By REBECCA BILLS
WELL-known Mount Evelyn Returned Services League (RSL) member Ralph Groube Proctor sadly passed away early this week.
Born 20 February, 1915 in Hay New South Wales, the 98-year-old passed away peacefully on Sunday 8 December, 2013 in Lilydale.
Mr Proctor spent his early years as a keen sportsman and in his teens moved to a farming block with his family in Monbulk.
In Mr Proctor’s autobiography, “Aim High – Proc’s Journey,” he said in 1939 when the war broke out in Europe he joined the Royal Australian Air Force and went participated in World War II.
“I watched a lot of my mates lose their lives,” he said.
“I was one of the fortunate ones to have survived.”
The number 295 Squadron RAAF Veteran of D-Day and Arnhem Member of the Mount Evelyn RSL has been described by President Roger Boness as a loving and proud family man, an esteemed member and a true gentleman.
Mr Proctor was the father of seven and adored grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A service to celebrate the life of Mr Proctor will be held on Monday 16 December at William Matthews Funeral Home, located at 45/49 Cave Hill Road, Lilydale, at 2.30pm.
His family has requested a full RSL funeral.
For the full story, see next week’s Mail.
