James (SC 1984–95), and Benjamin Redwood (SC 1993–99). A relation currently at Scotch is third cousin once removed Will Meggitt (Year 8). David died on 14 May 2008, and his funeral service was held on 19 May at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Brighton Beach, after which he was privately cremated at the Necropolis on 20 May.

Hon Alfred Capel KING QC (’36) was born at Box Hill on 13 February 1919 and left Box Hill High School to attend Scotch from 1933–36. In his second-last year at Scotch he won first-class honours in English and French, and second-class honours in European History. He was awarded a government senior scholarship. In his final year at Scotch he won first-class Honours in French (3rd place, for which he was awarded the Second Liet Prize) and British History (1st place, for which he was awarded the University Exhibition), second-class honours in Commercial Principles, and third-class honours in Economics. Alfred was awarded an entrance scholarship to Ormond. He was a 1936 Scotch Collegian editorial committee member, and a probationer.

Alfred served in the AIF from 1940–46 and was a sergeant in the Far Eastern Liaison Office on demobilisation. On 23 February 1950 he married Lesley I Morrell at Scotch, and their sons Jamie (SC 1969–74) and Alistair (SC 1970–75) attended Scotch. Also at Scotch were Alfred’s brother Ted (SC 1933; died 16 July 2007) and his nephew John (SC 1958–63). Alfred died at the Epworth Hospital on 1 April 2008. The following is extracted from eulogies:

Alfred won a scholarship to Scotch. He was humanities dux of the school and won a scholarship to Ormond College. He studied Law and Arts at Melbourne University, winning the Supreme Court Prize in 1942 as the top law student in the state. His war service was in the intelligence corps as he was refused overseas service due to his short-sightedness. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria on 1 August 1946, he was the legal officer of Nicholas Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of Aspro, from 1946–53.

Alfred joined the Victorian Bar on 5 February 1954. From 1964 he was considered the undisputed leader in industrial and intellectual property. In 1965 Alfred was appointed Australian delegate to the International Intellectual Property Conference in Stockholm to amend the Bern Convention on copyright, and the Paris Convention on industrial property. Delegates appointed him to summarise all arguments and recommendations. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1970, and in 1977 was appointed to the Supreme Court bench. His classmate, Justice William Kaye (SC 1927–36), was also on the bench, and it was believed to be the only time Victorian school classmates had been appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria. Alfred was farewelled from the Supreme Court on 12 February 1991, having just handed down a 200-page judgment in a case which commenced in May 1989, and which included taking evidence in the United Kingdom.

His family recalled his extraordinary capacity for work as he built up a practice in intellectual property law (despite being totally impractical with gadgets around the house). He would work for hours without a break and was said to be able to work through an earthquake, which was effectively proved when son Alistair played the drums. However, he made up for his long working hours by kicking the footy with his sons, and walking the dog with them while reciting poetry. He and his wife were best friends, and a perfect match. He was a member of the Savage Club and the Australia Club, and was a Mason. In September 2007 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he remained lucid to the end, which he faced in the company of the family he loved so much.

Ernest William George LONG (’36) was born at Northcote on 9 March 1919, the son of teacher and Old Boy Robert Ernest Gladstone Long (SC 1903–07; died 25 June 1943 in World War II as a prisoner of war in Thailand). Ernest attended Scotch from 1930–36, and was a member of the Glee Club in 1933. Ernest served in the AIF from 1940–46 and was demobilised as a sergeant in the Murchison PW Group. On 26 September 1942 he married Ethel Edith Collatz at Scotch. Their son Gregory attended Scotch from 1960–64. Also at Scotch were his brother Victor (SC 1925–28; died 27 October 1982) and nephew Robert (SC 1957–62). On his retirement, Ernest was NSW State manager of Union Bulkships in the TNT Group. He died at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, Gateshead, NSW, on 3 February 2008. He was cremated, and his ashes scattered at Mount Oxley, near Bourke, NSW.

Kenneth Edward LUPSON (’34) was born at Glenferrie on 22 June 1918, the son of a civil engineer. An early student of Carey Baptist Grammar School (which began in 1923), he left to attend Scotch from 1933–34. Ken was working at the Trustees, Executors & Agency Company Limited of 401–403 Collins Street, Melbourne, when he enlisted in the AIF on 17 June 1940. He served until 1945, and was a sergeant in the Gull Force 2/21 Australian Infantry Battalion. A father and grandfather, Ken died on 26 March 2008 at Cabrini Hospital, surrounded by his family. His funeral service was held at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Sorrento, on 31 March, after which he was buried at the Sorrento Cemetery.

Alan Bruce MACKAY (’51) was born on 27 April 1935 and attended Scotch from 1949–51. On 15 November 1958 he married Joan Jackson at Scotch. Bruce died on 24 March 2008.

Robert St Clair MAGNO (’50) was born on 5 February 1934, the son of banker and Old Boy Guido Giuseppe Massy Magno, who was born at Genoa on 23 October 1872 (SC 1887–88; died 14 August 1963) and attended Scotch from 1947–50 as a boarder in McMeckan and School Houses. On 31 October 1981 he married his third wife, Elizabeth Drake-Brockman, at Scotch. Rob led a varied and largely successful working life. He was a very successful demonstrator and salesman for car tune-up equipment, was involved in the construction of a dam, and in the early 1960s he was a motor mechanic. He then started a security and private investigation firm which grew with its continued success. In 1978 his Civil Security Service received a boost in business with clients concerned about recent terrorist activities. In his later years he became the president and was a pastor of the Australian Truck Drivers’ Welfare and Charity Ministry. Rob’s half-brothers (by his father’s first marriage) attended Scotch: Hugh (SC 1910–16; died 7 January 1918) and William (SC 1910–16). Rob died on 11 April 2008.

