Dave Brown (Brian David) Science Master, 1970-1992
30/01/1934 – 18/07/2024
 
Dave Brown was a Senior School Science Master and then Head of the Science Department, commencing in 1970 and finishing in the early 1990s.
 
In science, his particular interest was Biology with a special knowledge and fascination in the area of genetics.
 
Originating from Sheffield, Yorkshire England, he loved cricket and the various teams he coached with a passion.
 
However, it was his love of Football for which he is widely remembered as introducing to the School and the subsequent inter-schools competition, despite much reluctance from some schools at the time. His perseverance and determination laid the foundation for what has become a leading program today, and he was always extremely proud to see it first-hand at each visit to a school game. For him to witness a Friday night game on No.1, was extra special, as it was something he never thought he would see.
 
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, sons Richard (OKG78) and Steve (OKG76) and wife Kathy, and grandsons Nick (OKG13) and Ally (OKG15). 

David's service will be held at The West Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium on Monday 29 July at 10.45am
 

Michael Fletcher Carter (OKG 1948)
03/12/1933 - 26/05/2024

Michael passed away in Port Macquarie on 26 May 2024 at the ever-young age of 90 after an exciting and varied life.
 
Michael was a day boy at the school during and immediately after the war years (WWII) and spoke once about the trenches surrounding Knox 1 and the drilling, and preparation, for possible hostilities. Michael was a proud member of the Shooting Team – a skill that never left him and he was a founding member, and active almost to his death, of the Port Macquarie Gun Club. Michael also told of his prowess at boxing, swimming and (hard to believe) sack racing.
 
After leaving Knox, Michael ventured out west and became a wool classer but returned to Sydney for the not so gentlemanly business of car dealerships and then moved to Port Macquarie in 1979 where he established a very successful (and still operating under the auspices of his son) Ray White Franchise. He was a natural agent with a love of people and property and charmed many a buyer over the years and was well respected by all with whom he dealt.
 
A keen boater, fisherman and farmer (even at an age when most should know better), Michael continued to pursue his passions and always quipped “there’s one more farm in me”!
 
Sadly that was not to be,  but Michael certainly lived life to the fullest, enjoyed life as one should and his humour, charm, wit and old school demeanour will be well remembered and definitely missed.

Graeme Falvey (OKG76) 

Ronald (Ron) Douglas Stewart (OKG45) 
17 October 1927 - 22 April 2024
 
Ron was born in Turramurra, the eldest of four children, and moved to Wahroonga in 1938 when he commenced in Knox Prep. Interestingly his younger brother, Malcom (OKG47) (deceased) also went to Knox. 

Ron was at Knox until 1944 and during this time performed above average academically, enjoyed most sports but excelled in athletics being the champion 440 and 880 yards in 1944.

He attended Sydney University graduating as an Industrial Chemist with a keen interest in geology and two University blues in athletics, and many hockey sticks.
 
In 1948, Ron commenced work with AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited) where he was employed until 1960. Following a brief stint with Shell Australia, Ron joined the family business McCarron Stewart and Co Pty Ltd, a printing works and manufacturer of waxed paper. During this time he married Lesley in 1951 and had four children whilst living in St Ives. Ron was an active family man participating in the schooling and sport of all his children. He was also a keen member of Lodge Knox and Sydney Rotary Club.
 
After leaving McCarron Stewart, Ron and Lesley moved to Loomberah (a small district out of Tamworth) and ran a small irrigation farm with fat lambs and cattle.  He gained a wool classing diploma from TAFE and worked in many of the local wool sheds  During this time his active interests were the Tamworth Philatelic Club , the Lapidary Club, Rotary (President of Tamworth on Peel Club in1993), and community tennis.
 
In 1994, Ron and Lesley moved to Thornleigh where gardening, cards - bridge and solo, tennis then later bowls, Sydney Philatelic Club, and Probus were the main interests, as well as keeping up with the expanding family of 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
 
With the passing of wife Lesley in 2017, Ron learnt to manage independently keeping up his bridge, bowls, church and stamp interests.
 
Ron had a fall injury following a hip replacement operation in 2020 and never fully recovered but still enjoyed life at Turramurra House Nursing Home, especially attending The Senior Knoxonians' meetings and luncheons.
 
Ron was always grateful for his life and enjoyed the company of everyone he met.

Doug Stewart (OKG69) 

Christopher Shute (OKG93) 
1975 - 2023 

Christopher Shute passed away tragically in the early evening of 5 November in Monaco. 

His notable school achievements were the friendships he made, SUO of the Cadet Corps, Captain of Track and Field and State and National silver medallist over the 110m hurdles. He was top of the State in General English for the HSC.

After injuring himself at the Australian Institute of Sport, he evolved into a leader in Global Investment Banking in New York, London, Hong Kong and Dubai, riding the capital flows, specialising in equities, and pursuing fearlessly challenging projects in the African Congo, Kazakhstan and Cambodia.

Chris leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity for his philanthropic endeavours particularly in Brazil, family as a beloved son of Jack Shute (OKG60) (deceased), Christine Shute, and younger inspirational brother to Nathan (OKG90). 

Nathan Shute (OKG90) 

David Brandon Wilson (OKG56) 
1938 - 2023

Born in Tullamore NSW, the eldest of five including Peter (OKG56) and Billy (OKG58), David was a border at Knox from 1st form.

David took every opportunity at Knox becoming the inaugural Captain of Gilmore House ‘55, Vice-Captain of MacNeil in ‘56, Cadet Under Officer, 1st XV ’55-’56, 1st XI ’56, tennis ’56, play ’56, secretary Woolclassing ’56, as well as House Tennis, Athletics, Debating, Choir, Cricket and Football.

Returning to the farm after school, David soon married his wife Kaye in 1963; the start of a 60-year partnership. David and Kaye moved north to Inverell to farm on “Rockleigh” in the mid-60s and spent the next 40 years farming, mining sapphires and raising 4 children: Jacqueline, Gaynor, Shane (OKG87) and Angus (OKG90) before retiring to the outskirts of Inverell. David was an active member of the local community through sport and various community groups. Most notably, David was presented with 25 years’ Service to the Rural Fire Brigade, and he was a founding member of the Antique Motor Club and integral in the creation of the National Transport Museum. Active in retirement, when David was not in the workshop with his cars, he was travelling with Kaye or keeping up with grandchildren. At his passing, David had fully restored seven antique cars and two tractors as well as numerous small engines. There are still two cars close to completion in the workshop; he loved to keep active.

A description of his rugby at Knox said: “A prop forward who, in emergency, became half-back, and did a remarkable job there; an elephant for work, and an inspiration to the team. School Colours awarded.” This is how David lived his life. A true gentleman, always dependable and hard-working, willing to volunteer in the community and an exemplary role model. David is survived by wife Kaye, daughter Jacqueline and sons, Shane and Angus.

Angus Wilson (OKG90) 

_______________________________________________________________________________

David B Wilson entered Knox Grammar School as a boarder in School House (later MacNeil) in 1952. He played an active role in school life and left in 1956 with an impressive record. He was a Prefect, member of the 1st XV in 1955 and 1956, a Cadet Under Officer and a member of the 1st XI. He also played a mean game of tennis. David was an active member of Mr Minter’s wool classing group. In 1954, David starred in the McNeil House play “Reunion” by W. St John Taylor. Alongside myself and Tony Phippard we had a role in “Othello” alongside Reg Livermore, Simon Chilvers and David Turnbull.
We had many escapades together. Three of us had wagged a Saturday afternoon football match and went to a cinema in Chatswood, however we were seen by the Acting Headmaster VFO Francis hitching a ride on the Pacific Highway; he announced at the school Assembly on the following Monday that he would to see us in his study. We went to his study and were harshly canned. Later I attended David’s wedding in Peak Hill. He eventually moved to Inverell and was a successful farmer and a sapphire miner. In his later years, he spent some time restoring old cars such a Hupmobile, a Dodge and a Chevrolet. He is fondly re membered by his classmates.

Dr Peter Lundy (OKG56) 
 

31/07/1942 – 28/04/2023 

John Bryant grew up in Wahroonga. He started at Knox Preparatory School in 1950 and continued through to take his Leaving Certificate in 1959. 

He was a cheerful personality during his time at Knox. In 1952, when he was in IVB, John’s form master, G. M. “Gary” Cooper, nicknamed him “Bunny”; this was a consequence of his big wide smile and prominent new front teeth. Shortened to Bun, this name stuck until the day he died.

In his early post-school years, John studied Food Technology at Hawkesbury Agricultural College as a live-in student. Within a year of graduation, John was employed by Tooheys Brewery at the company’s historic premises in Elizabeth Street, Sydney. He enjoyed taking Roger Rigby (OKG59) on tours of the brewery after hours, and also offering a “brewed-same-day” tasting experience. An adventurer at heart, John also took his close friends on long car trips to destinations such as Broken Hill and the Snowy Mountains, trips which were always interesting.

After attending a brewing course in Chicago, John travelled home via Britain, where he met Gabrielle Seligman, the woman who would later become known, and greatly loved, as “Bobo” Bryant.

John, who had always been devoted to Knox and its traditions, served on the OKGA Committee from 1986 to 1992. He had also been a linchpin of the OKG59 cohort, helping to organise five-yearly reunion dinners and being a regular attendee at recent, informal monthly OKG59 lunches. A photo taken at one such lunch in Terrey Hills on 7 November 2022, is shown below. John is on the right in a red tropical shirt. All those depicted have been friends of John for more than seventy years.















A group of John’s friends (including a number of his OKG mates) spent three days in late April camping on the Hartley Vale property of Ramsay Moodie (OKG59). John had hoped to be there, but all were disappointed to learn that he was in hospital. Ramsay had organised a piper to appear up on the hillside at twilight on the Wednesday, to play a lament in memory of Robert Blacket (OKG59), another regular at the Moodie camping get-togethers. While everyone was clustered around a blazing campfire after the piper had joined us, John phoned in from his sickbed so that we all got to chat briefly to him and he was able to listen to the bagpipes (bringing back memories of his own time as a piper in the band at Knox). Sadly, he died two days later.

John’s friends knew him to be gentlemanly, calm, quietly spoken, reliable, considerate, loyal, determined, and always optimistic – even in the face of major health problems over the last few years. He had a marvellous sense of humour. We never saw him angry about anything, even if anger would have been appropriate. “Bunny”, a man of great integrity, will be sorely missed.

John is survived by his devoted wife Gabrielle and their children Kate, John (OKG91), and Alice; unfortunately, their firstborn daughter Liz died of severe asthma at the age of 22. There are four grandchildren: Zoe, Polly, Dashiel (OKG22), and Indianna.

Vale, Bun.

Roger Rigby and Brian Orr (both OKG59) 
 

DAVID NEIL CONSTABLE (OKG50) 
1932-2023, aged 90

David commenced Knox Prep as a boarder in 1942 at the age of 10, together with his two younger twin brothers, Robert and Michael (OKGA54).

He excelled at cricket and received the history prize in his final year. After completing the School Certificate in 1950, he enrolled in Law at Sydney University and was articled to the firm of Jagleman and Partners. However, the excitement of the Stock Exchange beckoned and a year later, he became a trader on the Exchange floor. This new vocation marked the beginning of a long and successful career in the stock broking industry. He founded his own firm Constable and Co, which became Constable and Bain, and at a later date, he set up Pembroke Securities.

David lived in London for many years where he established an office with a branch in Guernsey. He also found time to develop his long-standing passion for classical music, including opera, symphonies and chamber music.

After returning to Australia, he was appointed Chairman of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, providing the group with crucial, timely leadership. David was a Benefactor Patron of the Australian Opera, and together with his wife, was a founder and sponsor of Music in the Hunter chamber music festival. This annual event in the Pokolbin wine district of the Hunter Valley showcased the Goldner String Quartet and other renowned Australian and international artists. For many years, David was a board member of the Australian Music Foundation, an organisation that offers scholarships for Australian students to study abroad.

During a later sojourn in London, he was an advisory member of Wigmore Hall, one of the world’s foremost chamber music venues, and held a concert there to celebrate his 70^th birthday.

In 1996, David was awarded an AM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his service to the arts in the field of music.

While maintaining his occupation in finance, he built Constable Estate Vineyards in Pokolbin, continually adding to the extensive gardens and sculptures.

David was also a formidable bridge player.

Above all, he was admired for his integrity in business and philanthropic activities, not only in his own right but as an influence on others.
His later years were spent living on the vineyard. They were some of his happiest, filled with pursuits in finance, viticulture, music and history. He is survived by his wife Ida and four children who live in Sydney.

Ida Constable and Robert Constable (OKG54)  

Kevin Brian Everitt (OKG50) 
22/12/1933 - 03/02/2023

Kevin started at Knox in 1947 in second year of his senior schooling. This is always a bit difficult as nearly everyone else has started the year before, and already settled in and formed their friendships. Kevin, however, was a fairly sociable lad and he soon found a few friends. He sat the Leaving Certificate in 1950.

He was interested in a number of sports, but Rugby was not one of them. It was no surprise that he became a foundation member of the Knox Hockey Club. He was a useful inside forward with very tricky stickwork. Almost always on the sideline was a girl from Ravenswood called Annette Walters. I believe Kevin did take out one or two girls other than Annette, but there was really never anyone else. They married in the mid-1950s and enjoyed a long married life.

Kevin initially pursued a career in accounting, but later turned to pharmacy which he practised for the rest of his life. Over the years he owned or managed pharmacies in many different places, nearly always regional towns. We have at least seven addresses for the Everitts crossed out in our address book, but there were even more. The Everitts enjoyed travelling to most parts of the country in a twenty-seater “bus” which Kevin had converted into a caravan. Kevin also had a radio (“ham”) broadcasting licence which gave him a network of friends in all parts of the world. Always ready to try something new, he was handy on the lathe in his workshop and, in his later years, had a go at learning the piano-accordion.

He maintained a friendship with a group of former hockey players from Knox. This now much diminished group met at irregular intervals, often with their wives, and Kevin and Annette sometimes travelled quite some distance to attend. A little over two years ago, Kevin was given six months to live so his family arranged a “wake” in a country hall near Ballina. We attended and there were several other friends there, but the vast majority of the party was family with children and grandchildren. Kevin defied medical opinion by living for four times the period he had been given by the doctors. For much of that period, he continued to play bowls and get about on his mobility scooter.

John Meikle (OKG50) 
 

Terrey Fletcher Blackwell (OKG62) 
22/01/1946 - 29/01/2023

Terrey Blackwell was born in Sydney’s Crown Street Hospital on 22 January 1946 and travelled soon thereafter to Port Vila with his parents and his older brothers Michael (OKG54) and Barrie (OKG56).  When Terrey’s parents travelled to the UK on leave from Mr Bernard Blackwell’s role, Terrey stayed with the Gould family, close friends of the Blackwells.  Following the UK leave, the family returned to Port Vila where Terrey attended the very small “English School” until 1954, when his parents retired to Sydney, when Terrey then attended Lane Cove Public School.  

Starting at Knox Prep School in 1955, Terrey matriculated in 1962.  During his time in the Upper School, Terrey was a member of the Swimming Team, coached by his brother Barrie, awarded swimming colours, and was a well regarded boarder in McNeil House.

After school Terrey was a regular player with the Old Boys' Football (Rugby) Club, while studying medicine at University of NSW, graduating in 1972, to become a General Practitioner.  Following Cyclone Tracy’s devastation of Darwin on Christmas Day 1974, as Surgeon Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy, Terrey went by ship to Darwin Harbour to render urgent medical assistance. 

His swimming team mates John Blaxland (OKG62) and David Stark (OKG62) introduced Terrey to bushwalking, which led to a life-time interest in walking some of the world’s best known tracks and trails (Download PDF list).

Terrey was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004, although it never stopped him from doing anything. Terrey underwent deep brain stimulation surgery in 2008 to control his tremor, and then was able to provide guidance to others contemplating this life-changing surgery. 

In retirement Terrey and Anne enjoyed their motor home trips to many parts of Australia.

In January 2023, Terry was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer, and passed away on 29 January.

Terrey is survived by his wife Anne, children Kristen, Emma, Michael and Jack and  grand-children Jemima, Alexis, Alia, Ellie and Oscar.

Numerous Old Boys attended Terrey’s funeral service, including John Jabour (OKG63), who with Terrey and others formed the medical practice. A recording of the service is available at this link. Code to view (6831). This recording will be available until February 2024.

- David Stark (OKG62) , with Anne Gibbon and Barrie Blackwell  (OKG55) 

Archibald Norman Macdonald Lockhart (OKG47) 
19/07/1929 - 31/12/2022

Norm boarded at Knox for his secondary schooling from 1945-1947. He enjoyed these years at boarding school and spoke fondly of his experience. He formed a number of lifelong friendships and honed his skills in woodwork and cricket in particular. Norm was a senior prefect and captain of the 2nd XI cricket team.

Download a copy of the eulogy from Norm's funeral service (PDF) 

John Cracroft Ronalds (OKG47) 
29/03/1931 - 25/11/2022
 
John maintained his close circle of friends (now severely depleted) formed at Knox throughout his life. They were his best mates right up until the end. 

Marcus Ronalds 
 

Warwick Victor Butler (OKG69) 
25/05/1951 - 06/11/2022

We grew up in Manly, Wahroonga and St Ives, moving due to our father’s job as a Bank Manager with the Commonwealth Bank.

Our father was a very strict disciplinarian, having returned from three years as a Japanese POW in Changi and the Burma Railway. Despite this, we did receive a very good education and were very lucky to be enrolled at Knox.

