Search...
Scotch College has lost one of its favourite sons. Brian Randall’s lifelong commitment and contribution to Scotch was of the highest order. Brian’s love for his school, and its community, was apparent from the day he entered Scotch’s gates on 5 February 1946.
A talented all-rounder at school, Brian was an Athletics team member from 1949 to 1952 (1949 winners, 1952 Vice-Captain) and a member of the premiership winning 1952 1st XVIII. Brian was a 1951 Probationer and 1952 Prefect. He went on to play football at the Old Scotch Football Club.
However it was Brian's service to Scotch which truly elevates him. He was a member of the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association Council (1967-95), its Vice-President (1978-80) and its 1981 President. Brian served on the School Council (1981-96), providing wise counsel, particularly in relation to matters relating to finances and investments.
It was his involvement with the Scotch College Foundation for which Brian is best known. A founding board member (1973-2014), he was its Vice-President (1974-78) and President (1990-93), becoming the Foundation’s patriarch through his lengthy, thoughtful and devoted service. From 1973 Brian was the only constant through the Scotch College Foundation’s first 50 years. The Randall Building (opened in 2000) honours his service and extremely generous philanthropy.
Brian's wise counsel, friendship and longstanding generosity will be greatly missed by everyone associated with Scotch. His consistent encouragement, his warm and positive nature and his common decency also defined him. He visited Scotch within days of his death.
The energy and great passion Brian brought to all that he did, whether it be in sport, business, the numerous associations and clubs with which he was involved, or pro-bono work for non-profit organisations, is great testament to his character and to the values by which he lived. In many respects he was the embodiment of a life well lived in the traditions of the ‘Scottish enlightenment’, through his belief in education, personal responsibility and enterprise, and the importance of service in building a better society.
Brian was a strong fighter as he confronted significant personal and family medical challenges during the final chapter of his life. Each challenge was met with a quiet and resolute determination that characterised so much of his life.
Scotch sends sincere condolences to Brian's children Sally, Michael (’78), Penny, James (’82) and their families.
