NALL, Kenneth Spencer OAM (1924-2011), Ken Nall, the son of parents John Spencer Nall and Marjorie St Aubyn nee Snell, attended the College as a day student from his kindergarten year in 1930 until Form VI in 1942. In his last year he was a member of the Debating Committee, a School Prefect, House Captain of Warrinn, Athletics Captain and a Cadet Corps Lieutenant as well as editing the School Magazine
Pegasus and rowing in the 1st VIII. He has held many positions associated with the School including Membership of the College Council from 1960 to 1974 and again from 1992 to 1997, Presidency of the Old Collegians’ Association from 1961 to 1963, Membership of the College Foundation Board from its establishment in 1987 to 1996 and its presidency from 1993 to 1996. His contribution has led to his appointment as Fellow of the Old Collegians’ Association (1995) and Life Governorship of the College (2003).
Ken Nall.
Ken served as a flying instructor with the RAAF during World War II and after a brief period as a university student returned to the family business Bright and Hitchcock’s department store in Geelong. The Nall family purchased Bright and Hitchcock before themselves selling it in 1968 after which Ken moved to Myer as the manager of the Geelong store. He was later appointed a Director of their southern stores.
Although Ken retired in 1981 his belief in community involvement remained strong and he maintained his local involvement through a diversity of community activities. These included membership of the Rotary Club of Geelong for 48 years, President in 1970-71 and later as Rotary District Governor. For his Rotary Service, he was made a Paul Harris Fellow and presented with the rare 'Four Avenues of Service Award'. Ken assisted many charitable and welfare organisations and was Geelong adviser to the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust. Other organisations he assisted included the Geelong Region Council for Christian Education in Schools, Geelong and District Nursing Service, United Way and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce. He was a faithful member of the Wesleyan Church in Geelong, being leader of the Property Board for many years. In acknowledgement of his community service Ken was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2005.
The Principal, Dr Turner and Geoff Neilson, Life Governor of the College described Ken as having
'served the College with love, generosity, dignity and distinction' and that he
'was a quiet, unassuning man, charming everyone with his constant smile and twinkle in his eye.' Ken died on 15 March, 2011 Three of Ken and Marj's four children attended the College - John (OGC 1956), Peter (OGC 1958), and Jenny (OGC 1973).
Sources: Geelong Advertiser 21 Feb 2005; Geelong Advertiser 26 Jan 2005; Geelong Independent 12 May 2006; Ad Astra June 2011 p40.