DOAKE, James William Pearce (1930-2008), grazier, was the son of James Paterson, a grazier and former Scotch College student, and Iris Adele nee Pearce. He attended Yering State School before entering Geelong College as a boarder in September, 1941 where he continued his education until 1947. His parents died when he was relatively young and he lived for a time with his uncle, a doctor in Echuca. At College, he developed a deep passion for work within the House of Guilds and this served him well during his life. In the House of Guilds of the time, building model engines including steam engines was popular, the parts for these being completely designed and machined by the students. James built on this early skill and enthusiasm and continued building farm machinery, several boats and a wide variety of other equipment over the years. He was a grazier throughout his life on his property ‘Sunnymeadows’ near Coldstream in the Yarra Valley. Not only an avid sailor, he was also a keen aviator and Coldstream Airport was established on his property. His community involvement included active participation in the CFA and the Lilydale Show Society. (OGC 1946)

Jaimie Doake.