KNEEBONE, Ian Alexander (1933-2023)
Ian was born to Clive and Catherine of Birdwoodton. He boarded at the College from 1948 to 1950, completing Forms IVA to VM. He was a member of Calvert House and rowed with the 5th VIII. In 1950 Ian was awarded the Alexander Coto and John Coto Memorial Prize.
Ian returned home to Merbein after school and later married Helen. He became a technical assistant, working for CSIRO. The Pegasus reported in 1953 that Ian was “enquiring into the problems of fruit and vine culture at the Merbein research station”. In 1995 he was presented with a CSIRO Achievement Medallion, “for conscientious service over 43 years, with current responsibilities including propagation of seedlings and distribution of cuttings from the grape-breeding program, and sampling, harvesting and winemaking in the experimental winery in Merbein.”
Ian was also involved in the local community. In 1969 he assisted the Apex service project “Walk Around Australia, Aid to Autism” in its Queensland stages. He would become President of the Apex Sunraysia Branch in the 1980s and in his later years a member of the Merbein Historical Society and Chaffey Aged Care Support Group.
Ian was a keen supporter of the College, being part of local reunions and serving as Branch President of the OGCA Mallee and SW Riverina. He was chairman of Project Pegasus in his local branch, supporting the fundraising campaign.
Ian passed away 24 January 2023, aged 89 years.
Sources: CoResearch February 1995, Northwest Funerals January 2023, Ad Astra, Pegasus, OGC 1946.