OFFICERS CLUB Inc.
representing Officers and families of

The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited

and its subsidiaries & affiliates.


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Deceased - Co - Cu

Peter COBBY (20/9/1951 - 19/6/2023)

  • With much regret we advise the unfortunate passing of our member Peter Cobby. He was aged 71. Peter had sustained an accident and succumbed to his injuries in whilst in care at Royal North Shore Hospital.
    Peter joined the CBC Bank at Oxford Street branch in 1968. He served at Head Office, Canberra, St. Leonards Centre, Bathurst, and eight suburban Branches.  Our records indicate service completing at Bondi Junction BBC in 2003.

    We have been advised that in lieu of a funeral, Peter’s partner will be organising a memorial in approximately one months time. from Margaret Powell, President.

  •  John MacGuire advised that the memorial for Peter will be held at the Cruising Yacht Club, Rushcutters Bay on Tuesday July 18th 2023 between 4 and 6 p.m.

Sandra COGSWELL (26/9/2014)

  • Bob Handel wrote: It grieves me deeply to bring you the sad news that popular Club Secretary, Sandra Cogswell, has succumbed in a long battle with cancer and passed away this morning in St Joseph’s Hospital, Auburn.
    Pall Bearers Fred Harvison, Craig, David Caton , Tim, Steve, David Wyndham
    There has been a request for no flowers, donations in lieu f/o RSPCA Blue Mountains Branch.
    Richard Nott AM has requested to deliver a Eulogy.  Having not known Sandra whilst in the service, I have had a close and very amicable association with her as we were both involved on Committee with the CBC Officers Club, over the past 5/6 years when she accepted the position of the Secretary.  Sandra was a dedicated organiser and dutiful worker for her fellow CBCers. She always had a smile and a bright cheery greeting .  She doggedly carried on, with the same confident and happy air, when her illness came on her. Sandra was not going to give in.
    Both Robyn and I are very saddened by her passing, but relieved that she suffers no longer. She is sadly missed. God blessed her.

  • John Turner wrote: Very sorry to hear of the passing of Sandra. We worked together at Wentworthville where she joined the bank about 1967. Roger Pike was the Manager. We had a lot of girls come in looking for a job but only the very best looking girls had a chance. Sandra had all the qualifications and her application was sent to Head Office. She proved to be a very capable and hard working officer well liked by all the staff and customers.

Pearl COOKE (2/5/1924 - 18/8/2017)

  •  

    David Wyndham     Pearl spent a lifetime of service in the 'CBC', formerly in Lismore after which she became a mainstay at Canberra Office for many years.  On the 4th April last year, we   were most fortunate to welcome Pearl to our Out of Sydney Luncheon held in Queanbeyan where she was presented with her Life Membership Certificate.  She will be sadly missed.

    Rex Daley               My wife Nancye and I attended Pearl’s service of Thanksgiving at the Anglican Church of St.John The Baptist, Reid ACT, with Janette Hyeronimus and Ann Taylor. It was a large service. Pearl had had no children of her own but many of her 16 Nieces and Nephews and 38 Great Nieces and Nephews plus her Sister and many old friends from that church were there. Pearl retired from Canberra Office.

    Esther Meszaros    Pearl’s association with the former Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, first as an employee and then, for very many years, as a member of the former employees” Club, was one of the most treasured connections she had.   Pearl often mentioned that by working at the Bank she gained many insights into what the wider world had to offer and she took every opportunity to participate in these experiences.  Pearl made many friends through the Bank and continued these friendships, through membership of the Club, and the “15th of the Month lunches” of former employees in Canberra, for the rest of her life.   I know Pearl tried to attend as many of the Club’s meetings as she could, travelling to Sydney for the events.  She read each newsletter avidly and kept back-copies for years.

    Her attendance at the meeting held in Queanbeyan on 6 March 2016 was one of the highlights of her year.   We talked about it so often afterwards (I had taken her to that event and was able to put faces to some of the names Pearl mentioned).   Pearl was absolutely thrilled, honoured and delighted with the “Life Membership” she was awarded and the certificate which the Club presented to her on that occasion.   I can assure you that it hung in pride of place in her room at Kankinya Lodge, her final home in Canberra.   I know, as I hung it there myself, after holding it in several spots on the wall.    Pearl pointed it out to every visitor she had.  Pearl died in her sleep, in her room, after a few days of being tired and unwell.   She was 93 years of age (and three months–don’t forget the months, she used to say).  I shall miss her greatly.     (Ed Note Esther was a great friend of Pearl)

     

Neil COOMBS (26/5/2017)

  • May 23: Kevin Nicol advised that Neil was in a bad way.
    May 26: Further to my e-mail of 23rd, sadly, I regret to advise that Neil Coombs passed away this morning in John Flynn Hospital, Tugun.

CORNELL

Dorothy "Dixie"" 12/1/1928 - 25/8/2021

Funeral Notice Extract - ”Aged 93; Late of Castle Hill; Loving wife of Les (dec’d); Philip, David, Megan and her grandsons Chris, James, Michael and Tim love her so much and her extended family and friends will miss her greatly.”

Les CORNELL (6/9/1926 - 24/8/2012)

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Bob COSGROVE (10/11/2011)

  • Kerri Kleidon advised: I've just received the sad news that Bob Cosgrove died yesterday afternoon (10 Nov). Bob was diagnosed with an inoperable Brain Tumour back in May. Bob worked in both CBC and NAB. He was in Work Study in NAB. In recent times was working at QRAA. Funeral details are not yet known, but will no doubt be in the Courier Mail in due course.
  • Bob Wilmot advised: I am not sure if you have as yet been advised of Bob's passing. Bob as you can see from the tribute from the General Manager Mr Tony O'Dea at QRAA ( Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority) Bob passed away Thursday evening 10/11/11.
    I met Bob when I went to work with Qraa last February assessing Grants and Loans for Small Business and Primary Producers impacted by the November/January Floods and Cyclone Yasi.
    As Tony has mentioned Bob was a gentleman, and in this respect I use the term gentleman meaning not only a gentleman but a gentle man.  He was one of a kind, always up for a joke, and could take it as well as give it.  He will be sadly missed.  Bob worked in the CBC and finished up in the NAB.
  • To all QRAA staff, It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of our friend and colleague Bob Cosgrove.
    Bob passed away peacefully last night at around 6.30, after being diagnosed in June with an aggressive brain tumour.
    Our thoughts are with his loving mother, wife Jenny, daughter Debbie, grandchildren Abby and Willliam and son Conrad at this very difficult time.  Our thoughts also go out to his brother, our friend and colleague, Bill and his other brothers Jim and Michael.  
    Bob will be greatly missed by us all at QRAA.  He made a lasting impression here and I would like to pay him the following tribute:
     
    We are deeply saddened by the passing of this lovely man who we came to love and respect.
    Bob was born on 8th May 1948, only 63 years and 6 months ago. 
    Whilst we are all struggling to believe that he left work at the end of May for three weeks holiday and never returned, we have some great memories of his time with us which we will cherish forever.
    Most of us did not have the pleasure of meeting Bob until he joined QRAA on 18th April 2006, to assist in the assessment of Tropical Cyclone Larry loans and grants.
    During the following 5 years, it would be an understatement to say, he made a significant contribution to QRAA and Queensland’s primary producers and small businesses.  Not only did he bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organisation, but a great attitude and warm personality.  Every one of us who worked closely with him should have learned a great deal from him about life. 
    We must all take strength from the fact that we were able to share some great times with Bob.  It was our pleasure to work with him and our privilege to know him.
    Robert Neil Francis Cosgrove – an absolute champion.  RIP

    Regards, Tony O’Dea On behalf of the Senior Executive Team of QRAA

Frank McDonald "Mac" COTTEE (29/12/2011)

  • 2011 Dec 29 approx died aged 92.
    2012 Jan 21 Saturday Noon Petersham RSL Club Memorial Gathering

John COTTON (17/3/2008)

  • Kevin Meyer advised:  John passed away last night as you have probably heard. No funeral date but no doubt will be in SMH in next day or two.
    John and I met at Sydney Grammar school some 68 years ago and have been great friends ever since. I hope to be at the next meeting to speak about him.

