Generosity of gracious man fondly recalled

JOHN Robb AM, who has died aged 88, will be remembered in the Geelong community for his volunteer spirit and dedication to aged care services.

In 1976, Mr Robb joined the board of the Grace McKellar House, now known as the McKellar Centre, and later served as a president and vice president for several years before leaving in 1996 as a Life Governor.

Mr Robb, pictured, represented the end of an era, with his 16 years on the board overseeing the transition from Grace McKellar House to the Grace McKellar Centre. He was very proud of the McKellar board, especially the way it worked with management to support each other for the good of the health service.

Mr Robb’s gracious manner and gentle sense of humour were a great influence on the ethos of community, care and cooperation among staff, board and management.

His extraordinary commitment to community service also showed in long term involvement in Geelong organisations and institutions, including Rotary Club of Geelong West where he volunteered for more than 50 years. Mr Robb even became a McKellar volunteer during industrial action, cancelling a holiday to Noosa to serve meals to residents for several weeks.

He saw what started as an “old folks’ home” evolve into a world leader in aged care, with a visit from Queen Elizabeth in 1988, and is now a vibrant community asset offering rehabilitation and aged care.

His legacy continues with Barwon Health through the John Robb Clinical Library at Barwon Health’s St Mary’s Library and Research Centre.