In January Ryder-Cheshire Australia farewelled one of its founding members Doctor Donald (Don) Sinclair. He was one of Victoria’s foremost educators, a prodigious textbook author, an Antarctic tourism pioneer and a globe-trotting geographer and humanitarian.
Don met Group Captain Leonard Cheshire in the 1960s. This would subsequently lead to Don’s 50-plus-year involvement with Ryder Cheshire.
New Zealand Chair Carolyn Tapley says she has many fond memories of her times with Don.
“He had a great sense of humour and told wonderful stories. He was a humble man who served the community and mankind in his own quiet way.”
Carolyn says that it is with sadness that she remembers Don and the tremendous support he gave her.
“Whenever he gave you advice you knew it was the best advice ever. I remember attending the Jubilee celebrations at Raphael in India. He spent some time coaching me for my speech. After reading Don’s eulogies I realise the incredible wealth of knowledge this great man had in his toolbox.”
While involved with Ryder-Cheshire, Don oversaw the establishment of homes throughout Australia for families with serious illness, he was involved in the care of people with leprosy and disabilities in India, he brought a young girl from Timor-Leste to Australia for open-heart surgery, and he contributed to solar power systems in Timor-Leste. He provided inspiration and guidance to many. His legacy of good works will forever remain as testimony of his mum’s advice to “always do the right thing”.
Don is survived by his children, Andrew and Sarah, four grandchildren, his brother Ralph and sister Isabel. Dawn pre-deceased Donald by three months.
To learn more of Don Sinclair’s life, click here for the eulogy by close friend Peter Newton.