DOERY, Edward 'Keith' (1927-2005)
Keith Doery. Portrait by Robert Hannaford.
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Keith Doery (Prefect 1945)
'Keith' Doery was a member of the Albert Bell Club for 26 years, President of the Old Collegians’ Association, OGCA Fellow, member of the School Council for 26 years from 1974, Chairman of the Finance Committee for 22 years, member of the Planning, Nomination and Education Committees of the Council and Vice Chairman of the School Council for 17 years. He was elected a Life Governor of the School in 2000.
His portrait by
Robert Hannaford is on display in Davey House.
Keith, the son of Edward Bertram Doery, attended the Geelong College as a boarder from 1939 to 1945 and was a School Prefect in 1945, a member of the 2nd Rowing Crew, the Relay Team, the Glee Club and the School Cadet Corps.
Alan Williamson, Chair of the Geelong College Council wrote the following tribute which appeared in the School magazine Ad Astra:
Most past students of the College would acknowledge that their time at the school had some impact on their lives - be it as a result of the friendships they formed, the teachers who taught them or the education they received.
I am sure that Keith Doery could not have anticipated this when he entered the school as a boarder in January 1939, when he was just 12 years old, that his 6 years at the College would have such an effect on him that he would devote a lifetime of service both to the school and to the cause of independent education.
He clearly enjoyed his school days as the archives show that he was a capable student, a member of the second rowing crew, athletics team, Glee Club and the school cadets. His commitment to the school was recognised at a young age by his appointment as a school prefect.
Keith developed a unique affection for the school. It was apparent that this ranked only after his wife, Lois, his children and perhaps the Melbourne Football Club and was the reason for his willingness to contribute so much to the school.
His record of service was outstanding. He was a member of the Albert Bell Club for 26 years, President of the Old Collegians, OGCA Fellow, member of the School Council for 26 years from 1974, Chairman of the Finance Committee for 22 years, member of the Planning, Nomination and Education Committees of the Council and Vice Chairman of the School Council for 17 years.
What the record does not show is that Keith always lived and worked in Melbourne. As a result he had to travel many thousands of kilometres to and from Geelong to attend countless meetings at the school. It would have meant he was away from his work and family for at least half a day on each occasion. Yet he rarely missed a meeting.
The outcome of Keith's contribution to the school can be readily assessed. Between 1974 and 2000 the number of students grew from 770 to 1,143, revenue increased from around $2 million to $14 million, the number of staff more than doubled, approximately $19.6 million was invested in capital works, including Robertson Hall, the Austin Gray Centre, second stage of the Rolland Centre, Boat House, Preparatory School Art and Craft Centre, Garnet Fielding Wing, Rankin Field development, Principal's residence and the Recreation Centre.
The growth and stability of the school under the leadership of three Principals and three Council Chairman during the time Keith was on the College Council
is also testament to the astute and expert assistance that he readily provided to the school's leaders.
The most important task of the College Council is to appoint the Principal as it is to him or her that the Council entrusts the responsibility of achieving its future aspirations for the school. Keith participated in what have clearly been two very successful appointments. His perceptive judgement is reflected in the significant progress of the school under their administration.
As Vice Chairman of the College Council, Keith loyally supported Garnet Fielding during his 14 years as Chairman of Council. Together they were quite a team - both passionate about advancing the College and prepared to devote whatever time and effort that was required to so. Garnet described his association with Keith in these terms - 'Working with him was always a pleasure, even in times of difficulty. His was a voice or moderation, balance, steadiness and wisdom'.
Michael Dowling, who succeeded Keith as Treasurer and served as the school's auditor for most of Keith's term on the Finance Committee said of Keith on his retirement, 'His contributions to the deliberations of the Finance Committee were always considered and thoughtful. He was able to draw on his knowledge of accounting, finance and commerce and blend these skills with an understanding of education and the particular characteristics of the College. Keith never forced his views on others yet he was prepared to argue the point if he thought it was important'.
Somehow Keith found the time to also pursue the cause of independent education through membership of the Board of the Association of Victorian Independent Schools Association and his appointment as Trustee of the Combined Schools' Superannuation Fund for 25 years since it was established. Teachers at the College and other independant schools have benefited from the strong growth of the fund since its inception.
Keith sought no reward or acknowledgement and was content to work behind the scenes. However his lifetime of service to the College was appropriately acknowledged when he was made a Fellow of the Old Collegians in 1991 and appointed a Life Governor of the College in 2000 for his long and meritious voluntary service to the school. He was just the seventh appointment in the 143 year history of the school.
There is a portrait of Keith, appropriately hanging in the foyer of Davey House as it is the administrative hub of the school. I believe it captures the character of the man in a way that words cannot portray. It is fortunate that we have the portrait as it will be a lasting reminder of a remarkable man.
Sources: Ad Astra June 2005 p6.