Outside the classroom, Warwick enjoyed many sports, including swimming, cricket and rugby. He also joined the Cadets and won a Marksman award.

In winter holidays, we often went to a working farm in Muswellbrook where we rode horses and went rabbit shooting, which we skinned and had cooked.

Following school, Warwick completed a Chartered Accountants’ course, and joined Coopers & Lybrand. After a few years in Sydney with the firm, he was sent to Vanuatu (then called New Hebrides) which is considered a tax haven.
After about two years, he returned to Sydney but still wanted to get out of the city and in 1978 was sent to Wewak in New Guinea. There he set up the Coopers’ office with clients through the West Sepic Province whose main activities were gold mining and coffee growing. On days off he enjoyed boating and the excellent fishing.

He returned to Sydney in the early ‘80s and after a period, relocated to the Gold Coast, settling in Broadbeach Waters for many years.

He left Coopers and set up his own business in mid ‘80s. A number of his Coopers’ clients followed, which enabled him to set up a second office in Hamilton Island.

He retired around 2015 and lived in Paradise Point on the Gold Coast.

He was a keen boatie and fisherman, who travelled extensively in his later years.

Warwick married and divorced three times. He was a very friendly guy, with a large number of friends from recent years, and dating back to his school days.

- Ian Butler (OKG65) 
 

Eric “Bruce” Hudson (OKG56)
15/09/1939 – 09/08/2022

Attended Knox 1947 – 1956
Ewan House – Prep, Gillespie House – Senior
Captain of 3rd XV, leaving certificate, Choir, Swimming

With the loss of his mother at age 4, Bruce boarded throughout his schooling life having first boarded at Blue Mountains Grammar School, before coming to board at Knox Prep, aged 8.

Upon leaving Knox, he went to work in the family business which saw him travel to Grafton to manage his father’s (Eric Hudson*) timber mill as a supplier of timber to George Hudson’s ‘Ready-cut’ homes, the same family industry that saw his cousin, Rob Hudson (OKG53) work at that time in Innisfail. 

Life was busy with weekends seeing him breed cattle on their farms, water-skiing down the Clarence River and taking joy rides in his father’s tiger moth biplane. Grafton too was where he would meet his loving wife Debbie Hudson in 1963, spending the next 59 years in a devoted relationship.

Upon returning to Sydney, Bruce became a FCPA accountant and Chartered Secretary, and graduated with a MBA from Sydney University. This led him to a variety of leading Headquarter roles in many of Australia’s Top 100 companies, taking him to all parts of the globe for work. 

After his children left School, Bruce returned to the bush where he worked for a pastoral company in Armidale and then a timber company in Walcha. While in the Northern Tablelands, Bruce re-commenced his childhood love for flying by enrolling in flight theory and would often take the opportunity to fly around the district in local Cessnas. 

Upon becoming a grandfather, Bruce yearned to be closer to his family so he moved to the township of Young which was equidistant between both his daughters, with his son residing overseas. Bruce bought a farm raising Hereford cattle, some in partnership, taking out championship ribbons at the Sydney Royal Easter show. He also took up the opportunity to finally learn the chanter (stemming from his school days at Knox Grammar) and was an active member of the local Rural Fire Service for over 20 years.

Not one to keep still, Bruce also worked for a local agricultural supply business which rapidly expanded over that time to now trade nationally. He did try to retire in 2011 but was coaxed back in, officially retiring at the end of the last financial year at the age of 82. He was your loyal company man to the end. Bruce was “a thorough, capable and highly respected person in the business. He was an extremely supportive, diligent, gentle and professional person with enormous integrity and sincerity.”

Bruce was a committed and loving husband, father, and grandfather and is survived by his wife, daughters, Suzie and Lisa, son, James and his nine grandchildren, Harry, Lachlan, Helena, Hugh, Jack, Annabel, Amelia, Angus and Lucinda and cousins, Campbell (OKG79) and Angus (OKG81). 

Bruce was an observer and a listener. We are forever grateful for his calm and level-headed presence and his words of wisdom. He will be sorely missed.

*Eric Hudson donated the Eric Hudson Memorial Prize from 1975-2000. The prize was awarded for Service to Camp Knox. Camp Knox was an outdoor education facility located at Fisherman’s Point on the Hawksbury River. It was used for students to engage with nature and adventure activities, such as rock climbing, bushwalking, fishing, canoeing and orienteering. Holiday, sport, cadet and overnight camps ran for Senior students and Prep students would visit on day trips. The School owned and operated the Camp from 1974 until 2000.

James Hudson 
 

Antony Ryder Greatrex (OKG40)
05/01/1923 – 03/07/2022

Born in Bondi NSW, Antony first attended Knox in 1933, following his elder brother, Barnaby (aka Barney)(OKG39) (dec’d). Antony often recalled fond memories of the School including riding a horse from his family farm at Pymble to Warrawee.

After leaving Knox, Antony joined the RAAF in 1940 graduating as a radio operator. He was stationed in Darwin during the Japanese attacks there in early 1942 and later to airfields in Western Australia as a specialist operator manning high frequency direction finding radar stations (nicknamed huff-duff) during WWII.

He was interviewed by Alex Lloyd (OKG09) about his WWII service for the Life on the Line Podcast in 2018 (listen here).

In 1946, Antony joined his father’s firm Basil V.R. Greatrex Pty Ltd where for the next 30 years he led the national sales team. He married Elizabeth Barton (dec’d) in 1951 and had three children, Charles (OKG70), Suzanne and Robert (OKG75). Antony remarried to Katherine Mansfield in 1973 and moved to Batlow NSW as an orchardist.
He retired to Narooma NSW and finally Laurieton NSW.

Antony was a devoted family man, active in the community, a keen historian, woodworker and a lifelong technology adaptor. He will be greatly missed by all his family - including six grandchildren and three great grandchildren - and friends.

The Greatrex Family 

Bruce Kenneth Shean (OKG51) 
13/05/1935 -  9/06/2022

Bruce was born in Wagga Wagga NSW, the only child of Bert and Mary. He went to primary school in Rylstone and Warren before going to Knox Grammar in Sydney as a boarder both in primary and high school and was a valuable member of the swim team and the Rugby Union team. He maintained a love of Knox throughout his life attending many Class of 51 reunions and eagerly awaiting delivery of the school magazine.

His first job was in Young, where his Dad was headmaster of Young Public School. When Bert and Mary transferred to schools in Broken Hill, Bruce went for a holiday. He liked it so much he stayed working for an accountant and studying at the TAFE to get his Accountancy qualifications, later going on to teach evening classes there.

He married Jeannette Horder in 1960 and their three children, Elizabeth, Patricia and Penelope were born there. Throughout his life, family and community service were important to Bruce. He was involved in Highland dancing with his daughters, sang in the Broken Hill Philharmonic Choir, played piano in clubs, flew small planes, was a committed Freemason, beginning in Broken Hill with his father, being recognised recently in Cowra for 60 years’ service.

Bruce progressed to a senior position at The Broken Hill Water Board but to give their daughters easier education opportunities, he successfully applied for a position with Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority in Cooma, moving there in the late 1970s. In Cooma he continued his community service as a member of Rotary holding several board positions, was a board member of Cooma-Monaro Credit Union, and was involved with the Uniting Church.

Bruce took a voluntary redundancy package in the mid-80s and moved to Canberra with Beverley Rolfe where he took up a job with The Catholic Education Office in Manuka. He continued his involvement with Freemasonry, travelling to Cooma regularly, as well as in Rotary, serving as President of Canberra South Club in 1996, and he volunteered as a deckhand on the paddle steamer, the SS Enterprise. He bought a house in Cowra and weekends were spent renovating. 

On retiring, he moved to Cowra with Beverley. Unwilling to stop working, Bruce took part-time jobs with Bennett & Keogh in Canowindra and Meals on Wheels in Cowra.

As his health deteriorated around 2015, he stopped working. With failing mobility and a diagnosis of dementia, he was no longer able to do the things he loved. His passing at Cowra hospital on 9 June 2022 was honoured by family and friends at a funeral service in Cowra on 20 June 2022.

In his leisure hours over the years he loved swimming, rugby union, playing piano and organ, travelling, flying, collecting stamps, working on large tapestries, collecting art works, reading, crosswords and jigsaws.

Bruce loved getting visits from his daughters and their families and he helped Bev look after her son’s children, enjoying visits during school holidays. He was much loved by all his children, grandchildren and friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Beverley Rolfe

Bevan John Keith Harris (OKG42)
07/11/1924 - 13/03/2022

Born in Coogee, Bevan Harris moved to the North Shore while still a young boy. He was first educated at Gordon Public School, before moving to Knox in 1936, where he made many lifelong friends, including Johnny Walker (OKG41) (dec’d) and David Boyall (OKG42) (dec’d). 

