Wednesday, 9 March 2022

Don Lyell

Mr DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh) (10:05): It is with deep sadness that I pay tribute to Don Lyell, an ALP member, a long-time supporter and a very dear friend. Don was one of those people that never seemed to lose his spark in life, even when things got difficult. He was an intellectual. He relished discussion and debate and was never short of an opinion. Don had an ability to captivate a room, built on his years as an economics lecturer, and he possessed a photographic memory of political history. He was a generous listener, turning his ear towards you so that he did not miss a thing. He was also a talker, and he was always—always—interesting to listen to. I once mentioned to Don that I wanted to buy shares for my young nephews. He gave me a four- or five-page document guiding me through what I could consider investing in for them. He was smart, accomplished, warm and genuine.

Don was also incredibly grounded. He would speak fondly of his roots, both his family’s Scottish background and his memories growing up in regional Victoria. He was a committed and active ALP member. He served for many years as secretary of the Hughesdale branch. Aside from the ALP he was an active member of the U3A Moorleigh and the Holy Nativity Anglican Church in Hughesdale and was a true believer of the St Kilda Football Club. Above all else, Don was a dear friend. He was kind, generous and thoughtful. Anytime I needed support, Don and his wife, Jan, were there every step of the way, from physical work for the campaigns to moral support to opening their home for me to meet the community. When they loved you and supported you they showed it and they made it count. I will never forget that. To Jan, to Don and Jan’s daughter, Georgina, and their son, Simon, and to his siblings, his beautiful family and all those who loved him, my deepest sympathies on the passing of a husband, a father, a brother, a friend and a very decent and good man. I will miss you, Don. Vale, Don Lyell.