FAMILY, friends and community members said goodbye to Melvyn (Mel) Gowing on Wednesday, 14 December, at the Lilydale Memorial Park.
The Yarra Valley FM radio stalwart and long-time Upper Yarra SES member passed away on Thursday, 8 December, 2016.
Mel enjoyed a rich, fulfilling life within the community he loved, after the adventurous soul moved to Australia in his youth.
On 23 June 1937, Mel was born in Middlesex in the UK, but he was keen to have the Australian sun on his back.
So he boarded a ship to Australia, then leaving behind his mother, Gwen, and sister, Jean.
He loved the adventure and soon settled with an Australian wife of 18 years, Gloria, and they had three very individual daughters.
Mel’s career mostly included his work as an insurance claims officer in South Melbourne and in Doncaster.
He established some of his longest friendships through his involvement with the Parra Park Cooperative Game Reserve in Gippsland, where he contributed more than 40 years to the game reserve.
On 28 January, 1991, Mel, among others, took the Oath of Allegiance in the naturalisation ceremony in the Healesville Sanctuary.
Being community minded, Mel went on to give 10 years to the SES in the Valley, including bringing better telecommunications to the region.
Keeping it local, he succeeded in lobbying for the much-needed After Hours clinic, which was approved by then federal health minister, Tony Abbott.
Mel has also been one of the voices of the Yarra Valley for YVFM and became a life member, after training up his share of students.
Mel enjoyed interviewing the likes of Denise Drysdale and Becky Cole.
He was very much involved in politics, too, and interviewed his share of politicians such as Fran Bailey, Bronwyn Bishop and Mr Abbott.
Mel enjoyed many years of Australian Outback trips with his long-time mates, where annually they would hire a small plane and travel to remote Australian sites like the Kimberly’s, Arnhem Land and Thursday Island.
He loved the King Island produce with his ‘Gamy meats’ such as kangaroo, wild duck and Barramundi.
Mel always appreciated the finest wines and dining, which he and his sweetheart wife, Val, along with friends, regularly enjoying the beautiful wineries and restaurants in the Valley.
Every Sunday, he would tune into Macca’s Australia All Over and reminisce while the calls came in from near and far.
Daughter Julie paid tribute to Dad, praising his sense of humour.
“Mel has been the fairest most honest role model I know, and always made sure we had a good belly laugh before ending any conversation,” she said.
“We all know what a fine example his presence has made to the family and community.
“To me, his daughter, he was and always will be the benchmark for integrity.”
