By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY
A short but empathetic service was held at the Mt Buller Alpine Chapel on 13 June where nine well-known former identities of the mountain were remembered.
The annual memorial service, conducted by Very Reverend Tony Kerin JCL VG, Vicar General, heard brief outlines of the lives of Peter Witton, Winston Taylor, Victoria Hamilton, Denise George, Ian Morley, Jorg Dutschke, Felicity Moss, Carol ‘Floss’ Donnell and Michael Wedlock.
In the stories of remembrance of those who had passed, Wendy McGee spoke of the connections of Peter Witton, Victoria Hamilton and Denise George, all long-term members of the APIRA Club.
Peter Witton joined APIRA in 1975 and, like so many members, never left.
He was a regular and consistent contributor to that club’s life for more than 35 years.
Victoria Hamilton, aged 100 when she passed, was a member of APIRA for more than 40 years.
‘Vic’, as she was affectionately called, was described as being beautifully cared for and maintained her dignity, grace and gentle nature through her final moments battling Alzheimer’s.
Members remember her as being vivacious, outgoing and joyful and having a serious love of skiing.
Mt Buller was her playground, with the women’s downhill her favourite run.
She loved the alpine environs and saw great beauty in the mountains everywhere she travelled, but the snow gums on Buller remained her favourite photographic subject.
Denise George was an associate member of APIRA for more than 45 years.
Wife of the late Ern George – the oldest beginning ski instructor at Buller – Denise was known to many as ‘Bub’ but didn’t ski herself.
She supported Ern’s hobby and obsession with skiing unreservedly.
She loved Mt Buller and the APIRA Ski Club.
Denise was known to cook and clean through many a working bee, rebuild or extension until late into her 80s.
Winston Taylor was fondly remembered for his time on Mt Buller and his love of the mountains.
Believed to be a founding member of one of Buller’s many clubs, his passion for the snow saw him become a ski instructor.
He also encouraged his children to ski and love the mountains from a very early age.
Ian Morley – also known on the mountain as ‘Silver Fox’ – spent many years on Buller, owning a small apartment which his wife Margaret and family enjoyed during many visits to the mountain, the snow and the camaraderie of friends.
He was also a long-term bus driver employed by MMBL.
Also spoken of during the service was Carol ‘Floss’ Donnell, who had at various stages managed lodges and was well known for her cleaning services.
Always friendly and obliging, Lotte Grimus spoke fondly of her.
At the end of the service, after candles were lit in remembrance, it was noted that attendee Bob Fleming was celebrating his 84th birthday, to which everyone stood around and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.
Although still very much alive, Bob reflected on the memory of those who had passed.
Bob has been on the mountain since 1969 and his wife Christine joined him in 1976.
They have since run Kofflers.
The couple have seen many a friend come and go during their time on Buller.