After the stroke that robbed John of most of his eyesight, it was not long before he realised he could use the panoramic viewfinder of a digital camera to expand his field of vision – so he began taking photographs at the same time. He became a ‘blind photographer’ and had several exhibitions. He even won a photography award for one of his portraits. Chris Martin (OTG 1954–60) was an enthusiastic regular at our Gold Mitre Lunches and will be missed by his many Trinity friends. Chris died in April this year and his service took place in the school’s Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Digby Nancarrow (OTG 1960) delivered a wonderful eulogy and one of Chris’ proteges, Chris Williams (OTG 1974), sent a beautiful message from the United States. Chris was a manager and senior executive in the insurance business. He spent many years abroad, mainly in the UK, before returning to Victoria and the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. At school, he was an excellent cricketer in an era when Trinity was very strong at sport. He maintained great friendships at OTG Tennis and the DRUTS. Sadly, many years ago, Chris was hit by a truck on Beaconsfield Parade and lost the use of an arm. Despite great pain, he never lost his sense of loyalty and friendship. Marcus Ryan (OTG 1937–46) We were contacted by Marcus’ daughter, Elizabeth, who informed us that Marcus had passed away earlier this year at the age of 91.
Marcus Ryan
Marcus graduated from Trinity in 1946 and fondly recalled school activities, in particular Scouts. He enjoyed attending Trinity events – he is pictured on a return visit looking at his name on the Honour Board for the Dux of the Form Remove. Frank Sadler OAM (OTG 1946–48), who died in November 2020, aged 90, had happy memories of his time at Trinity and maintained an interest in the school. A boarder for two years, Frank represented the school in the 1948 AGS premiership teams for both cricket (as opening batsman) and football (full forward). He enjoyed a strong bond on and off the cricket field with Kelvin Emmett, who was to become his best man and lifelong friend (they ‘replayed’ many a match over the years).
cricket continued, but a love of golf overrode any post‑school involvement in football. Frank was dedicated to community organisations, including Apex and Rotary. In 2015, his work was acknowledged when he was awarded an OAM for outstanding contributions to the community of Benalla. His honourable life reflected the values of loyalty, persistence in spades, and a quiet satisfaction in achievements. He is survived by his wife Robin, their four children, seven grandchildren and two great‑grandsons. We are grateful to Frank’s daughter, Alison, for providing these details. The Rev’d Geoff Simondson (OTG 1935–37) was our oldest living Old Boy up until his passing in December 2020 at the age of 99. After Trinity, Geoff served with the RAAF 36th Squadron during World War II. He was a pilot, flying to destinations in Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific.
Frank Sadler and his wife Robin
As a boarder, Frank endured the cold showers and bland food, but he respected the discipline of the school, enjoyed his successes and friendships, and greatly appreciated the values the school imbued. He regretted that his sons were unable to attend Trinity due to the lack of boarding facilities in the early 1970s. After leaving Trinity, Frank returned to Benalla and began farming, with particular interest in soil conservation, prime lamb, and later, fine merino wool production. His passion for
Later, Geoff graduated from Ridley College and, in 1950, was ordained in Melbourne as a deacon. He entered the priesthood in 1951 and went on to serve at the Melbourne Diocesan Centre, and then at Hastings, Doncaster, St John’s Heidelberg and St James Glen Iris. After his retirement in 2014, Geoff continued to serve the Diocese with a Permission to Officiate. Geoff maintained a link with Trinity for some 86 years and now his much-loved grandson, Daniel, continues this connection. Daniel is in Year 7 and a member of Merritt House, just like his grandfather; his great-uncles, Philip (OTG 1937–39 dec), Eric (OTG 1942–44), Neil (OTG 1945‑47); and others in the extended Simondson family. In Memoriam compiled by Rohan Brown and Sharon Kendall
July 2021 | 31
