14 July 1936 – 28 March 2025
MHS 1950-1953
Melbourne High School is saddened to announce the passing of its esteemed Patron, Ronald Seaman, former President of the School Council. A loyal supporter of Melbourne High School, Ron was deeply involved in the Old Boys’ Association and had an enduring passion for hockey. His contributions to the sport and the school community were profound, and we are proud that the MHS hockey field bears his name—a lasting tribute to his dedication and legacy.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Ronald Seaman are invited to attend his funeral on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at 10:30 am at Saint Thomas Aquinas, South Yarra.
Ron was born in Calcutta, India, the son of Thomas and Esme, both of whom were also born in India. His great-grandfather, born in Norfolk, UK, in the 1840s, had migrated to India. In 1947, Ron, his family, and their extended family migrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne on 15 August—the day of partition. He attended East Oakleigh Central School before joining Melbourne High School in 1950.
At MHS, Ron was an active and engaged student. He played hockey for both the School (1952-1953) and the Old Boys’ Hockey Club, built model aeroplanes, participated in the Cadets and the Geology Club, and sang in the Junior Choir. An excellent student, he completed his Matriculation with Honours in English Literature, British History, and Social Studies and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship. He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts and Law at Melbourne University and was also a part-time Teaching Fellow at Monash University.
Ron began his professional career as a teacher with the Education Department in 1959, teaching at Altona High School near his family home in Maidstone. In 1960, he transitioned to law, practicing as a solicitor with Frederick Owen and Associates, where he specialized in commercial law.
Even after leaving school, Ron remained passionate about hockey. In 1963, he became Secretary of the MHSOB Hockey Club, later serving as President and then Coach, while continuing to play in the A Grade competition until his retirement in 1978. Known as “Twinkletoes” for his footwork, he was a formidable presence on the field. His legal expertise also proved invaluable as Chairman of the Victorian Hockey Association Investigation Committee (1963-1966). He went on to serve as an Executive Councillor on the Australian Hockey Association, representing Queensland and chairing the Coaching and Junior Committee. In 1973, he was awarded Life Membership of the MHSOB Hockey Club—only the second time this honor was bestowed.
Beyond hockey, Ron was deeply involved with the MHS Old Boys’ Association. He served as Vice-President in 1970 before being elected President in 1975, working closely with the new Principal, Lou Barberis. He completed his term in 1977, a year marked by the grand Jubilee of Forrest Hill celebrations. In recognition of his contributions, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the MHSOBA in 1983.
From 1975, Ron also played a pivotal role on the School Council during a time when the Department of Education was shifting more responsibilities to schools. In 1985, he succeeded his friend John Elden as President of the MHS School Council. During his tenure, the Flag Courts were opened, and new racing boats were launched, including a Racing Four named in his honor. He provided critical legal guidance to the School and played a key role in overseeing the transition from Lou Barberis to Neville Drohan as Principal. John Elden once described Ron’s leadership as embodying “the Seaman style”—marked by dignity, gentlemanly persuasiveness, professional thoroughness, unfailing dedication, and absolute commitment. In 1991, he was appointed a Patron of the MHSOBA, and in 1999, a Patron of the School.
Hockey also forged a close connection between Ron and Neville Drohan’s successor, Ray Willis, when he became Principal in 1992. Their shared childhood experiences in India further strengthened their bond. In 1996, MHS honored Ron’s contributions to the sport by naming the new synthetic hockey field after him—a significant upgrade from the bumpy and often flooded grass field where he and Ray had played as students.
For many years, Ron, Lou Barberis, and John Elden maintained a close friendship, meeting regularly for long lunches until Lou’s passing in 2005 and John’s in 2010. Each of them had excelled in their respective fields and dedicated themselves to giving back to the School that had shaped them.
Ron was always impeccably dressed and carried himself with the manners of a true gentleman. He never married and lived in his family home for many decades before moving to Kilmore, where he had space for his extensive library. Though his health often prevented him from attending School, Old Boy, and Hockey events in later years, his passion for MHS never waned.
Ron Seaman truly Honoured the Work.
