Obituaries Australia

David Strachan, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 February 1914

Mr. Strachan, whose death was noted in our last issue, was well known in the Geelong wool trade. He was widely known and greatly esteemed in business circles. He was born at Montrose, Forfarshire, Scotland, and came to Australia at the age of seventeen years. He entered the office of Messrs. Phipps, Turnbull and Co. as junior clerk, and in 1875 joined the firm of Messrs. Dennys, Lascelles, Austin and Co., of Geelong, as bookkeeper. Two years later he became a partner, and remained so until failing health compelled him to retire in 1911. His services, however, were retained in an advisory capacity until the firm was transformed into a company, when he became a director. He filled his various positions with conspicuous ability, and Mr. Lascelles speaks of him as an ideal business man of exceptional judgment and foresight, and one whose advice was always sought in matters of moment. With the principal and the staff he enjoyed immense popularity, and no man had fewer enemies.

Apart from business he found time for recreation. Golf was his favourite sport, and he was one of the founders of the Geelong Golf Club.

Mr. Strachan took a keen interest in all public matters that affected the welfare of his adopted city, Geelong, and also pertaining to State and Commonwealth. He was from first to last a thorough-going Liberal, and although he did not figure as a platform speaker, was an ardent worker in the cause. From his advent in Geelong he was connected with St. George's Presbyterian Church. In his earlier years he assisted as a member of the choir, and for many years was a valued and helpful member of the board of management.

He was generous to a degree, and no appeal was ever made to him in vain. His kindly strong face, sympathetic heart, high sense of honour, and genial manner attracted people to him, and endeared him to all who were privileged to come into closer contact with him.

Mr. Strachan was a bachelor, and the only surviving members of his family are two sisters at present residing at Bournemouth, England.

Mr. Strachan will be missed by a wide circle of friends outside his business relationships. The world is the poorer by his passing from us.