Farewells

RICHMOND, Neil James

(1938-2024) OGC 1952

Neil Richmond attended The Geelong College from 1952 to 1954 as the son of Colin and Ada Richmond of Little River. Starting in Form IB, he quickly distinguished himself, becoming Dux of his class in Form IIB the following year. A keen sportsman, Neil played football during his time at the College and was a proud member of Morrison House.

After finishing school, Neil returned to Little River, where he farmed and ran interstate trucking operations with his brothers, Colin and Ian. His love for football continued as he played for the Little River team. It was through his involvement in the Werribee Young Farmers Association that Neil met his future wife, Beth Powell. Together, they built a life centred on family, farming, and their shared passion for harness racing.

Neil and Beth bred and raced several horses, most notably the successful Rockleigh Victory in collaboration with the Knight stable. Neil’s dedication to the sport extended beyond the racetrack, serving as President of the Geelong Harness Racing Club from 1984 to 1989. His contributions were recognised with Life Membership and, more recently, a Distinguished Service Award from Harness Racing Victoria.

Above all, Neil will be remembered as a true gentleman, someone who always made time for others, no matter the hour or circumstance.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife, Beth, their three children—Colin (Jock) (OGC 1987), Heather, and Susan—and five grandchildren, including Jack, Charlie, and Milly, who also attended The Geelong College.

JOHNSON, Benjamin Arthur

(1924-2024) OGC 1938

Ben boarded at the College from 1938 to 1942. He was a member of Calvert House and became the Vice-Captain of the House in 1942. That same year he was appointed School Prefect. While a member of the cricket and football teams over his time at the College, Ben reached the 1st XI cricket and 1st XVIII football teams in 1942 and served as the Vice-Captain of the cricket team. He received multiple colours and caps for both cricket and football. He was also involved in the sports committee for swimming, athletics and football, and served on the House of Guilds Council.

Following school, Ben enlisted into the army and served for four years in radar operations including time in Rabual, New Britain, Papua New Guinea. He then studied a Bachelor of Commerce and worked in the family bakery for 30 years. He had a garden supply business for 20 years before retiring.

Ben passed away 5 August 2024, aged 100 years. He was the much-loved husband of Josie (dec) and Merl, father and father-in-law of four, grandfather of eight and great grandfather of seven.

BEST, Geoffrey Darrell (1932-2024) OGC 1946

Geoff attended the College from 1941 to 1949. Geoff coxed multiple winning Shannon House rowing crews as well as school rowing teams. He received multiple colours for House rowing, football and athletics. Following school Geoff worked for Michaelis Hallenstein before moving to his own business. He married Arlette in 1958 and they have four children.

BURROWS, Timothy Michael (1942-2024) OGC 1956

Tim was a much-liked, well-known and fearless character when he was a boarder from 1956 to 1958. He was an exceptional rower and had the bow seat in the 1958 1st VIII, which came second to Melbourne Grammar in the 1958 Head of the River. After school, he worked as a jackeroo at some famous pastoral properties including Chatsworth House near Mortlake in Victoria. He spent most of his adult years in the South Island of New Zealand where he was a farmer and a stock agent. Tim married Penny White and they have four children. Courtesy A McArthur (OGC 1955)

CAMPBELL, Alistair Ian (1943-2024) OGC 1956

Alistair was enrolled at the College from 1955 to 1959. He was a day student and came third in his class, Form IVB2 in 1958. His twin brothers also attended the College, Rod and John (OGC 1963).

COLLINS, Milton Reginald (1957-2024) OGC 1972

Milton boarded at the College from 1973 to 1975. He received Wettenhall House colours for hockey in 1975 and played in the 2nd XI hockey team. Following school, Milton went on to hold partner, principal and director roles at accountancy and business firms, and later branched into tourism and hospitality. Most recently, Milton was a business coach.

DIXON, David Campbell (1940-2024) OGC 1954

David was enrolled at the College in 1953, starting at Form UIVA2 in the Preparatory School. His younger brother John (OGC 1955) also started at the school that same year. He was a day student and when he reached Senior School, David was part of Shannon House. Soon after finishing school, David worked as a bank clerk. He was married to Joy.

DUMARESQ, Geoffrey William (1955-2024) OGC 1970

Geoff boarded at the College from 1970 to 1972, following the footsteps of his father Don (OGC 1940). He was a member of Morrison House and rowed in the junior crews. In 1972 Geoff completed his Technical Leaving Certificate. Geoff returned to his family’s property at Maffra before settling in Melbourne. He was married to Jennie and they have three children.

FLETCHER, Kenneth Scott (Scott) (1948-2024) OGC 1963

Scott boarded at the College from 1960 to 1965. He was a keen sportsperson, and by 1965 he reached the 1st XVIII football and 2nd XI cricket teams. After leaving school Scott returned to the family farm at Skipton. He became heavily involved with sport, service and the community. In 1975 he married Joan Kirkpatrick and they had a family of Darren (OGC 1995), Fiona, Christie (OGC 1999) and Scott (OGC 2001). Courtesy J Fletcher

GERRARD, John Lawrence (1933-2024) OGC 1946

John boarded at the College from 1947 to 1949. An athletic student, John broke the U14 High Jump record in his first year. He was also the U14 and U15 Athletics Champion, and a member of the relay, athletics, and 1st XVIII football teams. Following school, John joined the family business as a jeweller and watchmaker. John married Marlene and they have five children.