John Craven MAPLESTONE (’47) was born on 7 July 1930 and attended Scotch from 1936–47. He was a 1938 Junior School form captain, and was 1946 form captain of VII German. John’s brother Peter attended Scotch from 1933–38 (died 24 September 2003). John died on 5 June 2008 and a service was held for him on 11 June at the W D Rose Chapel in Cheltenham. He was privately cremated at the Necropolis on 12 June.

Ronald Hugh MARR (’40) was born at Camberwell on 27 September 1924, the son of a steel merchant. He attended Scotch from 1937–40 as a member of Morrison House and became a salesman and sales director of J Murray More Pty Ltd (tubemakers). From 1943–46 he served in the AIF and became a signalman in the 6 Australian Fortress Signals Section. Ronald was the eldest of three brothers at Scotch. John attended Scotch from 1941–44 (died 14 April 2002) and Doug attended from 1952–55. Ronald’s son Gary attended Scotch (SC 1963–66), as did his nephews Hugh (SC 1974–80), Cameron (SC 1982–87) and Benjamin (SC 1986–91). Ronald died on 18 May 2008, and a service was held on 22 May at the Rowville Uniting Church, after which he was buried at the Necropolis.

John Browne McALISTER (’51) was born at Seymour on 9 March 1935, the son of a business proprietor, and attended Scotch from 1948 to 6 March 1951. He married Elizabeth Edith Marek at Scotch on 9 April 1966, and their son Raoul attended Haileybury College (Class of 1986). John died at Cabrini Hospital on 28 May 2008 after a seven-month battle with lymphatic cancer. His daughter Eva wrote the following obituary:

John McAlister was the second child of William and Jessie McAlister of ‘Bungle Boori’, Seymour and brother of Janet and Charlotte. His forebears were among the early settlers of Melbourne and Victoria. He grew up in a stimulating environment, and started his education at the small state school, no 2642 Hughes Creek in 1939. With the outbreak of World War II and following the discharge of his father from the army on medical grounds, the family moved in 1943 to Upotipotpon, northern Victoria. A devastating drought engulfed the country and the family moved in 1946 to Melbourne to secure better education opportunities for the family.

John entered Scotch in 1948. He relished his time there. He quickly made friends and settled into school life. He was an earnest student, joining the Cadets, becoming a piper in the Pipe Band under Pipe Major Danny MacPherson. He enjoyed rowing, athletics, tennis and rugby.

In 1950 he presented for the new intermediate entry for the RANC Flinders. He was selected, entering as a cadet midshipman in March 1951. From 1953 he studied engineering at RNEC Manadon, Plymouth, UK where he completed his Engineering degree. He finally returned to Australia, serving in the RAN Fleet Air Arm as an aeronautical engineer on HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Albatross and Navy Office, Canberra. He rose to the rank of commander.

He maintained his love of sport, in particular skiing, which he enjoyed in Europe and at Mt Buller with his family. As a result of business and family commitments he retired from the navy in 1972. After that time he also served with the MMBW as a senior engineer and later as a management consultant.

James Patrick McDONALD (’43) was born at Nagambie on 24 January 1927, the son of a farmer, and boarded at Scotch in 1943. He served in the RAAF as a leading aircraftman in 1945, and was based at the 27 Operational Base Unit. James spent his working life on a farm outside Nagambie. He had five sons, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. James’s son Kevin recently informed Scotch that James died at Nagambie Hospital on 2 May 2005 after a short stay.

Hugh Victor McKAY (’46) was born at Sunbury on 1 July 1928, the son of grazier and Old Boy Hugh Victor McKay (SC 1913–21; died 17 January 1966). He attended Scotch as a boarder in School House from 1940–46. Hugh was a 1941 Junior School form captain, and a member of the 1941 Junior School cricket team. He was 1944 form captain of VII Mixed. On 25 February 1953 he married Janette Helen Vickery at Scotch. By 1959 Hugh was a grazier on a property at Henty, Victoria, and had three children. Two sons attended Scotch: Scott (SC 1970–75) and Dugald (SC 1974–79).

Hugh was linked to Scotch by a vast number of relations, many of whom have served Scotch well. They include his uncles Hubert (SC 1907–12; died 8 June 1913 during an operation for appendicitis) and Cecil (SC 1911–19, School Council member and 1951 President of OSCA; died 26 January 1968), first cousins twice removed Sam Hunt (SC 1981–92) and John Hunt (SC 1984–95), and second cousin Ian Beaurepaire (SC 1936–40, Lord Mayor of Melbourne; died 24 June 1996). Hugh’s grandson Alex is in Year 10 at Scotch. Hugh died on 20 March 2008 and a private funeral was held on 25 March.

