My uncle, Albert John ‘Jack’ Lawrence, was born on April 2, 1916. He died on November 28, 2005.

The Order of Service at the celebration of his life, held on Thursday, December 1, 2005, at Le Pine Chapel, Ivanhoe, included this tribute:

Jack was born on April 2, 1916, to Albert Fletcher (Bert) and Honora Lawrence at Clarendon St, Thornbry. Although christened Albert John, and signing himself as A.J., he was always known as Jack, in order to not be confused with his father.

Jack’s extended family, including his father, grandfather and uncles, ran a successful leather tannery in Thornbury and Jack’s childhood and many lifelong interests were shaped by this – family were always close by as the business was run from a large factory down the lane from the house; there were always lots of uncles around with cars and motorbikes, plenty of interesting equipment and chemicals; music and community involvement through his parent’s interest(s); and Jack gained an enduring love of learning through schools that he recalled fondly – Wales St State School and Northcote and University High Schools.

The building of a beach house at Merricks Beach when Jack was about 8, also helped define his life. He spent every Christmas holiday and many weekends at Merricks, over a period of over 80- years; and had a great love for the place and the boating and other activities associated with it.

As the oldest of five children and the only boy to grow to adulthood, Jack was given a special place in his family. After leaving school he was able to attend University and gained a Bachelor of Science in 1935. He went to work at the Commonwealth Analysts Office and then the CSIRO’s 20-year club, as well as being a leading researcher in the field of dairy technology.

At CSIRO, Jack met and later met his beloved wife Jill. They were married in 1953 and moved to Eaglemont, to a house they lived in for the rest of their lives. After Jill died some 18 years ago, Jack continued to live in the house until his final illness a few weeks ago. They had two children, Joyce and Geoffrey, and Jack was also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren – Tristan, Callum and Erin.

There were many aspects to Jack’s life and he lived them with enthusiasm and commitment. Just to give a few examples:

• He was an active radio amateur over a period of more than 25 years – part of a group of ‘radio friends’ who spoke to one another every morning; and also contributing to community safety at events such as the Victorian Bike Ride.

• He was a Scout from an early age, progressing from Scouts to Rovers to the BP Guild of Former Scouts and Guides, a service arm of the scouting movement of which he was president for some years.

• He was a flight training instructor during the Second World War, contributing many hours per week on top of his normal job, which was regarded as a ‘protected’ occupation, preventing him from serving full-time. He recalled his War service with particular joy and gained a great deal from telling stories and being able to attend Air Force events.

• He was a Freemason for over 50 years – initially joining the Hickford Lodge in 1947, and subsequently an active member of a number of Lodges in the Eaglemont/Ivanhoe area. More recently, he joined the Transition Lodge for less active members. It was very fitting that his life concluded at the Freemasons Hospital.

• He was a respected member and chair of a range of scientific advisory committees and made a significant contribution to the dairy industry, culminating in him being elected as President of the Australian Society of Dairy Technology and representing them at world events.

• He loved music and in his youth, loved dancing. He played many instruments and particularly enjoyed the piano accordion and clarinet. He also loved to travel, and spent much of his time driving. He was proud of the fact that he had been a continuous membership of the RACV for well over 60 years; and devastated by the loss of his independence and ability to drive after his heart attack.

• He was always learning something new and maintained a keen interest in many topics – doing the rounds of local libraries for books on anything from biblical history to computers, geology to poetry.

• And he was a devoted husband, father, family member and friend. He loved Jill dearly, and was delighted by his grandchildren. He set high standards for his children to follow and was proud of their achievements. He maintained a close contact with his son and daughter, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephew, phoning, visiting or writing to them regularly, interested an involved in what they were doing. Likewise with his friends, many of whom were lifelong.