After leaving school, Bevan joined the Australian Air Force and trained in radio and radio installation at RMIT. He was stationed in Townsville before serving in Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea during WWII. Following demobilisation in 1945, Bevan joined his father’s firm, Keith Harris and Co. Ltd. There, he led the Melbourne business, and as a true visionary, became a pioneer of natural food flavours in Australia. He established Apollo Apple Juice, a market favourite, then developed Orchy Orange Juice and established his own trading company, BJ Harris Trading Pty Ltd for the manufacture and marketing of natural food flavours and related goods. Doing this at a time when there was strong interest in natural flavours, the company thrived. 

Outside of work, Bevan was a devoted family man, active competitor in sports including sailing, tennis and then later lawn bowls, and a keen Rotarian.  

He married Margaret ‘Margie’ Herford (dec’d) in 1951, and they had three daughters, Sue, Libby and Katie. Bevan, who was one of the stars of the 2019 TV show, Old People's Home For 4 Year Olds, was affectionally known by his ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren as GG Pa. He will be greatly missed by all family and friends.      

Kim Stanton-Cook

William “Murray” Town (OKG62) 
24/06/1945 - 17/04/2022

Murray attended Knox 1959 -1962 after moving from Perth W.A. He had many fond memories of his time at School and made a number of lifetime friends. He enjoyed all sports, was a member of  the 1st XI Cricket team as a wicket-keeper and opening batsman. After leaving Knox he attended St Andrews College, Sydney University and completed degrees in Science and Engineering, later adding an MBA from UNSW.

Whilst at University, he continued his association with the Old Boys, playing both rugby and cricket. He married Rhondda in 1970, then travelled to work in UK, returning via Saudi Arabia. He moved to Wahroonga where they had two daughters, Anna and Sophie.

Murray was very active and competed in ironman events including in Hawaii,  an ultra marathon in South Africa and cycling over the Rockies, Alps and Pyrenees. When told to give up running, he was introduced to golf at Killara by his long time friend, Phil Scamps (OKG62). Golf became his new passion.

His typical week was looking after a grandchild, playing multiple games of golf, sailing, playing bridge with some bike riding and kayaking, as well as organising golf and bush walking trips.

He will be greatly missed by wife Rhondda, daughters Anna and Sophie, son-in-laws Cameron and Brett, grandchildren Sam, Belle, Charlie and Taj and the rest of his extended family and friends.

PhillipTown (OKG65)

Rowan Alexander Relton (OKG98) 
29/01/1980 - 01/02/2022 
Attended Knox 1987 – 1998

Rowan passed away in Brisbane on 1 February, 2022 aged 42.

The School records will list his many achievements at Knox, including obtaining his Higher School Certificate and strong performances in both Water Polo (1sts) and Rugby.

His credible post school achievements, in brief, include the following: 

• Bachelor of Commerce (Ag Economics) University of New England, Armidale.
• Represented Robb College in Rugby, Uni New England
• Commodity Broker/Trader, AWB Melbourne.
• Head Trading Manager, Singapore & South America for Grindrod Trading Limited, Durban, Sth Africa.
• Commodity Trading Manager, AACO ( Australian Agricultural Company)
• Esquire Commodities Pty Ltd – Owner, Principal Broker & Managing Director from 2014 – 2022.

Rowan was a dedicated trading professional with over 15 years of successful experience in National & International agricultural commodity trading and arbitrage.

Rowan was married to Emma and is survived by his son Arie, brother Robert ( Rob ), sister Rebecca ( Bec ), Mother Rosemary, Father Richard, Step father David and extended family.

VALE: Rowan Alexander Relton (“Gone too soon”)
Rosemary Pannell, mother

Alan F Batley AM (OKG49) 
27/01/1931 – 16/03/2022
South House 

Alan was born in Lindfield in 1931 and spent his childhood on the North Shore. From an early age he spent much of his time exploring the Sydney bush, in areas such as the Lane Cove River or Middle Harbour Creek, along with a small band of mates but especially with his beloved dog, Warrego. These early adventures seem to have been the foundation for many of his interests later in life.

His education was quite disrupted and he attended several schools, both public and private, before settling into Knox for three formative years, starting in 1945. At Knox he played cricket and rugby, was a member of the School’s French club and a corporal in the cadets. He left school at 16, having done the Intermediate Certificate, and finished his schooling at night while working in the accounts department of Dalgety and Company in Sydney.  He then spent two years working for Dalgety’s in Narrandera and later in Tenterfield, managing livestock sales. This experience stayed with him all his life.  

Having gained his initial accountancy qualifications through part-time study, in 1951 Alan returned to Sydney and started in the firm of chartered accountants, Priestley and Morris. In 1956 he married Jeanette (nee Doyle), a former student at PLC Pymble. He remained at Priestley and Morris until 1987, in that period rising to be Senior Partner of the firm and serving on a range of professional committees and government boards including as Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in NSW. In 1986 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the profession.  

After his retirement from Priestley and Morris, Alan served on a number of company boards. He also took on a range of community and service roles, including as Honorary Treasurer of the Royal Humane Society. He was a keen member of the Senior Knoxonians over a number of years, and served as President of the SKs in 2007-08 and subsequently as Treasurer.  

Alan had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, for the bush and for nature. This was expressed through mountain climbing, camping and fishing expeditions, family holidays in the country and at the beach, and most especially in gardening and botany more generally. He and Jeanette created not one but two beautiful gardens from scratch, in the family home in Wahroonga and later, on a grander scale, at a weekender they built in Kurrajong Heights. He developed a consuming interest in Australian native flora in particular.

Alan played tennis and squash when he was young and later took up golf and then bowls. With Jeanette, he was an enthusiastic member of Elanora Country Club and for several years chaired the club’s Arboretum Committee, another opportunity to express his interest in native plants.

In September 2021, Alan and Jeanette celebrated 65 years of marriage.  Together they raised three boys: James (OKG76), Simon (OKG79) and Angus (OKG82). In his later years he delighted in five grandchildren and most recently a great-grandson. He passed away peacefully on 16 March 2022, aged 91 years.

Alan was a man of wide interests and of great integrity. Over many years, one of the most common ways in which people described Alan was to say that he was a gentleman. It’s a description from which his family draws both pride and comfort.

Eric Asher Thew (OKG41)
09/02/1924  – 01/04/2020

Eric Thew who recently died aged 96, loved Knox Grammar, from when he started, aged seven (in Ewan House) and to went he went on to become School Captain - both the Prep and Senior School. 

He had a wonderful time at School, representing Knox as a member of the 1st XV in Rugby, the 1st XII Cricket and at CAS level. He was a champion hurdler breaking several state records.

Having been in cadets for five years, and a Senior CUO for two of these, while still a student at Knox, aged just 18 years and one month, he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces. He was posted to a militia unit, the 35th Australian Infantry Battalion, 'Newcastle's Own Regiment'. The 35th Battalion was soon after mobilised for full-time service as Japan entered WWII (early 1942), initially taking up defensive positions in the St Ives area. 

In June 1942, he detached to 1st Australian Division Junior Leaders Course. The 35th Battalion moved to Greta, north of Cessnock, and joined the rest of 8th Infantry Brigade, comprising 30 Infantry Battalions. 

In July, he embarked on the “SS Manoora”, disembarking at Fremantle in WA, where for the next two years, the Battalion was dispersed in defensive positions on the coast, from Geraldton to Bunbury.

In January 1944, after the 35th Battalion had moved to Gordonvale in North Queensland, and joined the 5th Division, they were finally shipped to Finschhafen, at the tip of the Huon Peninsula, New Guinea to see action. Their role was to support the 9th Division's Huon Peninsula campaign by clearing the Rai Coast of Japanese from Sio to Saidor, among many other missions completed over the next year.

Eric achieved the rank of Captain and after the War, he spent many months in hospital in Australia recovering from malaria, dengue fever and hookworm among other things.

After his recovery, Eric completed a Law degree and entered Legal practice as a solicitor in Bridge Street, Sydney. It was a career he would remain in until his retirement as a Solicitor and Notary Public in 2002. During his early professional career, he served as a Councillor and Vice President of Hornsby Shire Council and later, as Captain of Pennant Hills Golf Club. 

He was married to his beloved wife Judith “Jude” for 57 years before her death in 2005, and had three sons: Eric (OKG67), Tony (OKG68) and Jeremy (OKG78). 

Knox Grammar, situated opposite his family home, has played a large part in the education of his wider family. Residing in Grosvenor Road, Wahroonga, in later life, Eric took much pleasure in attending the annual ANZAC Day Service at Knox, as well as other commemoration services and discussion groups with Senior School students which he was invited to as a special guest. 

He was most proud of the day he attended the premiere of the documentary series For School & Country, the magnificent tribute to Knox Old Boy veterans. Presented in The Great Hall, Eric attended with his grandson, Lachlan (OKG12), and enjoyed seeing the other “stars of show”, fellow veterans he had not seen for many years. 

