17/11/1951 – 17/10/2022
Rob attended Wesley College from 1966 to 1969 and will be remembered for his contribution as the goalie for the First XI hockey team and the friendships he made through that fraternity. His contribution to hockey continued after leaving Wesley as a team member of OW Hockey teams for many years. He also attended the Founders’ Day Dinner with his schoolmates for many years after leaving school.
After leaving Wesley, Rob joined the Commonwealth Bank where he served for many years. During this time, he indulged his interest in clothing with a part-time job at Wardrops in Melbourne, where he worked alongside his father and mother. After leaving the bank, he pursued his love for the outdoors in landscape gardening and garden maintenance and started his own business. This eventually led to him being President of the Lawn Mowing Contractors Association.
He also had a love for his Holden Monaro (noted for being the last Monaro off the production line prior to closure of the GMH Dandenong Plant) which he kept in pristine condition for many decades. His passion for the Monaro saw him take leadership positions at the Monaro Club of Victoria. He was also a prime mover in organising a very successful annual veteran and vintage car show in Colac.
Rob married Robyn in Lorne in 1978. They had two children and after initially living in Montmorency and Eltham, moved to Colac, where he immersed himself in the local community. Among his passions was his long-standing interest in military history, which saw him actively involved in the operations of the Colac RSL. Totally committed and enthusiastic about everything that he turned his mind to, Rob also made pragmatic and worthwhile contributions to the local Gun Club, Football and Netball Club and Bowls Club.
Rob will be remembered for his gregarious, humorous and engaging disposition, as well as his penchant for a somewhat unorthodox wardrobe! A predisposition to making sure that things were always done right, Rob championed many causes that were to benefit significantly from his involvement.
Rob died in Colac after a short illness. At his funeral, his family and many friends remembered him for his engaging and generous nature. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, but particularly by his family; Robyn, Liz, Chris, Charlie and Oliver.
Contributed by Peter Harrison (OW1969), Ivan Benjamin (OW1969), Paul Norris (OW1969) and Phil Bowley (OW1969)