GIBSON, David William (1942-2024) OGC 1957

David boarded at the College from 1954 to 1959. He was a member of Shannon House and made the 2nd XVIII football team in 1959. Following school, David returned to the family farm ‘Struan’ at Lismore. He married Judith in 1968, and they have three children. David served on the Hampton Shire Council, and as the President of the Corriedale Association of Victoria.

KEFFORD, David Lloyd (1943-2023) OGC 1956

David attended the College from 1955 to 1960. He was a member of McArthur House, served on the Music Committee, and was secretary of the Social Service Committee (1960). He received a Form Prize and Music Prize in 1960. Following school David became a teacher and worked as a producer for TV programs for schools.

KEITH, Graham Leslie (1935-2024) OGC 1948

Graham attended the College from 1940 to 1951. He was his age group’s Athletics Champion two years running (1950 and 1951). Following school, Graham studied civil engineering and served in the national service. He went on to take on an engineering role for the Warrnambool local council. He married Joan Mason and they have two children.

KIRWIN, Neville John (1935-2024) OGC 1948

Neville boarded at the College from 1949 to 1952. He was a member of Shannon House and rowed in the 4th VIII crew. He was also a member of the 3rd XVIII football team. Following school, Neville went on to return to Merbein West and became a horticulturist/viticulturist. He married Jan and they have two children.

LAWLER, Thomas George (1932-2024) OGC 1946

George boarded at the College from 1940 to 1949. He was a member of the athletics, relay, 1st XVIII football and 1st rowing teams. In the 1960s George moved his family from Geelong to Victoria Point, Queensland, where he pursued business interests and a life-long love of fishing. George was married to Carol and they have four children.Courtesy R Lawler (OGC 1959)

MCMASTER, James Gordon (1921-2024) OGC 1934

Gordon attended the College from 1932 to 1938. He rowed in the 3rd and 2nd VIII crews and was also the joint honorary secretary of the Debating Committee. Following school, Gordon embarked on a career, working and teaching in metallurgical technology. In the 1950s he moved to Canada for a research engineer role and returned to Australia joining Alcoa at Point Henry, Geelong.

MEYRICK, Peter Edward (1927-2024) OGC 1941

Peter boarded at the College from 1941 to 1943. He received the Senior Dancing Prize in 1943 and reached the rank of Lance Corporal in the Cadets. Following school, Peter went on to become an accountant and opened his own firm. Peter was married to Joan and they have two children, Richard and Jennifer.

MOYLE, Brian Alan Scott (1928-2024) OGC 1941

Alan boarded at the College from 1943 to 1945. He was a member of Calvert House and the Glee Club, and performed in several productions. His career was varied and included farmer, insurance clerk, inspector, executive manager, management accountant, internal auditor, barrister then solicitor, law teacher and lecturer. Brian was married to Margaret Muir and they have two children.

Staff/Council

MAHAR, ALAN (1934-2024)

Alan was a well-respected teacher at the College from 1960 to 1972. He was a Senior English teacher and served as McArthur Housemaster from 1962 to 1967 before taking on the role of Mackie Housemaster in 1969 (to 1972).

Mahar was an influential teacher and was involved in many parts of school life such as drama productions, starting a film club, and serving as Pegasus editor.

OLIVER, Leanne Michelle (1979-2023) OGC 1996

Leanne Oliver (nee Davey) was enrolled at the College from 1995 to 1996. She was a member of Calvert House and played in the Year 10, 11, 12 string ensemble. She left the College after completing Year 11.

POTTER, Ronald Arthur (1929-2024) OGC 1941

Ronald boarded at the College in 1944 and completed his Leaving Certificate. Following school, he studied pharmacy and went on to become a well-respected pharmacist in Colac. He married Wendy and they have two children.

RUSSELL, Geoffrey Edward (1942-2024) OGC 1956

Geoff boarded at the College from 1954 to 1959. He was a member of Morrison House and played cricket and football during his time at the College. In 1959 he reached the 3rd XVIII football team and the 2nd XI cricket team. Following school, Geoff returned to the family property at Nurrabiel. He married and had two children.

WALPOLE, David (1935-2024) OGC 1949

David boarded at the College from 1950 to 1952. An academic student, he often placed in the top students of his class. He was also involved in the rowing program and reached the rank of corporal in the cadets. Following school, David went into farming before returning to study medicine. He graduated MBBS in the late 1970s and started General Practice in Melbourne.

WILSON, James Borwick (1939-2024) OGC 1953

Jamie was enrolled at the College in 1953. He was a member of Morrison House and during his short time at the College became interested in British history, engineering and rowing. Jamie studied automotive engineering and became a lubricants specialist. He was also an Officer in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve. He later worked as a manager for Mountcastle Pty Ltd and returned to rowing at his old club, Richmond.

YORKE, David Bruce (1958-2023) OGC 1972

David was a student at the College from 1972 to 1974. While at school he played football and completed his Technical Leaving Certificate. Following school, David went on to have a successful career in the road construction industry, known for his good work ethic and commitment to the business.

MARLES, DR FAY SURTEES AM (1926-2024)

Dr Fay Marles served on The Geelong College Council from 1988 to 1998. Her background was in social work and academia. She served as the first Victorian Commissioner of Equal Opportunity (1977-1986) and was the first female Chancellor of the University of Melbourne (2001-2004).

SANTALUCIA, LISA (1968-2024)

Lisa was a valued member of our community, having worked as a Teacher Assistant and in Before and After School Care. Her dedication and kindness touched the lives of many students and colleagues. She is survived by her two children, Oliver (OGC 2023) and Aiden (OGC 2026).