By KATH GANNAWAY
DOUG Gunn was a heritage/history warrior.
That’s how the many people who called him friend and colleague remember the 80-year-old who came up from the city to live in Millgrove and in his own, quiet way made his mark.
In a tribute in the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society newsletter, president Tom O’Meara, thanked Doug for his memorable participation and valued contributions over the years.
“Local history is preserved because of you and diminished because of your absence,” he said.
Doug was born on 9 August 1935, and grew up in East Coburg, the middle child of Kenneth and Louise Gunn’s three boys – brother Ken, the oldest and Laurie the youngest.
In moving to Millgrove over 20 years ago, he found the perfect place to follow the interests that he loved most – history, books, food, walking, camping and just being at home in great outdoors.
Exploring the history of Upper Yarra wasn’t enough for Doug.
He was a valued member of several historical societies, including Mount Waverley and his heartland, Coburg, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV), the Association of Eastern Historical Societies where he was deputy president for many years, the Brunswick History Group and various Mechanics Institutes including Warburton and Prahran.
Among many people who paid tribute to Doug at his funeral service was Andrew Lemon, past president of the RHSV.
He described Doug as “the perfect volunteer”.
He was also a valued member and vice-president of the Warburton Senior Citizens Club.
WSCC treasurer and friend, Frank Mutsaers said Doug was an active member and committee man who also took it on himself to raise and lower the flag at the club rooms every Thursday.
“He loved his garden, he loved his food and he was passionate about history.
“Doug used to go to the city sometimes and stay over for the weekend doing the rounds of museums and the State Library.
“We could not speak too highly of him,” he said.
The WSCC plans to erect a plaque near the flag pole in recognition of Doug’s service to the community and to the club.
Doug Gunn died on 8 December 2015 and was farewelled at a service in Ringwood on 23 December.
He will be sadly missed by family, friends and the Upper Yarra community.
