A veteran boss

By Russell Bennett
MOUNT Evelyn residents paid their respects to a community icon last Thursday at the funeral of former RSL president, Derek Crittenden.
He was many things to many people – a devoted father, a community-minded small business owner, and a visionary leader of his beloved RSL.
The 76-year-old died in Mildura on 6 January after a long battle with illness but will be remembered by the legacy he left on the Mount Evelyn community.
Current RSL president Roger Boness spoke at Mr Crittenden’s funeral about a man willing to join his country’s fight for freedom, and also one hell-bent on preserving the memory of those battles.
“Although in his early days with the RSL his business obligations meant he couldn’t spend as much time as he wanted there, he was always a willing contributor and often made generous donations to fundraising appeals – including the building fund,” Mr Boness said.
“During his time as president (elected in 2007), he was instrumental in organising negotiations with the shire to have the RSL take over the lease of the hall and in organising for the club to hold a dawn service on Anzac Day – an event that is now an entrenched part of the Mount Evelyn community calendar.”
But mourners at Mr Crittenden’s service were also reminded of his sharp sense of humour and cheeky nature.
He was recruited in 1953 to Australia’s National Service Scheme and, while still working full-time, trained to be ready to serve his country at the drop of a hat.
One weekend, his unit was sent to Fort Nepean at Portsea for training.
Mr Boness said one night, after a few amber ales, Mr Crittenden and some other servicemen decided to redesign some of Portsea’s famous cliffs with a few sticks of gelignite. Their aim was so bad, instead of blowing up a cliff, they exploded the officers’ toilet block.
Mr Boness presented Mr Crittenden with a certificate of appreciation on Remembrance Day last year on behalf of the other Mount Evelyn RSL members.
“This award wasn’t just for all his hard work for the club and for his performance as president, but also for his dedication to the Mount Evelyn community,” Mr Boness said.
“On the day, Derek thanked everyone involved and stated how highly he thought of the Mount Evelyn community.”
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan led Mr Crittenden’s service. Like Mr Boness, he was glowing in his praise of the former RSL president’s community efforts.
“(Derek) bought a milk bar in Mount Evelyn in the early ’80s,” Cr Heenan said. “There were many times that people couldn’t pay up-front for groceries but Derek and (then wife) Tina would always let them off and even forget about it completely, and as Derek’s girls knew, all the local kids got lots of free lollies.
“Derek also helped form the Mount Evelyn Lions Club. If some charity needed funds, Derek would help raise money for it.”
Mr Crittenden also helped form the Walking Stick Club for lonely and isolated elderly members of the Mount Evelyn community.
Through Lions’ fundraising, the club bought two buses to pick people up and take them for shopping outings.
“If he won a meat tray at the pub, Derek would find someone needy to give it to,” Cr Heenan said. “If a raffle prize was asked for, Derek would donate a set of tyres (from his Woori Yallock tyre sales). “His generosity knew no bounds.”
Mr Boness’ tribute to his old mate finished with a final personal message.
“Well Derek, we thought highly of you,” he said. “He was one of the few people I’ve met who no-one had a bad word for. He was liked by everyone.
“Only last week he told family members he wanted to be remembered as someone who was always willing to help and caused no harm. Derek, that’s how we will remember you. Lest We Forget.”