Alan Geoffrey McKEE (’37) was born at Ballarat on 2 July 1920, the son of a banker. He boarded at Scotch from 1932–37 as a member of Morrison House (1932–33) and Littlejohn and School Houses (1934–37). He was a day boy in 1932, but spent 1933 in a school in Queensland which he hated so much he returned to Scotch as a boarder in School House in 1934. In 1934 he won the Lionel Robinson Scholarship. He was class captain of VIII Maths in 1936, and of IX Maths in 1937. Geoff shared the P C Wickens Prize for maths in 1937. In 1941 he graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. He served in the AIF from 1942–46, becoming a captain in the 330 Australian Light Aid Detachment.

Geoff was a president of the Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia and a president of the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys Australia (FICPI Australia). On 22 May 1943 he married Clarice ‘Jean’ Roy at Scotch. Geoff’s brother George attended Scotch from 1928–29 (died 11 October 1963). Geoff died on 10 May 2008, and his funeral service was held at the W D Rose Chapel, Brighton on 14 May. His family provided the following further information:

Geoff was an excellent student and participated widely in sports. After leaving Scotch he studied at Melbourne University (Ormond College), and graduated in 1941 as a mechanical engineer. He enlisted in the army, and was stationed in New Guinea during 1944 and 1945. After the war he joined Clement Hack and Co. (now Griffith Hack), patent attorneys, rising to become senior partner, and was twice president of FICPI, before retiring in 1986. As a small farmer prior to and following retirement, he actually managed to make a profit, before exchanging this active life for a new role as a respected family historian and valued member of the Cornish Association of Victoria. In 1943 he married his childhood sweetheart Jean. Geoff died 12 days before their 65th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, their two daughters, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Neil McLAREN (’39) was born at Melbourne on 30 November 1922, the son of medical practitioner and Old Boy Dr William Walter McLaren (SC 1902–06; died 11 June 1977) and attended Scotch from 1932–39. He served in the AIF from 1942–46, becoming a corporal in the 34 Australian Field Section. Neil worked as a geologist. On 3 February 1950 he married Beatrice Redpath Faichney at Scotch, and their sons attended Scotch: John (SC 1965–70) and Rob (SC 1968–73 and teaching staff since 1987). Also at Scotch were his brothers James (SC 1930–35; killed on 12 December 1941 in an RAAF air accident in World War II over England), William (SC 1932–39) and Terry (SC 1935–43); cousin John Ralston (SC 1939–45) and nephews Andrew (SC 1958–68), David (SC 1968–74) and James (SC 1969–79). His grandson, James, is in Year 9 at Scotch, and his great-nephew, Lachlan, is also at Scotch, in Year 10. Neil died on 28 March 2008, and his funeral service was held at the Le Pine Chapel, Camberwell, on 4 April, after which he was privately cremated at the Necropolis.

Ian McWILLIAMS (’46). Ian’s family has provided the following obituary:

Ian McWilliams was born at Williamstown, the son of a chief engineer, on 20 August 1929. He attended Scotch from 1941–45. He played football, competed in athletics and was a member of the Air Training Corps. After leaving Scotch, he attended Dookie Agricultural College and in 1947 graduated with a Diploma in Agriculture. He commenced work as a wool classer and then took a sales position with International Harvester in Melbourne. He later became International’s representative in the Western District.

In the late 1950s he was instrumental in establishing an International Harvester dealership, Whitehorse Sales and Service, on the corner of Whitehorse and Springvale Roads, Nunawading. In the mid-1960s he established a further International Harvester dealership on the Mornington Peninsula. In the 1970s and early 1980s he worked for a number of transport companies. From 1985 until the early 1990s, he owned and operated ‘Musty & Dusty Antiques’ in Main Street, Mornington, with his wife, Trish.

In the 1940s and 1950s he was a member of the Williamstown Athletic Club. In the 1960s he performed with the Peninsula Light Opera Society in a number of performances. He played with the Mount Eliza Football Club in the mid 1960s. In the 1970s he sat on the board of the Frankston Football Club and was president of the Peninsula Old Boys’ Football Club in the early 1980s. He was a life member of the Mount Eliza Cricket Club, having been involved with the club for over 35 years, and was president of the club in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and was a premiership player. He continued to play cricket into his late 60s.

On 20 March 1952 in the Littlejohn Chapel at Scotch he married Elizabeth Hopkins, with whom he had his first son, Tony. He married Sally Munckton in 1969 with whom he had his youngest son, Dugald (SC 1987–91). In 1981 he married Trish, who remained his loving companion until his death. He passed away after a long illness on 9 April 2008. A funeral service was held at the W D Rose Chapel in Cheltenham on 15 April.

Ian Lennox MURRAY (’37) was born at Brighton, the son of a retired soldier, on 11 September 1921. He left Carey Baptist Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1935–37 as a member of Morrison House. Ian served in the AIF from 1942–46, and was a sergeant in the District Accounts Office (Victoria). In 1949 he graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Commerce. His related memberships included AAIBF (1941), FCA (1954) and ACIS (1955). He became a chartered accountant and consultant. On 6 July 1968 he married Yvonne Barnard at Beeac, Victoria. Ian’s great uncle was Hugh Morrison, who was born at Geelong in 1843, attended Scotch from 1859–60 and died on 23 May 1915. Ian died at The Mews on 29 June 2008. A thanksgiving service was held at the Le Pine Chapel, Camberwell, on 4 July.