Jeremy Thew (OKG78) with Lyn Thew

Forbes William Pratt (OKG48) 
28/05/1931-12/08/2021

Attended Knox 1941-1949
South House

Forbes was born on 28 May 1931 in Northwood. He attended Knox from 1941 to 1949 with heavy involvement in extracurricular activities. He was Senior Cadet Lieutenant in 1949, played First XI Cricket 1947-1949, and First XV Rugby 1949. He served with the OKGA Committee 1952-1965 and was Joint Convener of the Trust Fund Subcommittee with James Mein (OKG60) in 1963.

His enthusiasm for sport continued after school, following his father’s footsteps and playing rugby for Sydney University 1950-1955. He would typically be present from early on a Saturday. As a result, one Saturday he had the questionable privilege of playing all 4 grades. He coached 2nd and 3rd grade 1957-1960, was Club President 1970-1975 and was on the Club Committee from 1950-1975. He played cricket with Sydney University then was invited to play with I Zingari Cricket Club, eventually becoming a life member.

Forbes spent about 55 years practicing law at Walter Dickson and Co and its subsequent mergers, starting as an article clerk to his father. He practiced many aspects of the law and frequently assisted people with pro bono work.

He had a strong attachment to rural life with its roots in the considerable time he spent with family in Wellington during the war years. He and his wife Helen successfully established a fine wool venture in the Central Tablelands south of Bathurst in his retirement years. 

Forbes' commitment to family was typically expressed by supporting their education and sporting endeavours. He was a regular fixture on the sidelines at grandchildren’s games. He was proud to be the first of three generations attending Knox. He is survived by wife of 59 years Helen, children Elizabeth, Forbes and William and grandchildren Forbes and Phoebe Boydell and Ella, Thomas and Lila Pratt.

Date posted: 11 October 2021 

Reginald 'Reg' Mowat (OKG56) 
16/02/1939 - 27/05/2021 

Reg arrived at Knox in 1952, and was a wonderful member of that final leaving year we were so fondly referred to as “the Class of 56”, having the worst leaving pass ever in the School’s history.

For many of us, our school days were fun-filled years, with studies low on the list as the school was going through those difficult years with changing Headmasters and teachers.

However, Reg had a wonderful appetite for information, making him a formidable debater and a creative genius. He was also an inaugural member of the Knox Golf Team, which allowed us to compete on many Sydney golf courses, occasionally visiting the 19th hole.

On leaving school Reg eventually focused on advertising, joining Foote, Cone and Belding, and later going to a senior position in Adelaide with them.

Reg married Helen McRae and had two children, Reg and Caet, and returned to Sydney becoming the Marketing Manager for Saxonvale Wines. He then went to Hungerford Hill where he brought a new vision to the vineyard, turning it from a factory into an experience. He combined cellar door tastings with horse riding for kids, restaurants and function centres, introducing a new wine experience to the public which is the standard of the industry today. 

Reg married Penny Norton Knight, and they had a son, Henry, and later moved to Mudgee, where he further developed his great passion and knowledge for wines.

He was one of the first recipients of the purple ribbon in Australia. This was awarded to people who could blind taste multiple wines and pick the varietal, vineyard and which side of the hill they were planted on. He was incredibly proud of this achievement, but as always, was never one to show it off. 

In the 80s, he won the NSW Champagne tasting championships and went on to the Australian championships. He placed second Nationally, and we like to think that he deliberately came second as he preferred to get the prize of multiple cases of vintage French champagne rather than the trip to France to compete against the Europeans.
Reg also became a local star, winning several contests on “Sale of the Century”, and with Penny they brought the first decent coffee to Mudgee when they opened Elton’s café, and with his love and knowledge of the wine industry, was highly acclaimed and sought after by local wineries, and each year would join Ocean Cruisers to conduct wine appreciation talks on board.

Reg was much loved for his great sense of humour and empathy for all who knew him, and had a wonderful send off with over 250 friends at Rosby Wines, Mudgee.

He is sorely missed.

John Molyneux

John Bryden was born in Sydney, the third of four boys of Dr William Bryden, second headmaster of Knox Grammar School, 1939-1953. 

He attended primary school and one year of secondary school at Knox, doing well scholastically as well as showing early promise as a sportsman, particularly in rugby, but he also enjoyed success in athletics and in the pool, notably diving. He moved to Tasmania in 1953 when his father was appointed Director of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart, and completed secondary school and matriculation at the Hobart High School. He represented that school at Australian football, athletics and was Tasmanian schoolboy diving champion.

When he left school he was uncertain about what he wanted to do with his life, so for a couple of years he took a series of odd jobs, mostly on local dairy farms. Across the road from the family's small holding at Kingston (now a thriving suburb of Hobart) dairy farmer Benny Geard employed John to work with his son Carl. Carl took over the running of the farm and John developed a close connection with him. Further up Summerleas Road was a larger holding owned and run by Dick Baker, who gave John some work. With Dick's encouragement John obtained a truck driver's license, and soon was collecting milk from many farms in the district and driving it to many parts of the state. About that time Carl asked John to be best man at his wedding. Carl presented an unforgettable, brief groom's speech, beginning with "it's good to have a 'do' like this now and then and fetch your cobbers along".

Having made a decision to pursue a career in agriculture, John moved to New Zealand, where he studied at Lincoln College. He graduated Bachelor of Agricultural Science followed by a Masters degree. He excelled in rugby there. Standing a little more that six feet and weighing about 90 kilograms, he played lock (now no. 8), and was selected for a combined New Zealand universities side. 2 John met Hilary Solomon, from Timaru, and they married in 1967, about the time he completed his Masters thesis. The next year they moved to Tasmania where John took a PhD in Biochemistry and Microbiology, after which he was appointed by the entrepreneurial Dick Baker, who by then had established his company Baker's Milk, to oversee and manage the science of his operations. Looking to develop his career, and having been invited to apply, he took up a position as Scientific Officer in the Western Australfan Department of Agriculture, but that was short-lived; he felt the public service was not for him, so after just one year he and his family moved back to the east and settled in Hobart where he was welcomed back to Baker's Milk, then moved to Devonport to manage and develop a new branch of the company.

After the company was bought out by Consolidated Foods, and later became part of the large company Gadsdens, they moved to Victoria where he was appointed to run the company's Kinross Dairy Factory. At one stage he had to deal with a strike by delivery drivers. Their protest included leaving several semi-trailers blocking entry or exit to and from loading docks, to maximise the impact of their complaints. John's previous experience as a truck driver came to the fore - employees were impressed as their boss reversed each truck into its allotted bay, perfectly aligned.

After three years at Gadsdens John was head hunted for the position of Director and CEO of the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority. He worked closely with the chairman, for whom he had a great deal of respect, to sort out some turbulence that had arisen there, but when the chairman resigned, John sought other opportunities.

The family moved to Auckland, where John accepted an offer of a senior position in the New Zealand Milk Company. Having worked so long in the dairy industry, he became restless and looked for opportunities with wider application. He settled on an offer of appointment in the large international French company SGS. After a short stint with them in New Zealand, he was moved to Shanghai, China, as scientific director of laboratory services. After four years the company 3 moved him to New Delhi, India to help set up new laboratories and direct their activities. Once established, his work involved testing and quality control of a wide range of products, agricultural in the main but also including other food items and even clothing. In both Shanghai and New Delhi, his duties involved moving to and overseeing facilities within each of those countries as well as to other parts of southeast Asia, and occasional visits to the company headquarters in Europe.

John retired after three years in New Delhi and returned to Auckland, where he established a consultancy business. He also acted as environmental auditor for the company Telarc and carried out health and safety audits for them for several years. His private consulting business involved him in providing advice about agricultural practices and standards, and some other activities, including animal welfare issues, to a range of companies and institutions in New Zealand and Australia, as well as some Pacific islands, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and China.

He suffered an extremely rare and painful condition of the nervous system over the last months of his life, and died in a hospice in Auckland.

He is survived by Hilary, his wife of 55 years, daughter Harriet, son Sam, three grandsons, two granddaughters and two elder brothers, Peter (OKG52) and Michael (OKG55) Bryden.

Robert J Cabot (OKG74) 
19/10/1956 - 09/09/2021 

Although not knowing Rob while he was at Knox, I had a long association with Rob at TNT, over a 20 year period, where Rob made his way through the TNT divisions to eventually end up at Head Office as Insurance Manager. Rob was a thorough professional and gave his best for TNT which I saw as Group Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel.

I made further, better contact with Rob when he moved to Dunbogan on the mid North Coast. I visited him and stayed with him every year where we drank great wine and had fabulous seafood together while we enjoyed watching the Rugby, even though Rob supported Eastwood, while I am an entrenched Gordon supporter.
Rob was a great friend to many and a very good host and will be sorely missed by his many friends.

