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Obituaries
Ronald John Parker OAM (Former staff)
24/05/1923 - 19/12/2021
In a time before CFOs, Ron was appointed Bursar of Wesley College and steadfastly and reliably oversaw the school’s finances. He balanced budgets, arranged support for families in need, oversaw a busy time in capital works with the introduction of co-education and new facilities, and was a consummate professional. Ron’s calm and thoughtful manner allowed time for excellent communication with staff, parents and students and he was a community man whose door was always open.
A Camberwell Grammarian graduating in 1939, Ron and his wife Barbara, sadly now also deceased, arrived at Wesley in 1973. Ron had been Camberwell Grammar School’s first Bursar from 1959 and a Council Member there.
In modern terms he could be described as a ‘can do’ man, a war veteran and Justice of the Peace, who was positive about projects, change and the community, especially when it related to delivering the best outcome for students. He never lost sight of the reason the business end of a school existed. In that sense he was a recognisable figure to many, both at St Kilda Road and Glen Waverley, the two campuses of the day.
Not only did he manage the excellent outcomes we enjoy today, following the vision and period of immense change during the years of Principal David Prest, he dealt with the myriad of day-to-day needs and requests from every level of the community. To a fault, he gave freely of his time to the various committees to make it all happen and worked tirelessly. He was proud of his achievements at Wesley and loved being part of the school. He left Wesley in 1987, the year that the first coeducational cohort graduated, after 15 years of excellent service.
Ron was a sportsman with diverse practical interests who contributed in many ways to community. His voluntary work spanned almost 50 years and at Wesley, we remember him as an active member of Rotary, Lord Somers Camp and Powerhouse.
He played cricket for Collingwood, where he later went on to hold committee and executive roles, played hockey for Powerhouse and also enjoyed tennis. Ron was recognised with the Order of Australia OAM for his services to the community through a range of volunteer roles including as counsellor and support worker at the Austin Hospital, as a guide and education officer at the Supreme Court, as zone leader for Neighbourhood Watch, as tour guide at the MCG, Melbourne Museum and Federation Square, as well as greeter in the booth in the Bourke Street Mall outside David Jones. He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. Other commitments included the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the World Ship Society and the Maritime Heritage Association.
Not surprisingly, Ron managed to keep most of his volunteering going up until COVID hit and was still driving at 96, only to stop when Toyota recalled his car due to faulty air bags.
Ron passed away in December at the age of 98 and is survived by his three children, Judy, David and Susie, of whom he was so proud, his six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.