SPROAT, Timothy William (1941-2022)
Tim was born to Andrew (OGC 1922) and Mabel in 1941. At the time of his enrolment at The Geelong College, the family were living at Banyenong near Donald. Tim boarded at the college from 1952-1959, completing Form LIVA to VI.
Tim was a talented athlete and he excelled in many sports. From his days in the Preparatory School, Tim regularly placed in top three in athletics and swimming. When he entered the senior school he continued to excel, featuring in the football teams to 1st XVIII in 1958; the 1st rowing crew in 1958-1959; Athletics and Relay teams, including as captain in 1957-1958. Many trophies and awards were held high: the Athol J. Wilson Cup Under 15 Athletic Championship 1956; the G.W.C. Ewan Cup Under 16 Athletic Championship 1957; Dr Gus Kearney Memorial Prize “for proficiency in schoolwork, combined with prowess in athletic sports,” 1958; and, Nigel Boyes Trophy 1st Open Athletic Field Games Events 1958 and 1959. Tim was the stroke of the 1st VIII rowing crew when they won the Head of the River in 1959. In these sports Tim was awarded numerous School and House honours, colours and cap.
Off the field, Tim was School Prefect in 1959. He was also captain of McArthur House when they won the interhouse competition in that same year. In this final year, Tim also was co- sports editor of the Pegasus and served on the rowing and PFA committees.
Following school, Tim returned to the family property near Donald before eventually moving to Armidale where he spent some of the time working at the Financial Management Research Centre.
In the late 1970s Tim returned to Geelong to work at Deakin University before moving on to be Financial Controller for Hartwell Builders and Renhurst Products. In the 1980s Tim became involved in the OGCA and served as President from 1987-1990, as well as the Albert Bell Club.
Tim was married to Jacqui and his son Hamish also attended the college (OGC 1984).
Tim passed away 15 September 2022, aged 80 years.
Sources: The Age 17 September 2022, Pegasus, Ad Astra, OGC 1955.