Dr Graham James ODGERS (’38) was born at Murrumbeena on 29 December 1921, the son of a clerk. He left University High School to attend Scotch from 1936–38. In his final year at Scotch he took out first-class honours in Mathematics I, III and IV, and third-class honours in Mathematics II. He was awarded a government senior scholarship and went to Ormond College on a non-resident scholarship. In World War II he served in the AIF from 1941 until an unknown date, and was a private in the Recruit Reception Depot. He died peacefully in his sleep at home in Canada on 15 June 2008. The following is extracted from his obituary in the Victoria (Canada) Times-Colonist:

Graham obtained his BA (Hons) at the University of Melbourne, an MSc at Cambridge University, and PhD (Astrophysics) at the University of California at Berkeley. He met Pam while attending Cambridge; they married in 1949 and moved to Victoria [Canada] where Graham began working at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich. He remained there throughout his career. His proudest career achievement was his pivotal role in the planning, design, coordination and construction of the Canada France Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, which opened in 1979. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Victoria [Canada] in 1998.

Having lived through the hardships of the Depression in Australia, he retained lifelong socialist convictions and always supported the left. He served his country during World War II by working on the design and stress analysis of Tiger Moth training aircraft; later at the Canberra Observatory he predicted sunspots, which would interfere with short wave radio communications throughout the south-west Pacific theatre of war.

After emigrating to Canada he served as a lieutenant-commander in the Naval Reserve at HMCS Malahat. In this capacity he served in the coronation cruise from Victoria to Portsmouth and the Spithead Revue in 1951. Graham was admired for his keen intellect, prodigious learning, formidable memory, and quick and piercing wit.

An Aussie to the end, he was an avid follower of tennis and cricket and could recite 60-year-old cricket scores at the age of 86. He died at home with his wife and children around him. He was predeceased by his son Anthony Graham McMahon of Melbourne, Australia, in 2006. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Pamela, son Christopher, daughters Katharine and Patricia, cherished granddaughter Sophie, beloved sister Margaret, nieces Julie and Lenore, cousins Bill and Jenny and extended family in Australia.

Bruce Daniel John OLDHAM (’36) was born at Kew on 19 February 1918, and left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1931–37 as a member of Morrison House. He was an active Scotch Collegian, as a member of the swimming teams of 1934–37 (vice-captain in 1935, captain from 1936–37), member of the 1936 1st XV, as a 1936 probationer, and a 1937 prefect. He married Marie Touzel on 12 April 1941, and served in the RAAF from 1941–42 as a leading aircraftman at the 28 Elementary Flying Training School, and in 1942 as a private in the AIF in the 52 Battalion. Bruce studied timber technology at the CSIRO in 1956 and became the managing director of Australian Furniture Timbers. His brother Ross attended Scotch from 1932–36 (died 29 May 1992). Bruce lived at Tura Beach and died on 12 May 2008.

Lachlan Ian PATERSON (’79) was born at Swan Hill on 29 March 1961, the son of farmer and Old Boy Gordon Walton Paterson (SC 1949–52). Lachlan boarded at Scotch in Arthur Rob from 1976–78, and returned to the land as a grazier. For many years he was on Hell’s Gate Station, Balranald, NSW. He was the uncle of Aidan Buggee (Year 12) and the father of James (Year 10). Lachlan died peacefully at home at ‘Clifton’ on 28 May 2008 and a funeral service was held at Tuckers Chapel, Geelong West, on 31 May.

James Douglas PICKEN (’35) was born at Princes Hill on 7 May 1918, the son of a printer, and attended Scotch from 1924–35 as a member of Gardiner House. In 1934 he was a Cadet Corps corporal and a member of the Scotch Orchestra. He was a Probationer in 1935, and rowed in the 3rd VIII. On 28 August 1944 he married Lorraine Marie Wagstaff at Scotch.

Doug’s two sons Ian and Ken and his four grandsons all attended Scotch. Ian Douglas (SC 1952–65), a geologist and manager at Rio Tinto Technology & Innovation, married Margaret Mill. They have three children: Stuart Douglas (SC 1983–91), Derek John (SC 1987–91) and Andrew James SC 1993–99). Kenneth John (SC 1955–67), a veterinary surgeon (now working in the IT industry), married Kathy Mason. They have two children: Timothy James (SC 1985–92) and Jane Louise.

Doug’s two great-grandchildren are William Douglas (son of Stuart and Nikki Picken) and Chloé Arabella (daughter of Jane and Scott Favaloro). Doug died on 19 June 2008. His family provided the following obituary:

An excellent student and a School Probationer, Doug acquitted himself well both on and off the field, participating in rowing and holding a commission in the Cadet Corps. In his final year at Scotch the then Principal, Dr Gilray, wrote: ‘… He has good ability, and has worked well and passed the requisite examinations to qualify him for university work; this year he has done exceptionally good work in honours Chemistry. He is a young man of strong character with sound ideals and is well fitted to take full advantage of a university course. I expect he will do well, and can confidently recommend him’.

Doug graduated with a BSc (Materials) from Melbourne University in December 1939. During his tertiary studies he was a resident at Ormond College and rowed for the college. Following university he joined the Dominion Can Company as the Assistant Factory Manager. Doug enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 11 July 1941. After completing his initial induction he was initially stationed at the Army School of Engineering, Liverpool NSW. Doug later served in the Army Engineers, spending time at Townsville and New Guinea (building supply lines to Kokoda) and obtained the rank of major. Doug was demobilised on 9 November 1945.

