Stalwart remembered
DARRYL Morrison, a muchloved teacher at several of the region’s schools and a stalwart of Geelong’s sailing community, has been remembered as an adoring father and grandfather.
Mr Morrison, of Hamlyn Heights, died on September 1, aged 75.
He was head prefect at Geelong High School in 1960 and was married to Betty, who was head girl in 1961, for 51 years.
“He was very involved in anything he did,” Mrs Morrison said.
“He was always caring ... the three real loves of his life were his family, his academic work and his sailing.”
He trained at Geelong Teachers’ College and Melbourne Teachers’ College and taught at numerous schools, including in Alvie, Colac West and Norlane.
He went on to become a lecturer at Geelong Teachers’ College and studied commerce and law. In 1990 he became the first Masters of Commerce/ Law graduate from Deakin University in Geelong, Mrs Morrison said.
Mr Morrison then returned to the classroom, teaching at Newcomb High School.
He became an expert in legal studies, and helped write the first legal studies course for VCE as the teacher representative, and was a VCE marker and coordinated assessment in the Geelong region.
Mr Morrison taught legal studies and sailing and was the mooting coach at Geelong Grammar School, before retiring about seven years ago.
During his time as coach, the team won five state finals, with many of the students now successful lawyers, Mrs Morrison said.
Mr Morrison was also wellknown in the Geelong sailing community. Mrs Morrison said her husband had an amazing knowledge of boats.
He was a platinum member of 58 years with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, and Mrs Morrison said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be given honorary life membership at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria earlier this year.
He sailed in many successful yachts, as crew and later an owner, and was a crew member on the smallest yacht to win the Queenscliff to Devonport race.
Mr Morrison also competed in Sydney to Hobart races, and was on one of the few boats to finish the 1984 event, when strong winds forced many boats out of the race.
Mr Morrison is survived by wife Betty, daughters Felicity and Natalie, sons-in-law David and Anthony, grandchildren Harriet, Madeline, Charlotte and Miles, brother Roderick and sister-in-law Gwenda.