PURNELL, Robert William (1929-2021).jpg)
R Purnell, 1st VIII 1947
Robert Purnell was born in 1929 to Norman Robert (OGC 1905) and Ida Mary Purnell of 89 Prospect Road. Robert was enrolled as a Day Student at The Geelong College from 1936, attending from Kindergarten to Form VE in 1948.
At Senior School he rowed in the 2nd in 1946 then 1st VIII rowing crew 1947-1948. He was appointed Captain of Boats and was on the Rowing Committee 1947-48. His father Norman Robert was a strong supporter of rowing at the College, which his son took up post his school career. He was a rowing coach at The Geelong College from the mid-fifties until 1972 coaching the boys crews in 2nd, 3rd and 4th VIIIs.
Robert was Athletics Captain, School Prefect and Calvert House Captain. He received a number of school and house colours, and caps, for athletics and rowing. He rose to the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant in the Cadets.
Robert was a founding member of the Albert Bell Club in 1975 and later became a Life Member and Patron of the Club. On the 3 February 1996, Robert officially opened the new boatshed. In his speech on the day he recounted wonderful rowing stories reflecting the long and proud tradition of rowing at the College.
Apart from rowing, he and his wife Ann were key supporters of the College. He was a founding director of The Geelong College Foundation between 1987 and 1989.
Robert and Ann’s four children also attended The Geelong College.
Sources: S. Chirnside October 2021, The Age 2 October 2021, Pegasus, Ad Astra, OGC 1944.