Joan COTTON (6/1/2015)

  • JOAN COTTON       
    23rd September 1932  -  6th January 2015

    Dear Members,

    It is our sad task to bring you the news that Joan Cotton, widow of our late Life Member John Cotton, has passed away. 

    Joan suffered a massive cerebral haemorrhage whilst holidaying with her family in Kiama on Christmas eve and remained in a coma until her passing on Tuesday 6th  surrounded by her loving family. Her family is grateful that Joan was able to have another 5 ½ years independent living after her previous stroke and have regular contact with her beloved local and international Grandchildren. And she was able to attend Christine’s wedding and Matthew’s graduation just 6 days before Christmas.

    Our thanks to Life Members Kevin Meyer OAM and David James for their advices.

         

  • Heather McALPINE:   Dear Friends, It with a heavy heart that I am informing you that our dear Mum died at 11pm last night.  She never recovered from the massive cerebral haemorrhage that caused her to collapse on Christmas Eve. She became progressively less responsive and her life quietly ebbed away.
    We did our best to surround her with our love and care during her last journey. David was there and Alison flew in from the U.S. with Sarala. John and Melinda (our daughter) were also there as we sang her favourite hymns and swapped stories of Mum's quirky sayings and our favourite memories.
    Imagining that Mum, with her gregarious nature, might want company in her dying process, we all tried to spread ourselves around, being with her at the hospital. I was there with her last night, and after praying over her and caressing her forehead, before hopping into the palliative care bed beside her, she took her final breathes. It was a sad but beautiful and sacred experience as she slipped from my arms into our Heavenly Father's arms. To summarise my feelings I would say I feel a sad and peaceful gratitude.
    Sad that we can no longer have our dear Mum's enthusiastic involvement in our lives. Sad that I can no longer hear her cheerful recounting of all her friend's, Lindfield Gardens' and St. Martin's news.  Yet peaceful and very grateful in that she had another 5.5 years of independent living after the previous stroke. Grateful in that she was able to attend Christine's wedding, Matthew's graduation 6 days prior, and have regular contact with her beloved local and international grandchildren. Peaceful in that she did not survive with tragic permanent disability but instead transitioned from life with a minimum of suffering. But my main peace is that she has been embraced into God's outstretched arms and is now 'home' with Him.

  • Ian Holston:    Lovely lady Joan Cotton, she was always a good supporter of my singing and a good “Showcase“ Voter in the seventies.

Leo COSTIGAN

  • Ray Knight spoke at the June 05 meeting about Leo Costigan. He indicated that he had similar characteristics to late Ian Cadell. He served in the Bank mainly in Queensland, but resigned to buy a Newsagency.

  • Kerri Kleidon wrote in the Queensland May Newsletter that Leo Costigan died.  Leo did spend some time in NSW, but eventually came to Qld where he was retrenched in 1991.  You might like to mention his death at the June meeting.

Walter JOHN Douglas COULTON (3/2/1937 - 2/7/2019)

  • Wayne Linnert advised: It is with much regret I have to advise that John Coulton passed away on Tuesday 2nd July. John is survived by his wife Noelene, and Sons Jeff and Peter, and family.   John commenced in the Bank's service 25/02/1953 .
    Apart from a term on relief Staff he served in eleven Branches and Head Office, thence administrative appointments
    in City South and Central Regions. He retired 01/07/1997, then from the Credit Bureau.

David Mark COWPER (13/6/2014)

  • Michael Hook advised: "I went down to Melbourne for the funeral, which was out towards Dandenong at Ferntree Gully.  His wife & family were pleased to see some CBC folk, Bill Rutherford & Jim Buchanan were also there. About 80 I would guess, a lot of old family connections & 8 grandchildren. His son conducted the service, he is a lay preacher in Lismore. We were given a lovely photo of David, when he was about 45, I guess, no other formal , singing etc.  I told  Joan & the family that there were many emails praising Dave".

