FAIRNIE, Evan John (1932-)
FAIRNIE, Evan John (1932-)
John Fairnie, archival volunteer at the Geelong College from 2005 has worked in a variety of Geelong based businesses including 35 years with Ford Australia from 1956 to January 1963 and July 1967 to December 1990 where he became a production scheduling supervisor.
Born at Geelong, the eldest son of Edward John Fairnie and Catherine Myfanwy nee Rees, he first went to Morongo Nursery School before being enrolled at the original Aphrasia St, Kindergarten of Geelong College in 1937. He became a member of Warrinn House, winning the Under 16 Shot Putt competition at the College Sports Day and eventually becoming a corporal in the College Cadet Corps where he also trained and qualified as a Vickers Machine Gunner.
He left College at the end of 1948 and worked at the R S & S Woollen Mill in the Design Department and later in Accounts. John completed 3 months compulsory National Service Training in 1951 continuing with the CMF for many years afterwards, becoming a lieutenant. After a short abortive period studying accounting at the Gordon Institute, John sought employment with Ford Motor Company (Australia) in the Parts and Accessories Division. When Ford transferred many of their operation to Broadmeadow in Melbourne’s northern outskirts John moved to the Alcoa Aluminium Refinery at Point Henry, Geelong where he became Ingot Scheduler. He then returned to the Production Division of Ford.
After leaving Ford, John trained in the travel industry but eventually returned to accounts work and became Credit controller with AdCell Media which operated the Geelong Independent newspaper. He retired from there in November, 2004.
Throughout his life his main sporting interest has remained sailing. At the age of 17, he built and sailed a Cadet Dinghy. He has sailed in many classes over the years, owned his own boats and skippered for several owners. He won the prestigious Geelong to Portarlington race as well as many prizes in a variety of regattas. He served on the Sailing Committee of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club from 1974 to 1984 and was Club handicapper from 1978 to 1984. He also qualified as a radio operator, manning the Club base radio for 9 sailing seasons.
John’s son, Guy ‘Badger’ Fairnie was also educated at the College as was John’s brother, Ian Fairnie.
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John Fairnie, archival volunteer at the Geelong College from 2005 has worked in a variety of Geelong based businesses including 35 years with Ford Australia from 1956 to January 1963 and July 1967 to December 1990 where he became a production scheduling supervisor.
Born at Geelong, the eldest son of Edward John Fairnie and Catherine Myfanwy nee Rees, he first went to Morongo Nursery School before being enrolled at the original Aphrasia St, Kindergarten of Geelong College in 1937. He became a member of Warrinn House, winning the Under 16 Shot Putt competition at the College Sports Day and eventually becoming a corporal in the College Cadet Corps where he also trained and qualified as a Vickers Machine Gunner.
He left College at the end of 1948 and worked at the R S & S Woollen Mill in the Design Department and later in Accounts. John completed 3 months compulsory National Service Training in 1951 continuing with the CMF for many years afterwards, becoming a lieutenant. After a short abortive period studying accounting at the Gordon Institute, John sought employment with Ford Motor Company (Australia) in the Parts and Accessories Division. When Ford transferred many of their operation to Broadmeadow in Melbourne’s northern outskirts John moved to the Alcoa Aluminium Refinery at Point Henry, Geelong where he became Ingot Scheduler. He then returned to the Production Division of Ford.
After leaving Ford, John trained in the travel industry but eventually returned to accounts work and became Credit controller with AdCell Media which operated the Geelong Independent newspaper. He retired from there in November, 2004.
Throughout his life his main sporting interest has remained sailing. At the age of 17, he built and sailed a Cadet Dinghy. He has sailed in many classes over the years, owned his own boats and skippered for several owners. He won the prestigious Geelong to Portarlington race as well as many prizes in a variety of regattas. He served on the Sailing Committee of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club from 1974 to 1984 and was Club handicapper from 1978 to 1984. He also qualified as a radio operator, manning the Club base radio for 9 sailing seasons.
John’s son, Guy ‘Badger’ Fairnie was also educated at the College as was John’s brother, Ian Fairnie.
Sources: