Harry Tyler will be remembered for his community spirit and a vision that will continue to benefit generations of youth.CO-FOUNDER of the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG), Harry Tyler was also a much loved family man.
The long-time Cranbourne local, remembered for his lifelong pursuit of providing education opportunities for children of future generations, died peacefully on 22 August at the age of 81.
Mr Tyler joined forces with colleague Gary Bickerton in 1974 to establish Australia’s first scholarship trust, ASG, a not-for-profit society specialising in education benefits programs.
Until his retirement as chairman of the Board of Directors earlier this year, Harry’s leadership was a driving force in the group’s unprecedented growth.
Terry O’Connell, managing director of the ASG, said Mr Tyler never lost his desire for learning and dedicated his life to breaking down the stereotype of education being beyond the reach of every Australian and New Zealand family.
A straight talking and immensely popular man with family, friends and colleagues, Mr O’Connell said Mr Tyler would be remembered for his integrity, generosity, community spirit, and a vision that has benefited generations.
An early school leaver, Mr Tyler’s first job was delivering printed material on a bicycle for a law printing firm.
He then went on to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II.
The loss of a leg as a result of a motorbike accident the year he turned 21 did little to dampen his enthusiasm for life and with trademark tenacity he had an artificial leg fitted and in his words, ‘just got on with it’.
In 1951 he married Dorothy, the love of his life.
Their partnership would span 56 years and Mr Tyler made no secret of his love for his family or their priority in his life.
He and Dorothy would only take a vacation if the whole family, including grandchildren, could be together.
Harry Tyler is survived by his wife Dorothy, their four children and nine grandchildren.
