Words: DAVID PASCOE (’69) with Assistance from John Digby (’69) and David Orr (’69)
Tim Gates (’69) was a man of very strong character, honesty and integrity. He was also a man of substantial intellect and was a champion in aquatic sports. He became an extraordinary teacher who loved the bush, the water and most of all, people. He was a man blessed with good looks and disarming charm, and a gift of being able to make a difference to the lives of the young adults in his charge.
Throughout his life, Tim had a great sense of fun and mischief; Tim worked at keeping the young man in himself alive. He loved to compete, and rejoiced equally in the success and achievements of others as he did his own. He was loyal to his friends and was always genuinely interested. In everything that he did he gave of himself.
Tim was born on 11 February 1952 to John, a prominent Melbourne architect renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, and Julie (née Griffith) a caring and devoted mother to Tim and his sisters Ann and Mary. These qualities which Tim inherited would become strengths in adulthood.
Tim matriculated at Scotch in 1969. At school he was an above-average student, a champion swimmer, and sang enthusiastically in the school choir. His mischievous nature often saw him in trouble and out of the choir as often as he was in. It is fair to say his true leadership skills were yet to emerge.
After matric Tim went on to Melbourne University, and in 1975 graduated with a Bachelor of Science. Uncertain of what to do in life he decided to give teaching a go, and obtained a Diploma of Education at Monash University.
In 1981, after short stints at Brighton and Carey Grammars, Tim joined the staff at Melbourne Grammar where he taught for the rest of his life. The first 10 years were spent as a science and biology teacher at Grimwade, and later at Wadhurst. Tim loved sports, and as Master-in-Charge of Swimming he skillfully and devotedly taught and coached boys in the swimming pool. Tim coached with equal passion on the football field; however, while Tim excelled in water sports his Grammar colleagues thought it ‘a Scotch College plot when he was put in charge of a football team’.
In 1992 Tim was appointed Director of Outdoor Education at the Robert Knox Camp in Woodend. Here Tim was in his element, and it was here that Tim further developed and shone as leader, teacher and mentor. It was at Woodend that Tim made his greatest impact on the Melbourne Grammar community.
At Tim’s memorial service, Headmaster Paul Sheahan said: ‘Many tributes have borne eloquent testimony of the love that reached out to Tim and [his wife] Jane. The one that stuck in my memory, and it sums up the influence Tim had in the Melbourne Grammar community and is part of the reason why he was held in such high regard: it is simply that he helped boys become men’.
Over 15 years and for over 8,000 Grammar boys, Tim made the Robert Knox Camp a challenging, happy and invaluable experience in their school lives. Following his death, Tim’s wife Jane received countless letters from boys expressing their grief and described the profound influence Tim had on their life. Tim’s passion for teaching and encouraging, and his capacity for genuine care, honesty and fairness earned him the boys’ respect. His competitive nature and determination for boys to succeed helped so many achieve beyond their expectations.
Tim married Jane (née Loveridge), a teacher at Scotch College, in 1988. He was a devoted and proud family man. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to work and play with daughters Sam, Sarah and Emma. Win or lose, he was proud of their achievements. Camp life was very demanding but it allowed family to become an integral part of daily activities. Jane managed the catering, and her reputation for the ‘world famous sticky toffee pudding’ meant the boys held Tim in even higher regard.
Tim was a legend as a surf lifesaver. Although a strong swimmer, it was board paddling that became Tim’s forte. He won five gold medals at state championships, and represented the state on numerous occasions, including overseas. He was Wishart Medal winner and HSV 7 Surf Life Saver of the Year in 1980, Wieland Shield representative 1981, 1983 and 1985 (as team captain) and five times club champion of the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club.
However, it was Tim’s work and leadership to ensure that the foundations of the surf lifesaving community which he loved were firmly in place which gave him true legend status. He worked assiduously as a clubman patrolling the beach, on committees and as club captain. In competition it was the example he set for both teammates and opposition for determination, honest endeavor and sportsmanship. He combined his surfing skills and knowledge with his exceptional teaching talent and gift for encouragement, to coach over 300 nippers each summer.
Tim enjoyed countless successes in open water swimming events over the decades. The week before he died he completed his 21st Lorne Pier to Pub, finishing close to the top of his class. He was in peak condition.
Tim’s 56-year journey ended in the early hours of Thursday 10 January, from injuries incurred in a surfing accident. He had just finished a board paddling session with his daughter Sarah and friend Luci when a wave dumped him on a sandbar.
On Saturday 12 January, thousands gathered at the Fairhaven Beach to pay tribute. Hundreds swam and paddled out to sea to bid him farewell. Later that week the Melbourne Grammar memorial hall overflowed, as tributes were said and his favorite music played. The farewell given to Tim Gates was a clear testament to the impact he had on the lives of so many people.
When the accident occurred that took Tim’s life, Tim was in his element doing what he loved: surfing and teaching. In the end, Tim had made an extraordinary contribution. It was cruel but fitting that he died in his Speedos with sand between his toes. GS
