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Obituaries
Matthew Edward Critchley (OW1968)
30/09/1949 - 26/11/2021
A classmate recently described Matt as a ‘loveable ruffian’ and most people who knew him would smile and agree with that. He was the kid with his shirt hanging out who exasperated some of his teachers. A sling-shot in his back pocket would almost be expected.
Matt was universally liked and respected by his school mates, work colleagues and loved by his extensive family.
Matt was born in the UK but was never a ‘pom’. His Australian parents were living there and he was the oldest of three, with Lindie, his younger sister and Howard, his kid brother. Matt was a great sportsman, playing footy in the First 18 and then for Collegians, and rowing in the First VIII for three years. The highlight of his life was his family. His marriage to Duppy produced 3 children; Nick, Tara and Megan.
His successful business career was with large corporates - Dow Chemical, HB Fuller and Bristol Paints - both here and overseas. His final executive role was as Chief Operating Officer with MYOB. In addition, Matt, his brother Howard and a third partner bought Knights Marine (a slipway, chandlery and retail outlet in Williamstown) which they operated as hands-on owners for some years. Matt never forgot his Wesley roots and maintained friendships from those days for life, as well as picking up many along the way. He was passionate about his hobbies, particularly cars and golf, sailing and tennis.
Matt was diagnosed with MND in August 2020 and this eventually led to his too-early death; however, the fact that he never ceased being young at heart resulted in him being a happy and passionate family man, and the Critchley sense of humour has been passed down to his eight grandchildren.
Contributed by Roger Mendelson (OW1967)