Obituary by Hilton Chapman (OKG72)

Iain Edward Wilson (OKG86)
25/10/1967 - 12/06/2021 
 
McIlrath House, Ist XI Soccer, CAS Athletics
 
Iain was a long-standing member of not only the Knox Grammar School, but the wider Knox Community. Iain’s interest in the school and his fellow students extended well beyond his final day at the School in 1986. Iain had a passion and boundless natural ability that led to him achieving outstanding results in Athletics and Soccer. He was a popular young man with both fellow students and teachers alike. Knox was an important part of Iain’s life, providing many fond memories and the foundations for numerous lifelong friendships.
 
Iain’s post Knox life was full of adventure, travel and success. Having graduated from university, he embarked on a vibrant corporate career which saw him living in several countries before settling into his tree change nirvana of McLaren Vale surrounded by his beloved wife, dog and grapevines to enjoy a well-deserved, early semi-retirement.
 
Iain was an unbelievably loyal friend, a devoted husband and a loving brother, son, uncle and God parent. His generosity, zest for life, overly enthusiastic interest in all sports and his infectious grin and laugh will be remembered by all those privileged enough to have known him.
 
Sadly, despite a long and brave battle with cancer, Iain was taken away from us way too early. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
 
Iain leaves behind his wife Leigh, sister Fiona, brothers David (OKG83) and Antony (OKG85), and parents, John and Trish.
 
Matt Yell (OKG86)

Robert (Jack) G Shute (OKG60) 
20/11/1943 - 15/06/2021

Jack was dedicated to the Knox community and the Knox Rugby Club, throughout his life, beginning around 1949. His blood was truly black and blue with an immense passion for all things Knox from the moment he entered the Billyard Avenue gates of the Prep School, to his final days in hospital enquiring on the progress of all aspects of the School and the Knox Rugby Club. It was always Knox, Knox and more Knox until the day he passed. 

He attended the School from Grade 1 and graduated with the Class of 1960 making life-long friends from those days like Richard Barnett, Tony Clark and Rob Gray. In the Senior School, adding to his posse were the likes of David Bolitho, John Turnbull, and David Mason. He had absolute admiration for Dr Ross T McKenzie, the Headmaster. And it was fitting that another old mate, Jim Mein (OKG60), was the chaplain for his farewell at Northern Suburbs Crematorium. 

Some of his notable achievements were Dux of Geology, in which one teacher was quoted as saying that he always felt “Shute had rocks in his head”, and he held a CAS Shot Put Record for some 25 years. He finished his final years in callipers due to a bone disease, but this did not deter his enthusiasm for Knox. 

“Jack”, as he was known, was a staunch Knox Rugby Club Coach taking the Burke Cup team to a Premiership in 1966. He was a resident master with Barrie Blackwell (OKG55) and also used this time to coach the Knox Athletics Shot Put team to many CAS victories during a golden era in Knox Athletics under the leadership of Bill Lawson. 

He served on the OKGA General Committee for many years, organising several reunions. Tracking down a large number of 1960 leavers for the 50 year celebration, he made everyone who attended feel welcome. 

He sent both his sons Nathan (OKG90) and Chris (OKG93) to Knox. Both contributed vigorously to the life of the School and he was certainly a large presence and personality on the sideline, as proud parent and Old Boy. 

Jack’s greatest achievement perhaps was his beautiful marriage to Christine for over 50 years. His ashes will be dropped off the Bilo Bar at the Fijian hotel one day, but there is no doubt his spirit and presence will be forever at Gillespie, Knox 1, the CAS Athletics Championships and at any Knox Old Boys’ Rugby fixture.

Rest in peace Jack, Dad and Knox Rugby Club Life Member xo
 

Roger C Denne (OKG52) 
12/12/1934 - 09/07/2021

North House. Senior. 1st XV (School Colours) and the 2nd Associated Schools XV.
 
Roger was a long-standing member of Lodge Knox being the Worshipful Master in 1975. He was always interested in music and on occasions played the organ at Lodge meetings. He was self-taught, and having improved his skills, became the permanent Lodge Organist for many years. When the Lodge surrendered its Charter in 2010, he joined The Schools Lodge and remained as Organist until three years ago.
 
He was a surveyor by profession, with many other interests, including homeopathy. Rugby was always an enduring love; playing and travelling the world, in later years as a "Golden Oldie".
 
While he lived in Wahroonga, he enjoyed time on his grazing property in the headwaters of the Warrah Creek near Willow Tree. 
 
Roger was always good company with an infectious quiet laugh.

By Craig Miller (OKG54) 
 

John Albion Mitchell 
20/10/1937 - 01/01/1947

John Mitchell will be fondly remembered as a highly respected stock & station agent, a great friend and a staunch contributor to the NSW Stock & Station Agents Association. 

A founding member of Stockinsure, John held a prominent executive position and worked with the agency in its formative years, navigating agents into a more secure environment within the realm of trade credit. 

John was born in Sydney in 1937 and attended Knox from 1947 - 1955. Like so many young people of the day who had a passion for the bush, he completed his leaving certificate and successfully applied for a position with AML&F (Australian Mercantile Land and Finance Company). 

He was dispatched to Wee Waa in the role of stockman and was shifted to Orange, Narrabri, Young, Walgett and Nyngan. It was during his tenure at Walgett when he married Robyn at St Phillips Chapel, The Rocks. 

John was appointed to the coveted role of Branch Manager, Nyngan at the age of 21, becoming the youngest ever Branch Manager of AML&F. 

In 1971, John was sent to Orange as Branch Manager AML&F and oversaw a challenging period through the cattle crash and credit squeeze with distinction. In 1979 at a Rotary Meeting in Orange, in a chance meeting with Rob Westcott, a local farmer, both gentlemen constructed a plan to work together in business. In 1981, John, who had left AML&F to start John Mitchell Stock & Station Agency, partnered with Rob Westcott to form the firm Mitchell Westcott Orange.

In their partnership, John would handle the livestock and Rob the real estate and properties. Mitchell Westcott partnered with Richardson & Wrench in 1985, and the entity became known far and wide, as a great property agency, whose ethics were beyond reproach. 

John and Robyn retired to Wangi Wangi, but John continued to assist the industry as a trainer and mentor, both roles he loved. 

John will be greatly missed by fellow stock agents and his Old Knox mates.  

This is an edited extract of the Obituary for John Mitchell circulated by the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association Ltd on 3 May 2021. 
 

Alan John Williams 
27/10/1935 - 08/05/2021

Alan Williams lived most of his life in the hills of Turramurra where, for many decades, he painstakingly recorded and reported the daily rainfall for what is reputed to be one of Sydney's wettest suburbs. Even as his health declined and he had to move to Uniting Northaven Turramurra, on the Pacific Highway near the railway bridge, Alan took his rain gauge with him and installed it near the main front door.

As a chemical scientist, Alan worked for his PhD in the research group of Professor R. J. W. Le Fèvre FRS in Sydney University's School of Chemistry and was on its academic staff for more than forty years. Upon retirement, he continued to work hard for many years as a central figure in running University bridging courses in Chemistry. Generations of students will remember Alan's patient, expert tuition that helped them to get on top of a seemingly impenetrable subject.

Alan attended Knox from1945 (Y 4) to 1952 (Y 11) and was in House North. A Life Member of both the OKGA and Senior Knoxonians, Alan appeared to be a quiet, retiring man who would be seen (but perhaps not much heard) at OKGA and Senior Knoxonians' functions. However, those who knew him recognised a clever, kind, interesting, determined person who was good to have as a friend. 

For, Alan who looked after his mother until her death, the Uniting Church in Turramurra was his life and his family. He had a significant influence over many lives within the Church over the years, including as a strong and dedicated leader of the Order of the Knights, and founder of the Cranbury Camp.

He will also be well remembered for arranging and leading regular bushwalks for his local Probus Club, and his expertise in cultivating camellias.

Brian Orr (OKG 1959) and Ian MacPherson (OKG55) 

Leigh Gilder DIXON – Retired Detective Superintendent AFP3729
26/03/1955 - 16/04/2021 

Mr Dixon was born in Malacca, Malaysia on 26 March 1955 and passed away in Anyer, West Java, Indonesia aged 66 years. He joined the Australian Federal Police on 16 January 1984 and he served in a number of areas in the ACT including the National Criminal Investigations Bureau, the ACT Region Fraud Squad, Internal Security and Audit Division, and the Training Division.

After receiving his Detective designation in September 1987, Mr Dixon was promoted to Sergeant on 19 March 1990. In 1995, he deployed as a part of the 46th Contingent to the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and upon returning to Australia was Coordinator, Gold Coast Office.

Following a promotion to Superintendent in October 2000, Mr Dixon went on to become Coordinator Brisbane Office and Senior Liaison Officer, Jakarta Indonesia. He returned to Australia in 2002 as Coordinator Asia.

