Holidays away and other less exciting things kept a few of our regulars away but it was a most enjoyable gathering anyway. Sharing our experiences within AGC & Westpac was a highlight.
Just for the record: a lunch was held at Watara on 18th June but the member who usually organizes the photo wasn't there, so none was taken.
It says very much of Neville, and the company, that
a young lad of about 20 years can join the Orange office and rise to manage AGC’s
Thailand & New Zealand operations together with holding a sizeable number
of other senior positions. He had an incredible can-do approach to just about
everything – who could forget his “Eye Can” – and that surely inspired many to
achieve more than they otherwise would have done.
Outside of work, Nev loved his golf which he played
all over Australia and overseas. And in his early days he was a keen football
player and water skier.
Not long after he organized AGC’s 100th
year reunion at the Wentworth Hotel, Sydney in November last year, Neville suffered
a stroke from which he never fully recovered. Other ills beset him after that,
and through it all he had the wonderful support of his wife, Margaret. A
further stroke on May 29th saw him, sadly, pass away.
On June 9th, after a private funeral
service at Sutherland, about 160 of Neville’s family and friends gathered at
the Cronulla RSL Club to celebrate his life. Many tales were told of his
kindness, cheekiness, ability to engage and befriend people, practical jokes
and all-round positivity. He was clearly loved and admired by them all.
Farewell good friend. You will be missed.
As I remember it, Ian joined AGC in Canberra. I first worked with him when he was appointed District Credit Manager, Wollongong when I was there sorting-out a Wholesale mess. He later went on to become District Manager, Rockdale, and then on to manager some lending products at HO level.
In-between all that, there is a story that must be told. When AGC won the account of Peter Warren Ford (probably the largest Ford dealer at the time) it was a condition that there be a dedicated Acceptance Officer to handle the dealership’s business. Ian got that job and was stationed at Parramatta Office. After about four days, there was not an application to be seen, and there was a thought that the deal would be a white elephant - leading the then District Manager (Roy Whittaker) to name Ian: Sabu the White Elephant Boy. Ian was stuck with the nickname “Sabu” from that day on.
Anyone who ever met Ian will always recall how well he told a story. He was a born entertainer, and properly fitted the definition of raconteur. The annoying thing about him was that he would tell a joke that would have people splitting their sides laughing but it was never quite so funny when you told it to others. I can still remember with a smile a joke he told me over 50 years ago.
Added to that, Ian was a very accomplished guitar player. During his Canberra days he had his own band, and on occasion he provided guitar accompaniment to some well-known performers including Shirley Bassey.
Poor health plagued Ian in his later days but he never lost his sense of humour.
More than a bit of fun went out of our lives when you left us Ian. You will be missed.
John Leplaw
PS: If you have a story about Ian, please share it in the comments section.
Our first gathering for the year at Woy Woy is always a pleasure, and this year didn't disappoint.
Medical issues got in the way of a few of our regulars attending, and we wish them a speedy recovery.
Special mention must be made of the effort by Rob McPherson (and his lovely wife, Astrid) in driving all the way from Bundanoon via Lane Cove to enable Athol's attendance.