Following the war he joined the family printing and publishing business known as J T Picken and Sons. Containers Limited Group acquired J T Picken and Sons (along with four other similar companies, including Dominion Can) in the mid-1950s and Doug continued at Containers Limited as technical director until his retirement in 1978. This company has become Amcor Limited.

After retirement, Doug demonstrated his passion for the outdoors, developing farming properties at Eltham, Healesville and Elaine before finally living in Frankston. His wife Lorraine passed away on 12 May 2007 after a long illness. Doug remained the principal carer for Lorraine right up to her death.

Doug was a thoughtful and kind gentleman who valued his family highly. He died peacefully at Carnsworth Nursing Home Kew aged 90 years on 19 June 2008, following a stroke approximately six months earlier at home in late 2007. He will be sadly missed by his family and all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Robert Bruce PICKEN (’37) was born at Camberwell on 3 November 1919, the son of a master printer. He left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1932–35. Bruce served in the AIF from 1942–44, and became a lieutenant in the Australian Army Services Corps 3 Division. On 10 March 1945 he married Jean Kell at Scotch. Bruce’s cousin Doug Picken (see obituary above) attended Scotch, and Doug’s sons and grandsons were Bruce’s first cousins once and twice removed respectively. Bruce’s father, James Thomson Picken (1892–1961), gave his remarkable Robert Burns (Scottish poetry) collection to Scotch in 1960. Bruce died at Bairnsdale on 29 June 2008 and was privately cremated.

Andrew Rattray PITT (’32) was born at Albert Park on 17 May 1916, the son of a teacher. He attended Scotch from 1930–32. He served in the AIF from 1940 until an unknown date, and from 1942–45, becoming a warrant officer class 2 in the New Guinea School of Signals. Andrew died at Epworth Eastern Hospital on 23 March 2008. A father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was privately cremated.

James Astley PROVAN (’47) was born at Camberwell on 3 September 1932 and attended Scotch from 1944–46. He taught at Xavier College from 1956–97 and became so devoted to the black and red of Xavier that on meeting him, he seemed more an Old Xaverian than an Old Scotch boy. His only son attended Xavier, and after retiring from teaching, Jim continued to be involved in the life of Xavier through its archives, with a focus on Xavier’s earliest boys, about whom he wrote in the Xavier News. His own family was connected with some early Scotch boys. Jim’s grandfather Edward Astley attended Scotch from 1889–91 (drowned on 20 November 1912 at Manilla, NSW, while swimming after a district cricket match), and his great-uncle Walter Astley attended Scotch from 1887–90 (died 21 May 1952). Jim died in Box Hill Hospital on 24 April 2008. Requiem mass for the repose of his soul was held at the Xavier Chapel on 30 April, and he was buried at the Creswick Cemetery on 1 May.

The following is an edited obituary by James Griffin from The Age of 9 June:

Jim Provan, whose achievements as the inaugural director of music at Xavier College prompted a school publication to credit him with being a driving force in making it a ‘better, gentler school’, has died after a 12-year battle with lymphoma. Provan attended Scotch College, where he experienced the teachings of a distinguished music educator, John Bishop, who had made it compulsory for every boy from grade 4 up to join a house choir and to play an instrument for at least one year.

When his father became principal of Dookie Agricultural College, Provan continued his secondary education at Shepparton High School. He studied at Melbourne University’s Conservatorium, and in 1952 converted to Catholicism and joined St Patrick’s Cathedral choir. In 1959, he was appointed to the lay staff at Xavier College as a teacher of history and English. The emphasis of Xavier’s curriculum was on religious indoctrination, success in examinations and sport; participation in music was in a student’s free time.

Change came in the late 1960s when a department of music was created, and Provan was appointed head and later, director. He persuaded the rector to allow music to be a classroom subject in forms 3 and 4. But, as he pointed out, ‘no amount of appreciation classes, concert-going or record playing can lead a person to enjoy music so surely as the actual making of it’. By Xavier’s centenary in 1978, under Provan’s guidance there was a school orchestra that had developed into 10 different large ensembles and three or four smaller groups, including a stage band, a senior wind and percussion ensemble, a jazz sextet, a chamber music group and a string quartet. There were two choirs, and the music staff had grown to over 30. Female co-performers were introduced from not only Catholic Genazzano, Kilmaire and Sacre Coeur but from Methodist Ladies’ College, Strathcona Baptist Girls’ Grammar, Lauriston and Ruyton.

By the 1980s, under Provan’s leadership, every Xavier boy had at least some acquaintance with a musical instrument. School colours were now given for skill and participation in the arts. In 1964, Provan married Evelyn (Eve), a violinist and music teacher, the eldest daughter of Dr Evelyn and the late Dr John Billings, famous for their ‘ovulation method’ research into birth control. There are two surviving daughters, Felicity and Susannah, who are both accomplished musicians. Another daughter, Evelyn (Lyn), is deceased. Their only son, Anton, was named in honour of Provan’s spiritual patron, the great symphonist Anton Bruckner, to whose tomb in Austria he made pilgrimages.

John Murray RALSTON (’45) was born on 15 March 1928 and left Camberwell Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1939–45 as a member of Gardiner House (now Gilray House). He had a remarkable career at Scotch, as a member of the Junior School cricket and football teams in 1940, a member of the 1942 athletics team, a member of the swimming team of 1943–45, a member of the 1st XVIIIs of 1944–45 (with a premiership in the latter year), and as a member of the 1945 tennis team. In his final year he was a probationer, and captain of Gardiner.

