Julius Edward Kearon

17 May 1942 – 4 June 2020

JULIUS EDWARD Kearon – husband, father and father-in-law, grandfather of many and great grandfather – died on 4 June 2020 at the Deloraine Hospital with Ann Kearon, his wife of 53 years, by his side.

Julius was born on 17 May 1942, in Corfe Mullen in the South of England in the midst of World War 2.

Julius spent his childhood years there, moving onto university to study mathematics and teaching.

It was in his early years of teaching at North Romford Comprehensive School that he met and married his wife Ann Kearon.

Together at 24, they set off on an overland adventure to move to Australia to take up teaching posts on the other side of the world in Burnie, Tasmania.

Travelling across Europe, the Middle East and Asia they arrived in Burnie in 1967.

Julius continued to have a love for adventure and travel throughout his life and despite failing health managed to travel around Australia in 2019 with his wife and good friends.

Following teaching appointments in Burnie, Ulverstone, Longford, Glenora, Bothwell and Savage River, Julius Kearon arrived in Deloraine in 1984 to take up the role of principal of the Deloraine High School.

He is remembered by his past students and co-workers as a steadfast and fair teacher and leader. He always enjoyed it when past students would greet him, as grown men and women, as Mr Kearon.

He was a dedicated educator and undertook a master’s degree in curriculum studies, became a life member of the Tasmanian Principals Association and served as the President of the Australian Principals Association.

Julius Kearon was a proud and active member of the Deloraine community. He was a dedicated Freemason and part of the Meander Valley Lodge and amongst other roles served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania between 2005–2008.

He had a strong and enduring connection with St Mark’s Church and served for many years as their treasurer and secretary.

He enjoyed being a part of the Deloraine Dramatic Society, participating in many shows and helping in the background with many more.

Julius enjoyed having a big extended family and his memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife Ann Kearon and five children: Patrick Kearon, Sarah Freeman, Ruth Kearon, Richard Kearon and Adam Kearon (and their wives, husbands, partners and children).

The family wishes to extend their thanks for the compassionate care he received at the Deloraine Hospital. This was particularly important at the end of his life where the excellent palliative care facilities, combined with the gentle expertise of the nursing and other staff, meant that Julius could be surrounded by those that loved him day and night.

The family of Julius Kearon held a funeral service in the garden of their home on Wednesday 10 June followed by his committal at the Deloraine Cemetery. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus restrictions, the number who could attend were limited and we are sorry to have been unable to have all who would like to have attended to say their farewells.

Ruth Kearon