McPHERSON, Walter Alexander (1864-1926)
Walter Macpherson, a talented sportsman, was born at Avoca, Victoria on 7 August 1864.
He was a son of Peter McPherson and Eliza nee Ocock, and boarded at the Geelong College from 10 February 1880. His name was spelt ‘McPherson’ on enrolment but is spelt as ‘Macpherson’ in some records. His address at the time of enrolment was 'Paika Station', New South Wales. At College, he was a member of both the 1st Cricket XI and the 1st Football XX in 1882 and won the Geelong College Cup in 1880. The Annual Report of 1880 records him gaining 1st Prize in Drawing.
He died on 30 November 1926 at 'Goonambil', New South Wales.
Pegasus reported his death in December 1926:
'Walter Macpherson passed away at his home, Goonambil, via The Rock, New South Wales, after several years spent in ill health.
Having sold the old home at 'Paika', Balranald, several years ago, he purchased 'Goonambil', near Urana, when he took his son, Ronny, into partnership.
Walter was perhaps, one of the greatest footballers ever turned out of the College - in fact, all round he was a great athlete. After winning the College Cup in 1880, he played for several years in both the football and cricket teams, as well as with the first Geelong XX. He has filled the position of President of the Old Geelong Collegians' Association (OGCA), and at all times has proved himself a very loyal and generous Old Boy and benefactor of the College.
Peter, his youngest son still attends the school, whilst Ronny manages 'Goonambil', where he resides with his mother and sisters, to whom we extend our deepest and most heartfely sympathy in their sorrow'
Walter's sons, Walter Ronald MacPherson (1900-1952) and Peter MacPherson (1909-1976) were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Pegasus December 1926 p49.