In 1952 John studied textiles at the Leicester College of Technology, and he married in the United Kingdom in August 1952. Competing against 500 candidates, John won a silver medal for coming second in the examinations in the manufacture of hosiery and knitted goods. In 1953 he was on the staff of Prestige Ltd in Australia. He became the managing director of Ansett Knitting Mills Pty Ltd. In 1991 he was responsible for overseeing the Red Shield Appeal in South and Port Melbourne. John was sometime commodore of the Daveys Bay Yacht Club, and of the Canadian Bay Club, Mount Eliza.

John was a cousin of the McLaren boys at Scotch: James, William, Neil and Terry (see Neil’s obituary above). He was the father of Scotch boys Michael (SC 1963–71) and Iain (SC 1970–81), and was delighted to see a third generation of Ralstons at Scotch: grandsons James (SC 2002–07) and Charles (Year 11). John died on 28 April 2008, and a memorial service was held at the Canadian Bay Boat Club on 2 May.

Eric William SCANLAN (’49) was born at Canterbury on 22 July 1933 and attended Scotch from 1946–49. On 29 June 1960 he married Joyce Margaret Sedgman at Scotch, and they had three children. In August 1983 he married Elizabeth (née Field) Hall. John’s brother John attended Scotch from 1943–47, and their cousin, Kevin Crump, attended from 1940–46 (died 13 December 2005). Eric died on 6 April 2008, and his funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Kew, on 10 April. His widow, Elizabeth Scanlan, wrote the following obituary on 21 April:

Eric attended Chatham State School and Scotch College. When he finished his schooling he worked in the family business, Crump Bros Dairies. They collected, pasteurised, bottled and delivered milk to households in Surrey Hills, Canterbury, Mont Albert and Box Hill. During this time Eric did many courses at RMIT Swinburne, mainly to do with engineering and electronics and later a food technology course at the Gordon Institute. The business was sold when glass bottles were changed to cartons.

Eric went to work for Union Carbide in the plastics division (smallgoods and casings and machinery). The company closed worldwide so Eric went on to manage Lindgrens, a similar type of business. Hoechst asked him to join the company, which he did as marketing manager in the Navo division. Eric loved his work and travelled extensively on business around the world. He loved the Mornington Peninsula where he and Elizabeth built their beach home. They also had many wonderful overseas holidays. Sadly Eric was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and died on 6 April. A life well lived. A true gentleman.

Lindsay George SEARLE (’65) was born on 1 June 1948 and attended Scotch from 1960–65. He was a member of the 1965 2nd XVIII. His brother John attended Scotch from 1958–63. Lindsay married Ruth Lorraine Harrison at Scotch on 6 January 1971 and they had three sons. Lindsay worked for the Ready Mix concrete company and travelled the world, living in Russia, London, Indonesia and other places before settling in Brisbane. He died of lung cancer on 21 September 2007.

Ian Douglas SHUGG (’39) was born at Camberwell on 18 April 1923, the son of newsagent and Old Boy Douglas Shugg (SC 1908–09; died 26 October 1970). Ian left Gardiner Central School to attend Scotch from 1935–39 as a member of Gardiner House. He graduated from Melbourne University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science (Met.), and became the principal materials scientist for the SEC. From 1941 until an unknown date, Ian served in the AIF as a private with the Melbourne University Rifles. He married Judith Colley in January 1950. Ian’s brother Kenneth attended Scotch (SC 1933–35; died 21 September 1987), as did his cousin Charles (SC 1936–40; died 2 March 1969) and grandson Andrew Birch (SC 1998–2003). Ian died at Box Hill Hospital on 19 June 2008. His funeral was held on 27 June at the Threads of Life Chapel, East Burwood, after which he was privately cremated.

Graeme George SMITH (’45) was born at Melbourne on 30 March 1928, the son of a timber merchant. He attended Scotch from 1939–42, and became a draughtsman and company director. On 25 February 1950 he married Flora Beatrice McQueen at Scotch and their sons Randall (SC 1964–69) and Mark (SC 1971–74) attended Scotch, as did grandsons Leigh (SC 1988–95; left to attend Carey Grammar) and Alexander (SC 1989–2001). Graeme died on 13 May 2008.

George SNELL (’39) was born at Mirboo South on 3 April 1922 and attended Scotch from 1934–35. He served in the AIF from 1941–44, and was a lance corporal in the 2/1 Mechanical Equipment Company. Also at Scotch was his brother, former Liberal Party President Henry William Snell CMG (SC 1930–37; died 13 August 1982), and nephews Charles (SC 1958–62) and Ian (SC 1961–66). George died on 29 June 2008, and his funeral service was conducted at the Blair Chapel at the Necropolis on 4 July.

Robert Duncan SOMERVAILLE AM, AO, Legion d’Honneur (’37) was born at Strathfield, NSW, on 29 October 1921, the son of an insurance official. He attended South Strathfield Primary School and Scots College, Sydney, before attending Scotch from 1935–37. His brother James (aka ‘Slim’) attended Scotch in 1936. Bob died on 14 April 2008 and a thanksgiving service was held at St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Macquarie Street, Sydney, on 22 April. The following is extracted from an obituary by Tony Stephens in The Age of 13 May:

At Scotch Bob excelled at humanities, particularly Latin. He loved words and poetry, captained the Victorian schoolboys’ rugby team, and later played for the Gordon club in Sydney. His brother ‘Slim’ fought in World War II in New Guinea, while Bob served in a ‘cloak and dagger’ reconnaissance unit. While on leave, he met Ina Elaine Hayman at a dance, and they married on 7 December 1946. She died on 10 February 2001. Bob studied law part-time while working at AMP, and did articles with Dawson Waldron Edwards and Nicholls. He graduated with first-class honours and became a partner in Dawson Waldron in 1954, focusing on commercial practice, underwriting and public share issues. Bob became involved in the 1960s mining boom at the right time. Meeting a senior partner of JB Were at the office urinal, he was asked ‘Ever done a public share issue?’ and when Bob said he would like to learn, the Were man said: ‘Well, come down when you finish and we’ll talk about it’.

Bob acted on the establishment of merchant bank Hill Samuel Australia, of which he became an inaugural director, and which became the Macquarie Group. He acted for a young Rupert Murdoch and became a director of News Limited. When the Post Office was split in 1975 into Australia Post and the Overseas Telecommunications Commission, Bob was asked by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam to oversee the formation of Telecom. He was chairman of the OTC from 1975–87. From 1982–87 he chaired NSW’s Government Insurance Office, and when appointed to the Australian Space Board in 1986 he said Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s proposed Cape York spaceport would raise Australia’s space research profile.

As chairman of the ABC from 1986–91 he battled the Hawke government in relation to political influence over programming and budget cuts. Bob was the inaugural solicitor member of the NSW Judicial Commission in 1987. He chaired FAI Life from 1992–95, and remained with Blake Dawson Waldron as a consultant from 1987–2001. Bob helped raise funds for the National Trust and the Australian Opera and was an elder of Scots Church. His family company, Macarthur Park, ran cattle outside Blayney, NSW.

He was awarded the AM on Australia Day 1984 for service to commerce, and on the Queen’s Birthday in 1992 he was awarded the AO for service to the media and the Australian space industry. He was an Officier in the Legion d’Honneur. Bob worked with politicians on both sides of politics, but described himself as a man ‘more at home with a bloke in a pub than a bloke in a club’. He is survived by children David, Pamela, Catherine and Jeremy and their families.

Alan Tracey STACEY (’31) was born at Alphington on 6 April 1915, the son of a wine and spirit merchant. He attended Scotch from 1929–30 as a member of Gardiner House, leaving in August 1930 due to the Great Depression. Alan worked for Nestlé from 1931 and after seven years joined Paper Products Pty Ltd to work in the packaging industry. He married Mavis Merritt Trist in November 1939. She was head prefect of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School. From 1942–44 Alan served in the AIF. He was demobilised as a bombardier in the 133 H A A Battery.

From 1 January 1949 until 1975 he operated a newsagency in Balwyn with his brother Jack. He was a founding member of the board of the Balwyn Welfare Association (the ‘Evergreen Club’), a member of the Rotary Club of Camberwell from 1960 until his death, and president in 1969. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. Alan was the founder of the Ladies’ Probus Club of Camberwell in 1989, and was a member of the Kew Golf Club. His brother Jack (SC 1927–28; died 15 June 2001) was at Scotch, as was Alan’s son John (SC 1953–58) and nephews Peter (SC 1963–68), David (SC 1964–68) and Mark (SC 1967–72). Alan died on 3 April 2008, and a service was held at Le Pine’s Camberwell Chapel on 8 April, after which he was privately cremated at the Necropolis.

Peter Frank TATE (’46) was born on 13 November 1928 and attended Scotch from 1941–46. Peter worked as a car detailer. He died on 14 April 2008.

Albert John TYE (’27) was born at Brunswick on 11 March 1912 and attended Scotch in 1927. He married Brenda Annie McGreehan in Victoria in 1938, and their son John attended Scotch in 1952. Albert served in the RAAF from 1942–45, and became a corporal in the Southern Area Melbourne Headquarters. Albert’s girlfriend knitted him a Scotch tennis jumper which he had for many years, as he was always very proud of having attended Scotch. John recently advised Scotch his father died at Moruya, NSW, on 26 February 2003.

John Marcus WARD (’32) was born at East Melbourne on 8 November 1916 and attended Scotch from 1926–32 as a member of Gardiner House. John became a company director in South Africa and the United Kingdom. From 1947 he was a member of the Durban Country Club. On 12 November 1954 he married Jill Garland at St Thomas’, Durban, South Africa. His brother Arthur attended Scotch from 1926–30 (died 20 May 1992), and his Jones nephews David (SC 1944–49) and Lindsay (SC 1945–53) and great nephew John Alexander (SC 1983–89) all attended Scotch. John had a great respect for Scotch, which was manifested in his financial support of the Scotch Foundation as a Senior Fellow. He lived at Stapleford, South Cambridge, United Kingdom, and died on 2 May 2008.

Peter James WELCH (’46) was born on 13 December 1929 and attended Scotch from 8 February 1938 to 10 June 1938. His grandfather, Leopold Paling, attended Scotch (SC 1876–?; died 18 August 1952), as did his great-uncle William Paling (SC 1875–?; died 10 May 1937), and his first cousin once removed, Richard Paling (SC 1916–23; died 6 July 1971). A father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Peter died at Casey Hospital on 29 May 2008, and a service was held for him at Le Pine’s Dandenong chapel on 5 June, after which he was privately cremated at the Necropolis.

