Vale Robert (Bob) Kilby OAM
04 November 1931 – 04 May 2026
MHS 1948, President of MHSOBA 1979 – 1981

Eulogy delivered on Tuesday, 12th of May at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Langwarrin

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here today to honour my father, Bob Kilby. On behalf of our family, thank you for your love, your support, and for sharing this moment with us.

Today is hard. We’re feeling grief, but we’re also feeling gratitude—because to be loved like this, and to be remembered like this, is a gift. We’ve come together not only to say goodbye, but to reflect on a life that mattered, and on the ways Dad shaped each of us.

Dad was born on the 4th of November 1931 in Camberwell, and he lived his formative years in a country that was still at war. He grew up with his mother, Christine and his older brother John whilst his father, William (known as Dick), served in the Australian Army.   Life couldn’t have been easy, but in hearing his stories, there was a lot of love and sense of family mixed in with some very competitive sport in that neighbourhood.

He attended Melbourne High School, was involved in football and cricket with both the school and Old Boys Association. He also played football with Camberwell, and it was there that he met my mother, Margot. Mum was on the Social Committee for the football club. Dad always claimed that having his shorts ripped off during a match was a catalyst for their relationship. In Dad’s words, “Margot liked what she saw”.

Over the years, Bob worked as an accountant and manager at various companies, and, I believe, had the reputation as an honest, organised and professional employee.

If I had to describe Dad in a few words, I’d say Sport, Community and Family and probably more sport.

He was an avid fan of Hawthorn. A trait that I was fortunate to have handed down to me and subsequently all my children. He was fortunate enough to attend all Hawthorn’s 13 Premierships.

Melbourne High School

Dad left the school in the late 1940’s. He left the school, but the school never left him. He was associated at times with the Melbourne High School Old Boys Football Club, but more so with the Cricket Club, where he was the President for 6 seasons, Secretary, Captain of First XI and Captain of the 2nd XI, and was a Life Member of the club.

He also went on to serve as President of the Old Boys Association and was awarded Life Membership of the Association.   We thank the current President, Colin AXUP, for sending his condolences and thank Warren Fall for coming today, not only in his capacity as Vice President but as a long-time friend of the family.

Victorian Sub-District Cricket Umpires Association

After Dad retired from playing cricket, he subsequently went to the dark side and Umpired cricket. First for the Victorian Women’s Cricket Association and then a long involvement as Umpire with the Victoria Sub-District Cricket Association.   Now, I know that he was known as a good administrator, serving as President of the Association, but I cannot vouch for his ability as an umpire. He umpired me in two social games and robbed me of wickets in each.

I’d like to thank Colin Newport, the current President, for his kind thoughts and for being here to honour Dad today.

Burwood East Special Development School

The Burwood East Special Development School was very close to Dad’s heart, and it was his work here that resulted in him being awarded his Order of Australia Medal, the citation for which reads “for service to youth with a disability through education initiatives.”

I think this is best summed up in the letter that we received from the Principal, Helen Smith.

For more than 40 years, Bob was so much more than our School Council member and President. He was a trusted mentor and strongest supporter of this community, who fiercely advocated for our students, staff and families’ best interests. His warmth, boundless energy, and absolute devotion shaped our school into the wonderful place it is today. We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours and immense love he poured into this school community.

The family welcomes Helen and staff from the school who are here today to say goodbye to an important member of their school community.

So, as you can see, Dad didn’t shy away from being on a committee and collected presidencies at a rate that would humble Donald Trump. All these positions were voluntary and amount to countless hours of community service.

Family

Dad and Mum have been married for 69 years. He loved Mum more than he could ever put into words, which was why he probably didn’t put it into words.

Dad came from a generation that didn’t like to express feelings of love, but really, he didn’t need to. They say, “actions speak louder than words,” and he put his love into actions, not just for Mum but for Kay and I, our respective Spouses Kevin and Michelle and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

If the grandkids were appearing in anything, Dad and Mum were there. Sports or performing arts, they would have front row seats.

And Dad was always the voice of reason. I don’t think Michelle and I have made any important life decisions, especially financial ones, without running them by Dad first.  Through tumultuous times, Dad has always been there to support Michelle and me.

Thanks

Of late, there have been so many people who have been there to support our family.

Firstly, our Reverend Josh. Josh hasn’t just been here to do the service. He has visited mum and dad in Aged Care; he visited dad every day he was in hospital and supported and been there for every member of our family. Thank you, Josh and thank you to the parishioners from St. Thomas helping us here today.

Thank you to the wonderful staff of Langwarrin Aged Care and the Peninsula Private Hospital. Their skill and caring have been outstanding.

Some of you also may know that, just to add an element of difficulty to the last couple of weeks, we have been in the process of selling and settling the sale of mum and dad’s home.   The caring, personable and professional way of helping by Lynne and Nerine at Turner Legal and Conveyancing and Tia at O’Brien Real Estate have smoothed the way through a sale that, given Dad’s passing, may have turned into chaos.

Also, the family would like to sincerely thank Greg, Zac and the wonderful neighbours that Mum and Dad had from Lalina Close.  You were always there for Dad and came to his aid at all hours. Thank you.

The McCracken Family, Michelle’s parents and siblings, our children and their partners, Kay’s family, thank you for your support.

And thanks to Mum, who even in her own grief holds this whole family together.

Final Words

Dad, you were so many things to so many people. You served the community, and you loved our family.

In the words of the poet Walt Whitman, “That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse”

Dad, your verse was loving and inspirational.

Thank you