Remembering a true battler

By Helena Adeloju
WHEN Lindsay Thompson passed away last month, Warburton lost one of her favourite sons.
Born in Warburton in 1923 to parents, who were both teachers, his life typified the Aussie Battler spirit.
At age two, his father died, and he was raised by his mother in tough circumstances.
A diligent and committed student Mr Thompson won a scholarship to Caulfield Grammar, graduating as both dux and school captain.
He joined in the Australian Imperial Force during World War II serving in Papua New Guinea for almost two years as a signaller.
On returning, he attended Melbourne University, graduating with degrees in Arts (Honours) and Education, and then took to teaching first at Malvern Central School and later at Melbourne High School.
Joining the Liberal Party in 1947, Mr Thompson was elected to the Upper House in 1955 where he served for 15 years.
He was then elected to the Lower House in 1970 where he served a further 12 years.
Ever passionate about education in Victoria he served as the Minister for Education for 12 years, eventually becoming Deputy Premier to Dick Hamer, who he inherited the leadership from, and then served as Premier for 10 months.
He is most widely remembered for his legendary handshake and his handling of the 1972 Faraday school kidnapping during his time as Minister for Education, where he bravely stepped in to deliver a ransom demand for the teacher and six children who were being held hostage.
In a recent address to parliament, Premier Brumby expressed on behalf of the house, sincere sorrow at the death of the Honourable Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson and placed on record acknowledgment of the valuable services made by Thompson to the Parliament and the people of Victoria.
Opposition leader Ted Ballieu added that Mr Thompson was widely and deeply respected right across Victoria by all sides of politics, and genuinely loved by many.