Farewells URQUHART, Alistair Buxton (1947-2023) OGC 1961 Alistair Urquhart was a champion for people living with disability and public affairs. His drive for connection saw him thrive in both business and community. Alistair’s interest in public affairs began at an early age. He was enrolled at the College in 1960, starting in Form II. When he was in Form IV, Alistair spent 11 months in the US as part of an American Field Service program. Prior to this, his family had hosted an American Field Service Scholarship holder, David Bordine. Alistair stayed with a family in Maryland, near Washington DC. His “American mother” was involved with the Maryland Republican Party, and his “American father” was an admiral in the Navy, giving Alistair insight into politics and government. Back in Geelong, Alistair’s College days were spent in Shannon House. He was involved in the rowing program, as part of the 5th and 2nd VIII crews. He received multiple house colours for athletics, rowing and swimming. In 1965 he was captain of the athletics team and received school athletics
colour. Alistair was pipe sergeant in the cadets and playing bagpipes became a lifelong interest. In 1965 he was appointed Company Sergeant Major. After returning from the US he worked whilst he studied to complete his matriculation. Alistair’s brothers also attended the College: Donald (OGC 1957), Ian (OGC 1959) and Andrew (OGC 1965). The brothers started at the College together in 1960. Following school, Alistair studied a combined arts, law, history and politics degree at the Australian National University. By the 1980s he had started his own business as a lease and finance broker, eventually becoming Victorian President of the Australian Small Business Association. In the early 1990s he became managing director of Affairs of State Consultancy Firm. Around this time, he was also founding chairman of WISE Employment (also known as Workplace Integrated Supported Employment). A lifelong passion was helping people living with a disability, and so he was instrumental in founding WISE.
In 2021 Alistair was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to people with a disability through employment initiatives. He served on the WISE board from 1993. Alistair passed away 16 July 2023, aged 76 years and is survived by his wife Mary.
ADAMS, William John
ANDREWS, Gordon Donald
BARBER, George Wingfield
(1953-2023) OGC 1967 John was enrolled at the College as a day student from 1958, starting at the kinder. He was a member of Calvert House and played Under 15 football. John married Thelma Challenger in 1967 and they have four children. In 1998 he opened South Barwon Computers which has been running for 25 years.
(1930-2023) OGC 1944 In 1947, Gordon boarded at The Geelong College, starting in Form V. During his time here, he was a member of the relay team and 3rd XVIII football team. Following school he pursued an amateur running career. Gordon would go on to work in banking in Melbourne and regional Victoria. He also served as a VFL umpire for many years. He was married to Robin for over 68 years and they have four children.
(1933-2022) OGC 1948 George was enrolled as a boarder from 1949-1952. In his second year he was awarded the Alexander Coto and John Coto Memorial Prize and received Morrison House football colours. George was involved in the rowing, cadets and PFA and music committees. In 1952 he was a school prefect and served on the Pegasus editorial panel. George would go on to become a teacher and lived in Maryborough (Vic.) with his wife Elizabeth. Ad Astra Issue No 145 101