Sadly, Rob Porter passed away on 25 December 2023. Rob’s commitment to the community of Officer was steadfast and absolute.
Rob’s father, James Porter, arrived in Officer from Ireland in the 1930’s. He was a bridge builder, employed by the Country Roads Board. James married local girl Jean Tivendale on 16 November 1935 at the Officer Union Church. They had four sons, Edward, George, Robert and Russell. All the boys attended Officer Primary School.
After completing Primary School Rob then went on to Dandenong Technical School serving his apprenticeship in Plumbing with Graham Edwards from Nar Nar Goon. Rob won the Victorian Plumbing Top Apprenticeship of the year in 1962. On completion of his apprenticeship Rob established his own business, Porter Plumbing Service.
Rob loved sport, especially football. He played for the Officer Football Club, where he won best and fairest Award for the South West Gippsland League. Rob was thrilled when he had a season playing for Hawthorn Football Club.
In January 1966 Rob married his childhood sweetheart Carol Gilbert in the Officer Union Church. They built their home in Officer and had two sons, Geoffrey and Gavin. Rob and Carol enjoyed being involved in the local community groups. Rob coached the Officer Football Club senior team, he was President of the Officer Football Club and for 51 years President of the Officer Recreation Reserve Committee. He was awarded a life membership for both the Officer Football Club and the Cricket Club.
He was on many committees throughout his life including, Officer and District Community Association, the Officer Public Hall Committee, Officer Scouts and the Officer Union Church Committee.
Rob was nominated and won several community awards, the Cardinia Shire Stan Henwood Award 2015 and the Senior Citizen Award 2020.
Family, friends and the Officer community will be forever grateful to Rob, he gave his best and we are all the better for having known him.
By Penny Harris Jennings
