Ronald Fife Fallaw
October 22, 1931-January 29, 2010
OBITUARY
Ronald Fife Fallaw
October 22, 1931-January 29, 2010
RON Fallaw was last week remembered as a man who lived a full life with many passions and an intimate involvement in his community.
Mr Fallaw died on Friday, January 29, after a long illness and was farewelled at a funeral at St Peter's Anglican Church in Mornington last Friday.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor David Gibb was among the first to express his condolences, on behalf of shire councillors, over the death of Mr Fallaw, who was a Shire of Mornington councillor from 1964-66 and shire president in 1966.
A long-time and much-decorated Rotarian, Mr Fallaw was for many years a driving force behind the annual Mornington Rotary Art Show, of which The Mail is a sponsor.
He was also instrumental in creating the venue in which the art show, and many other pivotal music and arts events, are now held.
When it was announced that Mornington High School would relocate in 1999, Mr Fallaw, a founding member and past president of Peninsula Music Society, campaigned to save Findlay Hall, the school's large auditorium, which was noted for its good acoustics and was the venue for the fine music concerts of PMS.
An accomplished violinist, Mr Fallaw was for a number of years first violinist with Frankston Symphony Orchestra.
Through the music society he was instrumental in bringing some of the world's best classical musicians to the Mornington Peninsula. In addition to presenting an annual program of renowned international and Australian performers, since 2000 the society has provided an annual bursary program to help talented peninsula music students further their potential.
The Mail arts columnist Andrea Ford lamented the death of Mr Fallaw: "A scholar, a gentleman and the much-loved husband of fellow musician Margaret; the Mornington Peninsula has lost a determined and passionate role model."
A civil engineer by profession, Mr Fallaw was an active member of the Rotary Club of Mornington and was twice awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, the organisation's highest award.
He championed the causes of those less fortunate and helped the Rotary club become a strong supporter of Biala, an education and support centre for young children with special needs and their families.
Fellow Rotarian John Renowden remembered Mr Fallaw as a "practical hands-on guy" who, in his daily life and community pursuits, demonstrated the organisation's principles of always being truthful, fair, building goodwill and acting for the betterment of the wider community.
Mr Fallaw is survived by Margaret, his wife of 52 years, siblings David, Mardi and Charlie, four children and 12 grandchildren.
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