Within South Head cemetery, these plots are within spitting distance. Sydneysiders will recall both men readily, one with begrudged admiration, the other with genuine affection.
The mausoleum is the crypt of the Packer family. I have no idea how many billionaires there are in Australia, or even if the Packers are in that category. But they are up there close. The men are media tycoons; the women, handbags! (Sir) Frank Packer was the one who set it all up for his son, Kerry (who is buried on his polo/horse stud in Scone), and the current family head, James. Although James is more into casinos than newspapers. The interesting thing about Sir Frank, was his tilt at winning that blue water classic, the America's Cup back in the early '60s. He over-spent his allowance on two yachts, Gretel I and Gretel II. Which brings us to his wife, Gretel. This was the only image I could find of her, which is instructive. That portrait of Frank is by Judy Cassab, who must have been bedazzled, as he was nowhere near that attractive!
The second marker belongs to (Sir) Roden Cutler. Totally different kettle of fish. He was a war hero: won a Victoria Cross; lost a leg. Both in Syria. Big bloke, impeccable manner, self-effacing. After the war, he became a diplomat, and eventually was appointed as the Governor of NSW, where he remained for 15 years. Did a good job, I reckon. A state governor in Australia is not like a state governor in the USA. Here it is a ceremonial role, and relates back to Australia's foundation as a constitutional monarchy within the British Commonwealth. So lots of pomp and circumstance, but no power. He also is buried with his wife, although she died in her 60s (he in his 80s), quite suddenly from the affects of meningococcal septicaemia. I suspect he was gutted. Could not find a single image of her to show you. She was attractive, but not flouncey.
Both men married again in their aged widowerhood, after very long first marriages.
| This is my contribution to the Taphophile Tragics community. |