Great Scot April 2019 Great Scot_156_April_2019_Online | Page 5

VALE –
MICHAEL ROBINSON AO
Michael Robinson (’55), and Scotch seemed
inseparable. His family and his life were entwined
with the School in every aspect. The College has
been immensely fortunate to have received his
loyalty and affection as a student and leader.
Michael stood above all those in recent
generations of Scotch Collegians in his voluntary
service to the School.
He led the Old Scotch Collegians, the
Foundation and the School Council, and in
doing so provided leadership of a quality that has
seen the School he loved move from strength
to strength.
Michael exemplified all the qualities of a
successful leader. He had a forceful sense of purpose,
he had integrity and inspired trust. He liked solving
problems. He was competitive and sportsmanlike.
He treated all with courtesy and led with good
humour. He wanted Scotch to succeed by living
by its values, and he hoped that its boys would
contribute to a better Australia.
Throughout his years of service to the School
Michael was supported by Judith, whose wise and
calm presence graced so many Scotch occasions.
On behalf of Scotch I thank her for the warmth and
friendship she has given, and I extend our sympathy
and condolences to Judith, Charles (’86), Will (’89),
Alice and Ed (’93) and their families.
It is with a sense of deep sadness that we say
farewell to Michael. His contribution to Scotch and
to the Scotch Family will never be forgotten. The School mourns the loss of one of its
greatest sons.
As day boy, boarder, parent, grandparent,
President of OSCA, President of the Foundation
and Chairman of School Council, Michael’s life was
interwoven with Scotch. Perhaps the only Scotch
role he never took up was that of teacher, but teacher
he was to many, this Principal included.
Michael knew, that, whilst age grants great
schools wisdom and confidence, their greatest
power lies in their youth. He understood the power
of story, ritual and relationships in boys’ lives, and
the joys of competition and communal life. He
recognised Scotch’s significance to each boy, parent
and Old Boy. He wanted to share all Scotch could
offer, not just with those he knew, but with those
he would never meet. His mind was bigger than
his immediate surrounds, and so were his ambitions
for his School.
Scotch would not be the School it is today, but
for Michael’s considerable talents, generosity of spirit
and wise prodding. His was the Scotch restlessness
born of both a desire never to rest on laurels, and an
unstoppable will to build something better.
Michael’s influence is all around us and will
remain so. I struggle to think of any who has had
greater influence on the Scotch Family. He lived,
breathed and loved his School, and will always be
part of Scotch lore.
I join in extending our sympathies and love to
Judith, Charles, Will, Alice and Ed.
DAVID KEMP AC (’59) — CHAIRMAN, SCOTCH
COLLEGE COUNCIL TOM BATTY — PRINCIPAL
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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