BRADEN, Donald James (1941-2022).jpg)
D Braden, 1959
Don Braden was born in 1941 to Jim, a school teacher, and Edna, of Macorna. During World Ward II, Jim enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy, and Don and Edna moved closer to family in Warragul. Once Jim was repatriated, the family moved to Frankston. Jim continued teaching before becoming a school inspector.
In 1953, Don was enrolled as a boarder at The Geelong College, beginning in Form Upper IVA2. The young student took to life at the school and became a skilled athlete, as well as playing the violin, performing in the Glee Club and joining the cadets.
Don’s athletic talent was soon evident, in Senior School he was a member of the athletics team for a number of years, as well as the football and cricket teams, reaching the 1st XVIII in 1958. He was part of the 2nd XI cricket team that won the Nicolson Trophy in 1958 and 1959, as the most successful cricket team that year.
For two years running Don won the Norman Morrison Prize, the 2nd Open Athletics Championship, and broke the college record for 880 yards open in 1958 as well as the Combined Athletics record for 4x880 yard relay alongside Peter Hirst, Duncan McDonell and Harley Dickinson. In the athletics team, at least for a couple of years, one of the coaches was Australian middle-distance runner Donald Macmillan. Don captained the Athletics team in 1959.
Outside of sport, Don was made a School Prefect in his final year 1959, as well as Warrinn House Prefect and McArthur House vice-captain. In the cadets he reached the rank of company sergeant major.
After school Don continued to pursue athletics, joining the Old Scotch athletics team. In 1962 he won Victorian Half Mile championships and ran in the in half mile selection trials for 1964 Olympic Games. Despite not making the Olympic Team, Don travelled to Japan for the games and enjoyed touring the country.
Don worked at the Commonwealth Bank in Melbourne, studying a university course at night school. He began his career as a teller then later ran the banks garage and the building department. Later he worked as an investigative accountant.
In 1961 Don met his future wife, Kaye and they married in 1966. They have two sons.
Don maintained lifelong friendships with his college friends, regularly visiting them in the Western District.
Don passed away 10 April 2022, aged 80 years.
Athletics Team 1957, Don is seated at front (third from right) and Don Macmillan is seated behind him (fourth from right)