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In 1921 on the 22nd January, Robert passed away after having
spent the last eleven years in a wheelchair as the result of a stroke. It must
have been a great consolation to him in those last years to be able to look
around and see what he and Catherine had achieved. His family had all married,
the girls moving to new areas to start new lives, and his two sons working so
successfully together as Starritt Brothers on a farm consisting of 1,400 acres.
It was something to be proud of for having started with virtually nothing. The
Shepparton news of the day reported the death of Robert in the following way:
Death of an Old Pioneer.
Mr R. Starritt, an old colonist and highly esteemed
member of the community at North Mooroopna passed peacefully away on
Saturday 22nd.
About eleven years ago Mr Starritt suffered from a
paralytic stroke which confined him to his bed until the time of his death.
His Christian fortitude, aided by special nursing care, kept up his spirits
until the last.
The late Mr Starritt was one of the pioneers of North
Mooroopna and has been 56 years in the State.
He was 80 years of age.
The deceased leaves a family of five. Viz. Messrs R. &
G. Starritt (North Mooroopna) Mrs Rankin, Mrs Thomas and Mrs Rathjen. The
funeral took place on Sunday 23rd inst. and was very largely attended,
friends being present from Kyabram, Rochester, Ardmona, Shepparton and
Mooroopna.
The Rev. N. M. Jaboor officiated at the graveside
Robert and George worked the holding as Starritt Brothers
following their father's death. Robert being keen on the cropping and keeping
the cash books, and George on the stock and looking after the stud records of
the Border Leicester sheep. They were stalwarts of the Presbyterian Church at
North Mooroopna built in 1902, and from 1910 Robert was Secretary and George was
Treasurer for forty years.
In 1899, George contracted hydatits and the local doctor
suggested operating at the Royal Mail Hotel in Mooroopna. But his father
insisted on taking him to Melbourne where Sir Thomas Fitzgerald performed the
operating. Although he was many weeks recuperating he recovered well and lived
almost until his 90th birthday.
Both their wives were excellent cooks being well known for
their hospitality. They had much success with their cooking, such as preserves,
and flowers at both Tatura and Shepparton shows. It was only natural that
Robert's daughters, Kitty, Jean and Phyllis and George's daughter Mavis followed
in this trend also.
Both Robert and George served on the school committee. George
being correspondent for many years. They were instrumental on getting a tennis
court established at the school, besides having a court each at their homes.
They were always interested in the matches and tournaments in the surrounding
district.
George served on the committee of the Shepparton Agricultural
Society for many years being honoured with a life membership. He was also on the
committee of the Australian Society of Breeders of British Sheep and made of
life member.
He and Ray continued with the Border Leicester sheep and also
had a stud of Southdowns.
in 1944 they commenced a stud of Beef Shorthorn cattle and
later Poll Shorthorns. From this Ray became involved in committees and served
terms as President of the Beef Shorthorn Societies of Victoria, then Federal
President of the Beef and Poll Shorthorn Societies. At present he is Vice
President of the World Shorthorn Council, and was Chairman of the Second World
Council in Sydney. He held the office of President of both State and Federal
branches of the Trust Society of Breeders of British Sheep Society and has been
Vice President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria for the last ten
years.
For his work in the sheep industry he was awarded the OBE in
1977.
Robert's two sons Norman and Alan were very keen tennis
players and went on to win a Victorian Country Doubles title together, Norman
winning another one with Gerry Gaffy also.
Football was another great interest and Norman, Alan and Ray
played first with Undera Club and then in the premiership sides with Mooroopna
in 1936, 1937 and 1938.
They all joined the Mooroopna Masonic Lodge and each attained
the rank of Worshipful Master. Norman now holds the rank of Past Deputy Grand
Master and is a representative of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, U.S.A. in the
Uniting Grand Lodge of Victoria.
Norman took over the position of Secretary of the North
Mooroopna Presbyterian Church after the death of his father from a heart attack
in 1933 at the early age of 58 and is now an elder of the Uniting Church. He has
been Secretary of the local fire brigade for thirty-two years.
Alan farmed that part that was called "Rosedale" by his
father then changing the name to "Jenalan". He was an excellent sportsman and
his untimely death from a heart attack at the age of forty-two was a great shock
to all.
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