Farewell to a true gentleman

A talented sportsman in his day, 89 year old John (Polly) Parker (’48) passed away peacefully on 5 November 2020 after struggling with ill health for several months.

A true gentleman, Polly graduated from CBC Fremantle in 1948 with a score of track and field records to his name. He remained a lover of the sport, being involved with the local athletics club throughout his life. In fact, the fleet-footed superstar of the broad jump met the love of his life on the field and seven years later the young couple were finally wed in St Luke’s Church in Mosman Park.

Shirley and Polly went on to have four children, Alan (deceased), Jennifer, Rodney (deceased) and Karen (deceased), and were the proud grandparents of five grandchildren, including Keenan (’13) who followed in his grandad’s footsteps as a CBC boy.

After completing his schooling, Polly gained an apprenticeship in carpentry and ran his own business before working in the oil refinery business for several years. He then went back to carpentry, doing odd jobs and maintenance work for a while before finding deep joy working at Curtin University as a purchasing officer. He retired in 1996 and spent his leisure years enjoying his grandchildren, watching the AFL, keeping in touch with his old classmates and being a long-time member of the Alumni Association committee. He continued to be a competitive sportsman while he was still active, and was a member of the East Fremantle Bowling Club for many years.

It says much for the gentle and giving nature of Polly that he transferred his allegiance from the Fremantle Dockers to West Coast in order to maintain domestic bliss as Shirley was a keen supporter of the Eagles.

As his health deteriorated, Polly retired from the Alumni Association committee and was thrilled to be presented with a watch by his peers just days before his passing. His pride in his old College and the love he had for his family was always evident, and the sparkle in his eye and happy smile will never be forgotten.

The CBC Old Boys Cricket team in 1955 with Polly seated second from left in the front row.