PATON, Andrew James Gordon (Mike) (1933-2016)
With E. Paton
Mike Paton boarded at the College from 1946-1948, in both Mackie and Warrinn Houses. His father Archibald OGC 1929, along with many cousins, also attended the College. Each term he made the long journey from his family’s property near Tallangatta, taking the train to Wodonga, Melbourne and finally to Geelong. He enjoyed time spent at the House of Guilds and riding his bike to Lake Connewarre on the weekends.
At the end of 1948, Mike returned to the family farm in Noorongong in the Mitta Valley. He worked on the farm as well as some time helping his cousin, John Shuter OGC 1939, develop an irrigation block at Wakool.
Mike also served as a ‘Nasho’ in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) for a number of years.
Mike married Elaine Jamieson and they have two daughters. Elaine boarded at Morongo (MOC) and attended Chemistry classes at Geelong College.
Mike spent 40 years farming at the family property, then after the partnership was dissolved continued farming with his wife, producing yearling beef for the domestic market. They sold the business in 2010 and moved to Tallangatta. In his retirement, Mike enjoyed travelling, including overseas. He was inspired by his time at the College, and reports of the Exploration Society trips, to visit Alice Springs and Uluru.
Over the years, Mike volunteered, serving his community in many areas. In the 1960s he joined the Tallangatta Apex, bcoming a Life Member in 1973. He served on the eldership and church council at St Andrews Uniting Church, Tallangatta. After the Ash Wednesday fires, he travelled to Allansford to help rebuild fences. And worked on the restoration of a mountain cattleman’s hut at Mount Wills. He served on the Fernvale Recreation Reserve Management Committee, as well as 50 years membership of the Noorongong CFA.
Mike passed away 20 August 2016, aged 83 years.
Sources: E. Paton April 2023, The Border Mail 29 August 2016, Pegasus, OGC 1948.