Alan Desmond WELLS, OBE (’48) was born at Duntroon, ACT, on 1 July 1930, the son of a military officer. He attended Scotch as a boarder in Arthur Rob from 1941–48 and was a 1948 probationer. Alan was a captain in the regular army in 1959. At Duntroon he passed with distinction, and won the revolver for shooting, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a crack shot. Alan was seconded for a course at the Queenscliff Staff College. He saw service in the Vietnam war as a member of the 1st Australian Task Force Headquarters from 19 January 1967 to 15 January 1968. For his military service he was awarded the OBE. On 9 December 1960 he married Anne Willis Begley at Scotch. His brother Brian attended Scotch from 1941–47. Alan died on 7 February 2008. His widow, Anne, wrote: ‘Alan always spoke of his time at Scotch with great affection, and believed the education he received there underpinned his life’. In recognition of Scotch’s contribution to his life, Alan contributed to Annual Giving.

William James WILKIN (’45) was born at 12.45am on 17 August 1927 at a private hospital in Canterbury and left Trinity Grammar School to attend Scotch from 1936–45. He was a 1944–45 Scotch Collegian editorial committee member (and assistant editor in 1945), a 1944 member of the Ninth, and a 1945 cadet lieutenant. He was a 1945 prefect. Bill won a general exhibition

in the 1945 matriculation examinations, with first-class honours in Calculus and Applied Mathematics and Physics, and second class honours in Chemistry, Pure Mathematics and English. He was awarded a government senior scholarship. Bill died on 20 December 2007. In 2007 he prepared a detailed autobiography, from which the following has been extracted:

Bill enjoyed his time at Scotch. In 1939 he was Dux of the Junior School and was awarded a scholarship which kept him at Scotch. He was commander of the Vickers machine gun platoon and had qualified as a marksman with both the machine gun and rifle. During a Chemistry exam, headmaster Colin Gilray announced the war had ended. After considerable cheering the boys were given an additional ten minutes to complete their exams. In 1949 Bill graduated from Melbourne University with a BCE and was awarded the Argus Scholarship for topping his course. He played hockey for the Old Scotch Collegians during university.

In 1950 Bill joined the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme and was sent to Denver, Colorado, in late 1951 for training with the US Bureau of Reclamation. In his spare time he traversed much of the western USA, and frequently skied. After 12 months he returned to Australia to live and work at Cooma, and did more skiing. He left the Snowy Mountains before Christmas 1954 to work for the Vacuum Oil Company (now Mobil). By chance he met a friend’s friend’s friend, Phyllis Aumann, and they married on 15 June 1956.

Bill worked for Vacuum until 1958, becoming country engineer for Victoria. ‘Super’ petrol was being introduced, which required extensive new pipelines to be installed. Promoted to branch engineer for Victoria, he oversaw the construction of new service stations as the industry moved to selling single brands of petrol from each station.

In 1958 he joined the MMBW and was responsible for the augmentation of Melbourne’s sewage works. Bill collaborated with B E Lloyd to write The Education of Professional Engineers in Australia (second edition, 1962). From 1963 Bill worked for Western Australia’s Public Works Department (PWD). He was in charge of the major development, investigation and planning section from 1965–74, investigating possible dam and irrigation sites in the Pilbara. He was the senior engineer in charge of the construction of the Ord River dam from 1965–71. Bill accompanied a US group visiting Western Australia investigating the ‘Plowshare’ scheme to use atomic bombs for peaceful purposes such as large-scale excavations. In 1973 he became a fellow of the Institute of Engineers, Australia.

Bill had three daughters: Kate, Sue and Judy, who attended PLC in Perth. In 1977 he became head of the design branch of Perth’s Metropolitan Sewerage and Drainage Board, and remained with it until 1985. He advised on an amalgamation with the water-related functions of the PWD. The amalgamation occurred on 1 July 1985. Bill was involved in drafting legislation for the new Water Authority of Western Australia. From 1985 until his retirement in 1987 he was the authority’s senior executive officer, legislative review. As his English master at Scotch had suggested he become a lawyer, this role was ironic. Bill was divorced in December 1989 and married Beatrice Tims in Sydney on 9 February 1990. Diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2003, the cancer spread, and Bill died on 20 December 2007.

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Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

In your last issue you mentioned that Andrew Myers is a nephew of the late Tony Keep (‘52), but he is not to be found perching on any of the branches of our family tree!

I would also like to add a few extra notes about Tony’s life. After leaving Scotch he attended RMIT as an engineering student, before joining the family firm of Keep Bros & Wood. This was ultimately bought by McPherson’s, who sent Tony to manage their WA branch in the late 1960s. We all returned to Melbourne in 1973; our three sons resumed life at Scotch, while our daughter commenced at Lauriston.

In his spare time, Tony was a great ‘Mr Fixit’ and ‘do it yourself’ man, always fiddling with both cars and houses.

He loved the company of his friends, a good bottle of red, and was looking forward to improving his golf in retirement.

Alas, ill-health prevented this, but his sense of humour and courage never deserted him.

He is survived by myself, his four children and eight grandchildren.

Yours sincerely,

Joan Keep

Editor’s note: The relationship of Andrew Myers referred to in Joan’s letter was inadvertently transposed from the obituary of Malcolm Dickason in our last issue.

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