Mr Dixon retired from the AFP in May 2003 to remain in Indonesia, where he provided specialist advice in counter-terrorism, corruption issues, and medical emergency planning.

For his service, Mr Dixon was awarded the
• Police Overseas Service Medal
• National Medal
• United Nations Medal (UNFICYP)
• AFP Commissioner’s Commendation for Excellence in Overseas Service
• Australian Federal Police Operations Medal
• Commissioner’s Commendation

Mr Dixon is survived by his son Mark, daughter Jessica, brothers James and Paul and sister, Awan.

A private funeral service for Mr Dixon was held in Indonesia on 16 April 2021.

Clinton Jones (OKG72) 

We are sad to learn of the passing of World War II airman Arthur Pardey, on 31 December 2020. 

Arthur was one of the youngest ever boarders at Knox Prep during the Great Depression, and would often dart into the teachers’ common room after morning tea to grab the remains of any biscuits or scones. He was trained to fly Spitfires, however he found the P-51 Mustang his fighter of choice. Arthur then fought off German air raids against England before being posted to the Desert Air Force to fight against the Axis powers. 

Arthur is the last of our 12 veterans featured in the WWII “For School and Country” documentary miniseries, our first production. Arthur will be fondly remembered for his humour, infectious smile, love of community and of course his great service to our nation. 

Lest We Forget 

Angus Hordern (OKG80) & Alex Lloyd (OKG09), Thistle Productions

Edwin Corbett York (OKG55)
8th July 1938 - 30th August 2020

School No 1705
1946 - 1956 Boarder Ewan House and McNeil House.

Edwin will be fondly remembered by his peer group of 1955-56.
A boarder at Knox for 10 years, he cherished his time at Knox, and often said it created a man out of him.
Edwin participated in all the activities the school offered, however he particularly enjoyed debating, and
was a long-term debater for McNeil.

Edwin was typical of the Knox boys of that era, not an academic, but a dedicated student in everything he did.
He was always interested in new ideas, mechanically minded, and he had the expertise to get Jimmy,
the groundsman's mower, into service when it broke down.

Edwin successfully finished his schooling in 1956, and in 1957 he was called up for National Service, serving
with the RAN Fleet Air Arm, with basic training on the CAC Wirraway trainer and the Fairy Firefly fighter. On completion
of National Service and further training as a reserve naval fleet air arm pilot, he joined Ansett and flew domestic flights
on Focker F27/28 and Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

On leaving Ansett, he took over the family business of Chemtex Pty Ltd in 1967, and also established Goliath Engineering,
which had been an idea developed while he was at school.

He had a compassionate nature; he and Bill Cloros (OKG55) visited Bill Mitchell, our old Chemistry Master, every Sunday in his old age, and also Tony Laws when Tony was ill. Edwin had a great memory for all those special sayings of our Masters and could repeat them verbatim.

I first met Edwin in 1950, and he has been a friend for 70 years, a private person, unpretentious, he was always a bright and cheerful companion, a very generous person as far as his friendship went, would speak to any one and about anything, he was always challenging in his thoughts and ideas.

For the past 12 years, I have enjoyed his company at Senior Knoxonian lunches and we also had lunch once a year at the Palm Beach RSL

I'm sure his peer group will miss him as much as I do, his sincerity and good nature was always a pleasure to us all.

'wrap me in my old KGS blazer
with the blue and black in my view
and tell ye my old time companions,
another old Knox boy is through'

Rest in peace Edwin,
Warwick Dickson OKGA & SK '56

Michael David Bayliss (OKG74) 
27/12/1955  - 14/09/2020 

Knox lost a devoted and loyal Knox man on 14 September 2020 when Michael Bayliss (OKG74) passed away suddenly at home. Mike started at Knox in Year 3 and went through to Year 12, loving his time at the school. Mike was an integral member of his year group and had stayed in touch with a large number of his school friends. In his school days he was a champion swimmer, helping Knox to many CAS Swimming Championships. He was also a fine tennis player and highly ranking cadet. In his years post school, Mike had devoted many years to the OKGA, serving on the Committee for over 6 years. Mike had a diverse working life, working in the television, record, travel and early learning industries. Perhaps his most lasting legacy to his Knox friends from the 1974 leavers was his vigour in staying in touch and thus helping maintain an especially happy and close year group. Mike will be greatly missed by his many friends. Mike leaves behind his wife, Narelle, son Anthony (OKG08), daughter Suzanne and son James.

Rick Seton (OKG74)

John passed away on 17 September 2020. He leaves behind his wife Ann and three children, Antony, Catriona, Alexandra and two grandchildren. John completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physics and Chemistry at the University of Sydney. He then went on to establish a number of successful businesses. He was a keen sportsman who loved cricket, rugby, surf-boat rowing and golf. Loved and admired by so many for his integrity, honesty, intelligence, kindness, humour and friendship. 

Gerald Stevens (OKG72) 

Christopher Bruce Brierley (OKG74) 
06/09/1956 - 30/09/2020 

Chris excelled at school as he did in life. He started Knox in ‘67 and completed his HSC in ‘74. At school he captained the CAS winning Firsts Soccer, was a member of the CAS winning swim team in ‘74, was a Prefect and a CUO in the Cadet Corp.

Following school, he studied Law, commencing his legal career at his Father's firm, Herald, Bruce Brierley & England, and worked his way up to become a partner at Dunhill Madden Butler, PWC Legal and finally at HWL Ebsworth specialising in professional negligence, a field he was very highly respected in.

Chris lived his life with real passion, first and foremost were his family. His loving wife, Kim, and his adoring daughters, Charlotte and Eliza, meant everything to Chris then in recent years their partners, Brady and Patrick, brought even greater joy to his life.

Chris’ family adventures were clearly very special, the regular skiing in Japan, the holidays in Queensland and more recently the truffle farm. There was no stopping Chris, he never saw hurdles or boundaries and could only see the best in everyone. 

In his early years out of school we have great memories of him bouncing recklessly around the harbour on a water ski. Chris really enjoyed catching up with his wide circle of old mates, he never missed the regular kayak trips down the Barrington or the long hikes up the coast.

Chris will always be remembered as a loving father and husband and a true friend to many of us.

By Allan Bennett (OKG74)
 

30 April 1948 - 24 July 2020 

John Nicol taught at Knox Grammar School for 27 years from 1980, retiring as Head of Economics in 2007. Passionate about his subject and a true, intelligent scholar, John’s promotion to Head of Economics followed a recommendation from his predecessor, Alan Marsden. As colleagues, Alan and John had a strong and productive working relationship that saw the Economics Department thrive.

In the Common Room, John with his dry wit, would often deprecate the social and political contributions of economics. Indeed, his humour, patience and kindness, and love of cryptic crosswords, ensured he was a significant member of the Common Room throughout his time at Knox. A true Francophile, he was more than a little interested in living languages and foreign cultures, and for many years, he enjoyed the company of Languages staff.

His empathy and humility enabled an easy rapport with both students and staff. Students always gave him their best efforts.

John will be fondly remembered as a true gentleman, a good colleague, a wonderful boss and a genuinely nice guy.
click here

18/06/1926 - 22/05/2020

Colin McDonald, who was President of the Knox Over 70s Club (now the Senior Knoxonians) from 2003-4, was very proud of his association with the School.

His two sons, Duncan (OKG76) and Angus (OKG78), and six grandsons (named below) all followed in his footsteps as Knox students, while daughter, Bonnie is a current employee at the Prep School.

[Grandsons: Cameron McDonald (OKG02), Alexander McDonald (OKG05), Fraser McDonald (OKG07); William McDonald (OKG19), Edward Turner (OKG10) and Harry Turner (OKG06)].

After graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Sydney University in 1950, Colin started his career as a Resident Medical Officer at Royal North Shore Hospital. It was in pathology, the field of his post graduate studies, where Colin broke new ground. In 1958, he jointly established the first pathology practice in suburban Australia with Dr Marjory Thomas (who retired shortly afterwards).

He practiced as Wentworth Pathology for six years before inviting Drs Lynch, Feain and Roche to form a joint practice with him. Dr Frances Hanly and Dr Denis Moir later also joined the practice which Colin founded (which became Hanly Moir Pathology in 1987).

Colin retired to the Southern Highlands, where he enjoyed playing golf and breeding cattle. This move away from Sydney didn't impact his connection to the School, however, as Colin served as a Committee member of the Senior Knoxonians from 2001 to the present day.

In his retrospective comments on the influence of his School days, published in 1999, Colin reflected that aspiring to the quality of "honour" was the most important lesson he took away from one of his masters. It was "a solid comfort in times of adversity or temptation".
Colin remained forever humble about his significant achievements.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Mary-Rose, and four children Anna, Duncan, Angus and Bonnie.
On behalf of the OKGA and Senior Knoxonians, we extend our sincere condolences to Colin's family and friends and welcome your tributes regarding his life and contribution.

