Awarded Honorary Life Membership 1985.
Biography
I noticed a reference in It last month to Fred George. As Fred died in 1986, it occurred to me that there might be a few members who never knew him. Accordingly, I submit the following brief summary.
Fred came to Australia from Germany in 1949 on a two-year contract to work as a surveyor on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. His family apparently had no choice regarding their future after he had worked for two years in the Australian bush! He joined CBC late in 1973 when he retired to Canberra, having been active for many years in the Geehi Club.
He immediately became involved as a walker and leader. My earliest memory of him was when he quietly put me right when I was thoroughly disoriented and resolving – never again” when leading my second day-trip.
On the other hand, in those days we had a large contingent of fit fanatical walkers in their early to mid-twenties, and our harder trips usually comprised some of them – and Fred.
Over the next thirteen years, he participated in a very large number of trips and led over eighty, ranging from easy day trips to substantial and meticulously planned extended trips. He participated in weekend ski tours and solid rock hopping trips well into his 70s, and was always the first person to be found helping anyone who was experiencing difficulty. He showed deep interest in and knowledge of Australian flora, and fauna, and was good company in all respects.
As a small grey-haired man, he looked most unlike the tiger walker he was, and was an inspiration to all. He was made an Honorary Life Member early in 1985 and died of cancer on the day of the CBC AGM in 1986.
Alan Vidler. Published in It, February 2000.
Obituary
Fred George, born in 1910 in Bonn Germany, migrated to Australia in 1951, died 17 September 1986 of cancer.
“I think we are here” – October 1973, quietly, by a slight elderly man with map and German accent to AV, thoroughly disoriented and flustered, leading his second walk and resolving to make it his last.
A woman at the start of her first Club walk, puzzled by widespread laughter after she had said “Well, if there is a 69-year-old on the trip, I’m sure I can manage it all right”—the same woman managing it, with much help from said 69-year-old.
“Dear Sue and Alan, there has been a postal strike in Sydney, so just in case you didn’t get my earlier letter, here is the information again …. (several pages of meticulous detail on all aspects of a recommended route in the Austrian mountains, which led to the highlight of our trip to Europe) …”
Fred and his wife on the same route the previous year. “I asked some young Germans if I could tag along on a side climb up … They were most sceptical. I had to lead the last pitch because none of them could.”
Fred and his wife completing the Routeburn Track (‘the Milford Track was booked out”) and a trip to Frenchman’s Cap, on their own at age 73. “But Fred had to carry most things, and spent much time waiting.”
“If I had known that I had this yesterday, you would have got none of it” – Fred handing out chocolate on day 5 of a 4-day walk after a LONG day 4.
Fred looking like a drowned rat, running around the campsite ensuring that newcomers are under shelter, then putting up his own fly.
“I wouldn’t feel so pleased if I were you – a 67-year-old has been waiting at the top for you for the last 20 minutes” – former Conservation Officer to two politicians in their 30s, halfway up Mt. Kelly.
Walking sticks, meticulously selected, rarely used but carried for days through thick scrub, swims, cliff lines, retrieved at great effort when dropped – then casually discarded at the end of the trip.
Cooking in the smallest billy ever seen, which also seemed as if it was going to last forever.
Fred on the Main Range in sun, and rain, and snow; on skis and in boots.
Fred rock hopping in sandshoes at 75, waiting for people in their 20s.
“My first walk here was on a trip led by Fred” – many times by many people, past and present.
“This was one of Fred’s favourite areas” – almost anywhere.
Maps, with routes, distances, times, lunch stops and planned campsites drawn in before the trip starts – in areas not previously visited.
Fred most puzzled and unable to understand why he had just been unanimously elected an Honorary Life Member.
We are going to miss you, Fred, and will continue to do so while visiting those many areas and routes to which you introduced us, and in the company of those many Club members who are walking today as a result of your inspiration and encouragement.
Alan Vidler. Published in It, October 1986.
