Geo. Fenton Roulston, died peacefully during the early hours of 1st of January, 1933, at the age of 67 years. He was the second son of the late Harvey Roulston, and was born at Richmond; after his school days were finished, he went into the office of his late father, and there became an A1 tradesman (jobbing compositor and machinist), and when the “Journal” office was established at Dandenong, he accompanied his late father, and took a prominent part in the business, which rapidly expanded throughout the area at that time known as South Bourke and Mornington.
He willingly his full part in the heavy duties entailed on members of the staff in the early days, and his capabilities early extended to the journalistic section of newspaper production.
His sporting abilities were prnounced, and had a great range — from coursing, hunting, shooting, and even football found in him a great enthusiast, and he also became a keen judge in regard to greyhounds and sporting dogs. Pigeons and poultry also engaged his attention; whilst he was an enthusiastic horticulturist and an accomplished rosarian of many years standing. He was also for several years secretary of the Dandenong Foresters’ Lodge, a position which he filled with credit to himself. A good townsman, ever ready to assist any deserving movement, he was held in the highest estimation by all sections.
After some years he left Dandenong to accept appointment at the Government Printing Office, where he remained for a number of years, but he returned to this town, and, after the death of his father, became a principal in the firm of Roulston and Roulston. For about 11 years he was associated with the former partners in the firm, and the present proprietor, and during that period his ability as a journalist made for him a very large circle of friends throughout an extensive area over which he regularly travelled.
Undoubtedly one of Mr. Roulston’s best journalistic efforts was in writing the “Reminiscences of Early Dandenong,” which were published in the “Journal” under the nom de plume of “G.F.R.” The work of compilation was quite a task, and a heavy one, whilst the capable manner in which he presented it for publication was highly creditable, and the series of articles have already been highly commended, and were greatly appreciated by readers of “The Journal.”
After the termination of the period (11yrs.) mentioned in foregoing paragraph, he severed his connection with the firm and again returned to duty at the Government Printing Office, where he remained until about 2½ years before his death, when the age of retirement was responsible for his retirement from the service. Some months afterwards he installed a small printing plant at his Malvern residence, where he carried on as a job printer until a few days before his death.
He had not enjoyed good health for some months, and it was during the third week in December, 1932, that he ecame seriously ill, and on Tuesday, 27th December, 1932, he was admitted to St. Bethesda Private Hospital, Erin street, Richmond. Although receiving every possible attention, five days after his admission he passed peacefully.
His remains were laid to rest in the Presbyterian section of the Dan-denong cemetery, on the morning of 2nd January, 1933, the funeral service being conducted by Rev. John Meers, after which Bro. W. H. A. Rodd, P.D.C.R., of the Foresters’ Order (of which he was a member) read the lodge burial service. Mr. Angus Ferguson conducted the mortuary arrangements
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