For those who have lived and worked in Kilmore over the years, Ian Still was a familiar face.
Mr Still was a solicitor and active volunteer for many organisations in the community, right up until his death on May 14, aged 80.
Born and raised in Kilmore, Mr Still’s father Francis Still ran a local bacon factory with his brother James Still.
He had an older brother Robert ‘Beau’ Still.
Mr Still attended Kilmore Primary School then Assumption College for about three days before moving to Seymour High School for the rest of his schooling years.
After finishing year 12, known as matriculation at the time, Mr Still was accepted into the University of Melbourne where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws.
He became a sole practitioner in Kilmore in about 1968 and was still operating Still and Co laywers until he died.
A few years ago, Mr Still clocked up 50 years of service recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria.
In 1968 he marreid Lyn and they had five children together – Debbie, Tracy, David, Fiona (deceased) and Geoffrey.
Ms Still died in 1997, and Mr Still remarried in the early 2000s to his wife Ann.
“Dad’s whole life was about helping the community. He was able to do this in a professional capacity and as an active community member,” daughter Debbie Rowe said.
Mr Still was involved in many committees and sporting groups over the years.
He was a board member at The Kilmore District Hospital, Kilmore Shire president and councillor in the 1980s, Broadford High School president and committee person for many years, and a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Mr Still earnt life membership at Kilmore Football Netball Club, after years of serving as president, secretary and treasurer at various times, sometimes holding two positions.
He also held many positions over the years at the Riddell District Football Netball League, and was awarded life membership at Kilmore Tennis Club after years of service.
He was also a member of the VFU, a group that provided insurance to sporting players.
“Dad was also a football umpire and many may not know he was selected to be a field umpire in the VFL under 19s many, many years ago,” Ms Rowe said.
“When we were kids, he would pack us up in the car and we would head up to the Kilmore Football Club where he would help with marking out the lines on the oval. He would also, if needed, spend the day as a goal umpire or just cheering on the Blues.”
Being such an active member throughout the community, there will be many who have shared moments and memories with Mr Still.
“I think that Dad will be remembered as an honest, hardworking, reliable man who lived for his family and friends,” Ms Rowe said.
“Away from work, dad used to enjoy football, supporting the Essendon Football Club. In the 80s and 90s, he would go to every game, and he would take us kids to training at Windy Hill on a Thursday night.
“He made lifelong friends through football and he was given the honour of even going on a few of the end-of-season trips with the team.
“As he got older he enjoyed his garden. He spent many hours pottering around outside and it was his release.
“He was a really wonderful man and we are all going to miss him terribly.”
Mr Still was a much-loved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and stepfather to his family.
His funeral will be at 11am on Friday at Christ Church, Anglican Church, in Union Street, Kilmore. A burial at the Kilmore Public Cemetery will follow.
