BURLEIGH, Robert Maxwell (1927-2021)
Max Burleigh boarded at The Geelong College from 1943-1945. Son of Herb (former Carlton Football Club player) and Flo, Max was born in Coleraine. His father was a teacher, and the family lived in Maryborough and Kerang before Max started boarding school in Geelong. His older brother Keith also attended the College 1937-1939 and sadly died in World War II.
Max was in many aspects of school life, from music to football. He served on the 1st XVIII football team for three years, becoming captain in 1945. He was also on the 1st cricket team, serving as their vice captain in 1945. He was on the cricket and football committees and received multiple school and Calvert House colours, and cricket cap. Max played the piano and served on the music committee and was a member of the Presbyterian Fellowship committee. In his final year he helped found the Newtown Boys Club.
Following school Max studied dentistry at the University of Melbourne. He would go on to practice at Mildura and the Northern Territory. His first private practice was in Warracknabeal.
Max married Felicity and they have two daughters. The family travelled overseas in the 1970s, spending some time in the UK and South Africa. They then returned to Swan Hill. Apart from his dentistry Max went on to own a grazing property near Pooncarie on the Darling River.
In his retirement, Max enjoyed swimming regularly and traveling. He loved classical music and visited Vienna multiple times.
Max passed away 14 May 2021, aged 93 years.
Sources: Northwest Funerals, Pegasus, OGC 1940.