Old Collegians
Finding these original students and to be able to pass on their stories has been a great pleasure to me in recent times. Leo Cox 5th from right on 3rd row.
Hello once again. As promised in the last newsletter segment, I now have the life history of Ken Stirling, 1954-1955 past student and prefect.
Vale Ken Stirling
Ken was born on 20 August 1939 and passed away on 27 February 2021. A graveside funeral service was held in Kendenup on 8th March. Ken was the youngest child of Keith and Edna, part of a pioneering family who have been farming in Kendenup since 1912.
As a young boy, Ken attended Kendenup Primary School. He rode a horse to Lake Matilda siding, where he would catch the train which stopped to take water, riding in the Guard’s van. He attended Mt Barker High School before finishing his education at Denmark School of Agriculture and returning to his parents’ farm. Among other things, it was his job to cart cattle to livestock sales and grain to the terminal.
Ken met his wife Margaret at a dance on Boxing day 1960 in the Porongorup Hall, then again on New Year’s Eve, from which they started courting. They married in 1962 in Scot’s Church, Albany. Their son James was born in 1964, followed by daughters Helen in1966, and Alison in 1969. He played hockey for Kendenup and Mt Barker and enjoyed cricket and football. The radio was constantly switched on in the house and he took his lunch break, laying on the floor, while listening to the Country Hour.
Ken founded Carinya Park Angus Stud in 1967, breeding quality large frame cattle. He won many ribbons at the Perth Royal Show and regional shows - including Champion Bull in 1970, Supreme Champion Bull and Champion Cow in 1972. In 1974 the stud was awarded the H.A. Trefort trophy for most points in the beef breed section, as well as the Downsbragh trophy for the best five animals bred by an exhibitor – quite an achievement. 1974 proved to be the Stud’s most successful Royal Show, achieving a clean sweep of all ribbons. He also served on the Board of the Angus Society of WA, travelling to Sydney and South Australia as part of his role.
Ken was a very private person and an incredibly hard worker who wouldn’t let his ill health prevent him from his daily farm chores. Just a couple of years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and spent the last 16 months of his life at Spring Haven Lodge in Kojonup.
His son James, is a past student – 1980-1981, who, with his father established the East Carinya Merino Stud and commercial flock. The wool clip averaged 20-21 micron with 100 bales sold sale by sample. Step-grandchildren, Lloyd and Lucy Dunham also attended the College.
We students from 1953 to 1956 have fond memories of Ken and convey our sincere condolences to Margaret, James, Helen and Alison and all the Stirling family. May he rest in peace.
Vale David Squire
David was a student between1951-1952 and he passed away on 13 April 2021. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Norma and sons, Stephen and Shaun and their families. May he rest in peace. Warwick Jones and Brian Greenslade attended the funeral on their behalf and as members of the Old Boys/Old Collegians Association to pay our respects. I will endeavour to obtain David’s life story for a future article – with the family’s permission of course.
Leo Cox - Student 1943-1944
Tom Marsden and myself visited Leo Cox in Busselton and spent some time reminiscing with him, along with memories contained in the 70 Years History book. He remembers the time he spent in Denmark very well and had a special fondness for Mrs Whittaker, mother of Peter, who cared for him whilst in Denmark. It took him 48 hours to travel from home to Denmark by train. Leo turns 92 in July and is keeping well and enjoying life.
Leo attended Denmark when the school in Narrogin was taken over by the army in 1942. He returned to Narrogin when the army left in 1944. His brother, Cecil also attended Denmark between 1942-1943.
In 1945, Leo returned to the family farm “Enegee” at Naraling near Northampton. The brothers farmed together for 10 years before going their own ways. Leo met Joan Hatherley and they were married in 1951, had two daughters and four sons and now have grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At the age of 40. Leo attended Perth Bible College for two years from which he became a pastor, preaching in prisons in Geraldton and Fremantle and also travelling to India, Israel and Germany. He lived, while preaching, in York and Beverley and now lives in Busselton with Joan, where he attends fellowship with their brethren assembly. Leo turns 92 in July and is keeping well and enjoying life.
Vale Cecil Cox
Leo’s brother Cecil was born in 1927 and passed away in 2011 aged 83. He is survived by his wife, Marion, their son and two daughters and their families. Leo gave me the following summary of Cecil’s accomplishments.
After selling the farm, the family moved to Northampton and then Horrocks Beach. Cecil bought a cray boat and operated it until his retirement in Jurien Bay, when his son continued the business.
Vale Muriel Hutchinson
Mother of Mark Hutchinson (student 1971-1972), who passed away at Hocart Lodge, Harvey on 5th May aged 88 years. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mark and Sue and their family. May she rest in peace.
Finding these original students and to be able to pass on their stories has been a great pleasure of mine in recent times. I hope readers find them interesting and surprisingly varied.
Committee
The committee will be meeting along with other stakeholders shortly to plan for the 80th anniversary reunion in 2022. Any suggestions welcome. The final format will be notified in this newsletter, radio, newspapers and, of course, word of mouth.
Honour Wall
Honour Wall names have slowed down. We need to get cracking to generate funds for infrastructure and the annual scholarship etc. to benefit College students. Your name plate recognises your attendance forever, so please contribute.
Contacts are: Wendy Sutton 0419 048 694; Marjorie Morrison 9848 1633; Delys Ravenhill 0427 408 051 or myself 0428 526 398, email: hisylvi@bigpond.com.
Last but not least – if you have any news to report, please advise me on 0428 526 398 or email hisylvi@bigpond.com. No news – no article.
Until next time
Don McCausland
Chairperson