Cyril COXON (8/2007):

  • Cyril passed away in August 2007.

  • Kerri Kleidon advised: "Cyril Coxon was Principal at Fernleigh Castle in late 70s early 80s, then he came up to Queensland as Manager Brisbane Office.  After his first wife died, he married Audrey (can't think what her maiden name was) she was the Secretary at Fernleigh.  Audrey died I would think 20 yrs ago (maybe not quite that long).  She was good friends with Barbara (again can't think of her surname) who worked at Head Office Ground Floor enquiries.  I use to work with the pair of them out at the CBC Showground branch.  Cyril was very 'upper crust' like a military man - but great fun." 

Genevieve 'Genny'CRANE (10/6/1947 - 3/6/2024)

  • It is with much sadness we advise the passing of our Member, Genevieve CRANE.
    Details of her life and service have been provided by Bruce, her Husband. 
    Genevieve Anne Weir joined the Bank at Walgett NSW Branch on 10.12.1963 whose manager was Mr. Doug Moffatt and accountant Mr Graeme Crane.
    In July 1965 Genny requested and was granted a transfer to Lismore NSW branch to be nearer her hometown of Byron Bay.
    On 7th July 1967 Mr Bruce Crane was appointed to the staff of Lismore Branch following his two years National Service commitment whereupon Genny was heard to remark “Hasn’t he got shiny shoes”.  Genny and Bruce accompanied each other to the Bankers Ball on 15th September which led to on 15th December the announcement of their engagement.
    Following their marriage on 5th October 1968 and after their honeymoon Genny was transferred to Alstonville NSW Branch under manager Bert Marsh with David Mudford as second officer.
    Genny resigned in July 1969 to start her family of three sons.
    1985 saw Genny rejoin the bank (NAB) after 16 years at Blacktown NSW Branch as secretary to the manager, which position lasted until 1987 whereupon she resigned again to run and own the successful Valley Heights shop.
    In 1989 Genny once again rejoined the Bank, this time at Card Centre NSW as a Customer Service Officer under supervisor Brian Richards.  Husband Bruce was the Administration Supervisor.
    Bruce retired in September 1994 and Genny retired for the final time in July 1995 to join him on their farm at Imbil QLD which they ran and hosted many Bank colleagues for seven years before spending her last twenty-two years at Bega NSW being involved with the CWA and Legacy organisations

    Sir Robert CRIGHTON-BROWN (11/7/2013)

  • Sir Robert Crichton-Brown from The Times, London August 14 2013:
    Robert Crichton-Brown was an able, energetic and ambitious businessman who rose to be chairman of the tobacco manufacturer Rothmans International. He came to wield considerable influence in his native Australia, but his early retirement in 1988 brought wider public attention. There was criticism in the press, including Tony Blair writing for The Times, of what seemed to be an excessive pay-off after fewer than four years in the job.
    Robert Crichton-Brown was born in Melbourne, the only son of Leslie Crichton-Brown and Kathleen Mendel Solomon Sr. He grew up in the suburb of Strathfield and was educated at Sydney Grammar School. The family company, Edward Lumley, was the oldest and largest insurance brokerage in Australia, having changed its name from Bennie S. Cohen which was believed to be the original family name.
    Crichton-Brown joined the Royal Artillery and later the General Staff. He fought in France, Iceland and India and was twice mentioned in dispatches. In London in 1941 he married Norah Isabelle T bull and took her back to Australia where he resumed his position with Lumleys. By 1952 he was managing director.
    He was chairman from 1974 and would be a director for more than half a century. In 1969 he was elected president of the Australian Institute of Directors.
    He was a passionate yacht racer. In 1967 he was a member of Australia's winning Admiral's Cup team on the Balandra and in 1970 he won the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race on the beautiful Pacha. That year he was appointed CBE for services to yachting.
    In 1973 he turned his formidable attention to the federal Liberal Party, becoming its honorary treasurer until 1985. His term included the eight-year prime ministership of Malcolm Fraser.
    The community beckoned too. He sat on advisory boards for the Girl Guides and the Salvation Army; he was co-ordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and a national councillor for the Scouts.
    He sat on the boards of a number of Australian banks and finance houses and, from 1979 to 1995; he was director of the Daily Mail and General Trust. He had been appointed director of Rothmans, Australia in 1971 and in 1981 became its chairman. This did not appear, at the time, incompatible with his role as president of the Medical Foundation of 'Sydney University or director of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Such was his success at Rothmans that he was appointed executive chairman of Rothmans International in 1985. Despite his colleagues' misgivings, he moved from Sydney to London where he would live for the rest of his life. He was knighted in 1972 and advanced to KCMG in 1980
    His wife, after seven decades of marriage, died in 2011, and he is survived by their son and daughter.
    Formidable Australian businessman and chairman of Rothmans whose interests ranged from politics and charity to yacht racing
    Sir Robert Crichton-Brown, K010, CBE, businessman, was born on August 23, 1919. He died on July 11, aged 93.