Dad’s carefree childhood years were cut short by the outbreak of WWII, when his father and uncle joined the Airforce. At just 8 years of age, he was billeted out to a farming family in Wallabadah, NSW. He often reminisced about this time and the family’s kindness.

He spoke less positively of his days as a boarder at The Armidale School for Boys. It was here, however, that he developed a keen interest in sport, Athletics and also where he had his first academic victory, topping his year in Latin.

After some convincing, his father agreed to transfer him to Knox, a decision well made. Dad loved his time at Knox and thrived as a student. Indeed, his achievements both in Rugby and Athletics are documented in the School’s Archives. He was especially proud of his performance as a hurdler, as he competed successfully on a national level. Dad proudly displayed a photo from 1948 of him hurdling until his passing.

It was also while at Knox that he and his friends saw India play Australia in Test cricket for the first time, and they witnessed Don Bradman score his 100th 1st Class Century.

He remembered much rejoicing at Knox when the War ended, the mischief that he and his mates got up to as boarders, and his first overseas adventure, which came about because the son of the King of Nauru Island, was a fellow student, and friend.

His proud association with Knox continued throughout his life, and towards the end of his days, he spoke with melancholy as he received any news reporting the passing of the Old Boys from his peer group.

Matthew Rourke (son)

Christopher (“Tim” to his family) Dear died aged 75 in Canberra on 4 March 2020 after a long illness. He was a long-term partner and spouse of David, a brother of Alan (deceased) (OKG 1958), Ian (OKG 1967) and Anne, a wonderful friend, brother-in-law to Lesley, Ged and John, an uncle to six nieces and great uncle to four great nephews and nieces.

He was a member of McIlrath House and took an active role in school life, as the recollections below from one of his Class of ’61 members, Ken Powell, will attest: 
 

“Chris Dear OKG’61 – Recollections
Chris will be fondly remembered by the Class of ’61 for his delivery of the English language, as he set a standard to which others might aspire.

As the son of radio and TV personality, “Terry” Dear, Chris’ language ability was strongly influenced in his early years at home, and he arrived at Knox, in Year 7 in 1957, with foundations well laid for his future achievements.

Chris honed his diction, expression and vocals as an actor in both School and House plays, and as a singer in the Knox choirs. He then went on to win the School Oration in 1961.

He was also a member of the Pipe Band.

Two of his classmates described him as an “elegant young man”, doubtless enhanced by his distinctive black framed glasses.

French teacher, Anatole Makaroff, would often say “Les Australiens parlent Français avec le nez, oui?” - a scathing reference to our destruction of the ‘beautiful language’ with our nasal Australian accents. Again, Chris was the notable exception, mastering French with similar aplomb to his command of English. This led to his performance in a French language play.

Unsurprisingly, at the Leaving Certificate, along with his other subjects, Chris gained 1st class honours in French and Latin, and an A in English. He was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to attend University.”

After leaving Knox, Christopher completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in French and Italian and joined the Commonwealth Department of Immigration. He served as Vice Consul in Los Angeles, Rome and Vancouver, using his skills as a master linguist. He was fluent in French, Italian, Indonesian and a dab hand in several other languages. He had a great love of cooking, classical music, reading and the theatre.
He was farewelled in a private gathering in Canberra on 8 March 2020. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Ian Dear 13 March 2020

Philip died peacefully in Mandurah (WA) on January 16, 2020. He was the first of 6 Atwill boys that have since attended Knox .

Philip had a life long association with the Scout Movement both in NSW and WA. He was the Honorary Commissioner for NSW, as well as managing all retail facilities in NSW and the ACT. Philip's interest in the outdoors led to him acquiring the Outward Bounds facility at Fisherman’s Point on the Hawkesbury River, in 1972. This property was renovated as a camp facility known as Camp Hawkesbury and later sold to Knox to be renamed Camp Knox.

Philip, his wife Hillary and family moved to, and settled in, Western Australia in 1982, where they successfully managed various businesses, until retiring and enjoying being "grey nomads”.

Paul Sargeant 09/01/1945 - 10/03/2019 

Obituary by Pip Perry (1962) 

Sago came to Knox in 1958 as a boarder in Gillespie house from the small outback town of Euabalong West (most of us had heard of Booligal, but no one had ever heard of Euabalong, let alone Euabalong West!).

Sago was a well-liked and popular member of Gillespie. He was a School senior, and competent sportsman, playing in the 2nd XI and as half back for the 1st XV, where his proudest sporting achievement resulted from Knox's 12-11 victory over Waverley.

Following school, he resided in the Blue Mountains. He managed a bank in Springwood, then was basically self-employed, participating in several jobs; always working, always busy supporting his family.

He was always a proud Knox boy.

To all who new Sago, he was nothing but a good bloke.

Stan Katsoulis 20/07/43 - 14/12/2019

Stan Katsoulis attended Knox from 1956 - 1958 (left year 9). The following obituary is from Dr Geoff Irvine, DC (OKG60)

I first met Stan in 1956 when he started at Knox. The son of Greek parents who ran a dry-cleaning business in Chatswood. 

His time at Knox was short. When he was in his intermediate year his father passed away and he had to leave school to help his mother in the family business. We remained friends as I continued my education at Knox and after leaving my school, he was best man at my wedding and God father to my children. 

Stan worked in the dry-cleaning business until his mother decided to sell the business. Using the people skills he had acquired in dry-cleaning, Stan then began a very successful career in sales. 

He moved back to the family home in mid-life to look after his ageing mother, occupying himself buying and selling. 

Stan's great love was classic motor vehicles and he was the owner of many classics which included an E type Jaguar, Porsche 356S, De Tomaso and a Mercedes Benz Pullman.

Stan had the greatest sense of style, perhaps something else he acquired in his dry cleaning days. In the 60s when jeans and tshirts were de rigeur, Stan was the only one with pressed jeans and tshirt. 

Although he never married, he was never without a lovely female companion. 

Stan was truly a man of style and he will be missed by those that knew him. RIP old mate. 
click here

Francis “Ross” Hornibrook (OKG50)
1934 – 2019

Francis, known by his friends as Ross, was the only child of Francis (Frank) and Doris (nee Cock) Hornibrook.
After graduating from the University of Sydney, Ross became a leader in the fashion industry in New York and Sydney, before moving to the ABC, where he was involved in the production of many TV dramas and documentaries (including the mini-series 1915 and The Aunty Jack Show).
In retirement, Ross enjoyed many of his passions including swimming, collecting Australian Art, the theatre, opera and travel. He will be greatly missed by the many close friends who cherished his friendship over his lifetime.
Jim Neave (OKG50)

 

20/11/43 - 11/6/16

Original School No: 2187
Attended Knox: 1950 (Y1) - 1960 (Y11). House: Reid

Senior Knoxonian Life member No: 462 (4/3/11) 

11/6/17 – 7/6/16

Original School No: 171
Attended Knox: 1927 (Y4) – 1934 (Y10). House: South

21/3/49 - 14/5/16

Attended Knox: 1960 (Y5) - 1967 (Y12). House: MacNeil

Much loved husband of Di.
 Devoted Dad to Catriona, Scott and Ali and father-in-law of Michael and Mark.
 Special Grandad to Annie, Gabby, Maddy, Nick, Bella, Claudia, Sophie and Samuel.
 Brother of Ann and Ian, Margaret and Sonya.

Passed away peacefully on Saturday 14th May, after courageously fighting to the end,
 surrounded by his family.

19/12/59 - 24/4/16

Attended Knox: 1970 (Y5) - 1976 (Y11). House: Gillespie

Oldest son of Denis Irvine Hunt (OKG '51)
Brother of Bruce Hunt (OKG '81)

14/9/35 - 24/4/16

Original School No: 1554
Attended Knox: 1945 (Y4) - 1952 (Y11). House: South

Beloved husband of 54 years to Jan. Cherished father of Christine, Rosie and Nick. Loved father-in-law to Frits and Lou. Proud and loving "Speds" to his grandchildren Ellie  and Tom (OKG '17) and constant companion to his four legged pals, Daisy and Molly.

He left us very peacefully and now flies free.

8/10/43 - 21/4/16

Attended Knox: 1956 (Y7) - 1959 (Y9).

Loving husband of Margaret, devoted father to Edward, Lisa and Penelope, father-in-law to Alex and Kate, adored Poppy to Ruby, Louis and Abigail. Loved brother of Elizabeth, John (OKG '57/58) and Michael.

 

19/4/53 - 9/4/16

Attended Knox: 1960 (Y1) - 1969 (Y10)

Dearly loved son of Bill (OKG '44) and June, brother of Richard (OKG '73) and John (OKG '79), brother-in-law of Shawna and Theanna, uncle of Cameron, Joshua, Nicholas, Ned and Max

1/3/49 - 2/4/16

Attended Knox: 1959 (Y5) - 1960 (Y6).