By CASEY NEILL
Maxwell Oldmeadow
Born: 3 August 1924
Died: 21 March 2013
GREATER Dandenong was Max Oldmeadow’s home and his passion.
The community farewelled its living treasure at Trinity Church in Dandenong on 27 March.
It was there his grandfather preached more than 100 years ago, a window was dedicated to his father, and a room was named in his honour.
It was also where he married his “great love” Pam, who passed away earlier this year after more than 62 years of marriage.
“They were a lovely, lovely couple and I will miss both of them,” City of Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades said.
“I met him (Max) about 40 years ago and am filled with admiration for the devotion he gave to this community.”
Son Ian Oldmeadow said his father was committed to the Dandenong community and watched it change dramatically over the years.
“Max himself said that he was fortunate to grow up in Dandenong. It was his home and its community was his passion,” he said.
“He grew and changed as his life unfolded. He was always willing to reassess his own attitudes and beliefs.”
Max was a teacher and principal at Chandler Secondary College in Noble Park, a Dandenong councillor considered responsible for the Dandenong Library, a devoted member of the Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong and the member for Holt in the Whitlam Government.
“First and foremost he saw his role as looking out for the interests of the people of Dandenong and championing education,” Ian said.
Max’s life revolved around church, born to devout Methodists Henry and Blanche in Dandenong when it was a thriving market town home to 4000 people.
He attended Dandenong West Primary School, Dandenong High School and Wesley College.
At age 18 he enlisted in the Air Force, and after the war fell into teaching.
“He was a natural, and later a master, of the teaching craft,” Ian said.
His community efforts were recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 1993 and he was named a Living Treasure of the City of Dandenong in 1998.
“He worked hard to better the lives of people less fortunate than him,” Ian said.
Max was a proud father of three, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of one.