Noel Ernest CROWLEY (27/12/1938 - 10/11/2019):

  • 1956 Noel joined the bank on 17th December at Armidale.
    1971 c.1971 Noel’s first managerial appointment was at CBC Rockingham WA 
    1973 c.1973 Noel became Manager CBC East Victoria Park WA.  
    1980s c. 1980s Noel became a NSW Regional Lending Manager
    1980s c.1980s Noel was appointed a NSW Senior Auditor.  
    2000/12/01 Noel retired from NAB age 59 on completion of his audit of NAB Armidale branch.
    Noel was appointed CBCOC President
    C.1995 Till 20191110 Noel took over from Archivist of the CBC Officers Club the CBC archives that had been stored in a southern Sydney warehouse.
    Noel was awarded Life Membership of CBC Officers Club
    Noel suffered from cancer
    2019/11/10 the passing of Noel aged 80.  Loving husband of Rosemary, cherished father to Grace, Judith and David. Adored grandfather to Jack, Aaron, Sarah, Emma and Sophie and a caring brother to Harold.
  • NAB Retired Officers Club NSW President Scott Marnane advised: It is with sadness that I advise of the recent passing of Noel who had suffered from cancer for some time.  
    CBC Club President Wayne Linnert advises that Noel was also a Life Member, Past President and Archivist of the CBC Club. He advised that Noel joined the CBC on 17/12/1956 at Armidale and obtained his first managerial appointment at Rockingham WA before being appointed to East Victoria Park WA.  Noel’s other appointments included Regional Lending Manager, and Senior Auditor.  He retired from the bank on 1/12/2000.On behalf of the members of the NAB Retired Officer’s Club, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Noel’s wife Rosemary and family.

  • CBC Club President Wayne commented that on a personal level, he was fortunate to have been at three (3) locations in his career where Noel conducted the audit, and he commented that he found Noel to be a very kind, generous and knowledgeable gentleman.

Winsome CROWLEY (20/7/05):

  • Winsome was known to Kerri (Scott) Kleidon.  She was the first female Accountant appointed in Queensland in the CBC Bank.  She had MS and had moved to Queensland.  She originally came from Murwillumbah.

  • Winsome was known to Kerri (Scott) Kleidon.  She was the first female Accountant appointed in Queensland in the CBC Bank.  She had MS and had moved to Queensland.  She originally came from Murwillumbah.

  • Winsome was 55 and passed away peacefully in her sleep on 20/7/05.
    Service was at the Anglican Church Murwillumbah ( All Saints) 1.oo p.m. Monday July 25 2005, at which Ian Holston sang a Psalm.

John CULF (2006):

  • Vic Martin spoke of John Culf’s funeral which was held at St. Mathew’s Church, Wauchope as he attended same. John formed the “O & M Group” for the Bank.
    Kevin Meyer also spoke of John – he remembered him from Tamworth and Stock Exchange branches. Kevin said they “took over” from one another on a couple of occasions.
    Bill Waldock said John was a gentleman and mentioned his Coffee plantation at Alstonville.

 

Last modified: 25/06/2024 20:14

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