OBITUARY: HARRY JAMES DUNSCOMBE

Harry Dunscombe passed away at Knox Private Hospital on 11 July following a short illness.
Harry was the last of a long line of Rowville farmers who drew their living from the soil of the district so his death marks the end of an era in Rowville’s history.
Harry was born in the family home of his parents, Harry and Emily Dunscombe. The young Harry, together with his brother Jack and sisters Dulcie, Alice and Gladys, worked with their father to grow vegetables on their property in Glen Waverley.
As a young man Harry would go to the local dances with his best friends, Earl Crow and Alan Bailey, the three of them riding their bikes. It was at a dance at Mulgrave that Harry met his future wife, Jean Golding.
Harry and Jean were married in 1948 and bought land in Heany Park Road from Jean’s father and soon set about clearing it to build their home and establish a market garden.
Harry and Jean had five children over nineteen years: Sue, Pam, Lea, Harry and Donna.
Harry had a passion for growing plants and at the age of 48 he completed a Diploma of Horticulture at the Burnley Agricultural College. After this achievement he set up a nursery and along with Jean, his daughter Sue and son Harry he successfully cultivated a range of plants that sold well at several markets around Melbourne but particularly at the Wednesday market in Mornington. Over the years he became very fond of Mornington and became a member of the Mount Eliza Gardening Club and St Peters Anglican Church, Mornington.
Meanwhile Jean had been stricken with cancer against which she battled bravely for 18 years. Harry was always a devoted husband and throughout those hard times he gave Jean all of his love and support.
Some years after Jean’s death Harry decided to travel and enjoyed cruises on the Funstar and the QE2.
Harry was always very close to his sister Dulcie and relied on her for advice and guidance. Harry was a compassionate and caring man who loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As his good friend Arthur Smith observed: “Harry Dunscombe was a gentleman. He was a quiet, generous man who never spoke ill of anyone.”
Harry is survived by his five children, grandchildren Kevin, Jane, Laurena, Paul, Rick, Warren, Corrine, Simone, Christina, Bianca, Eliza and Brittany and great grandchildren Joshua, Keegan, Alexei, Riley, Kade, Jake, Lachlan and Morgan.

Prepared by Bryan Power with the assistance of the Dunscombe family.

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