DICKSON, John Ernest (1929-2020).jpg)
JE Dickson, Cricket 1947
JE Dickson
John was born in 1929 to James and Millie Dickson of Caroonboon, Deniliquin, NSW. John was enrolled at College as a boarder in 1941, beginning in Form UIVB in the Preparatory School. His brother William Ronald Dickson also attended the College (OGC 1936). Prior to the college, John was taught by a governess. He was on the Mackie committee in 1944 and vice-captain of Warrinn in 1948, the senior boarding house at the time.
John was a keen sportsman and performed well in tennis, swimming, and later, cricket. He won the Mrs TS Hawkes Memorial, the Under 15 Singles Tennis Championship cup, two years running. From 1946-1948 he served on the Tennis committee, whilst also continuing to place in the tennis championships: 1946 and 1947 he came 2nd in the Open Tennis Singles Championship and 1st in the Open Tennis Doubles Championship. Then in 1948, a feature of a tournament against Geelong Grammar School included the “singles between Dickson J. E. and Foster of Geelong Grammar, which ran to 32 games before Dickson won 17-15.” In the same year he was “successful in winning the Singles Championship from J.Chambers with whom he combined to win the Doubles Championship from the Leggatt brothers.” (His third double championship win at the school).
1947 and 1948 John also played in the 1st XI cricket team, which was the winner of the APS premiership in 1947. In his final years at school before matriculating, he would be awarded multiple caps and colours for his sporting achievements.
From G. McKindlay:
"John attended Geelong College from 1941 to 1948. On leaving school John went jackarooing on a station near Quilpie QLD before returning to the family property “Caroonboon” Deniliquin NSW where he successfully managed and owned the property for many years as a merino sheep enterprise with a stud. John was a very respected member of the community and contributed significantly to a number of local services including as a Councillor of Windouran Shire, board member of the Deniliquin Rural Lands Protection Board, and committees for Tennis, Golf and Racing Clubs for many years.
John retired into Deniliquin and continued his involvement in the local community while enjoying his passion for restoring classic motor vehicles.
John is survived by his wife Jill, son James (Jim) and daughter Susie."
Sources: G McKindlay, Pegasus, OGC 1943, The Age 26 August 2020