Ken Runciman
Dr Ken Runciman, who had a multi-faceted career as a primary school teacher, tertiary teacher, psychologist and director of homes for children, has died after a long, debilitating but indomitably courageous struggle against Parkinson’s Disease, aged 83.
Kenneth Frederick Runciman was born in Dumbalk, South Gippsland, the first of Fred and Gladys (Gostelow) Runciman’s three children. His father was awarded the British Empire Medal for service to the local community and in that capacity among others he was the model that his elder son emulated in a long professional and community life.
Runciman’s formal education began spectacularly when the Dumbalk school burnt down during the summer break, but it jogged along otherwise normally in a local hall before continuing at Leongatha High School, where he started in Year 9. He achieved well in his secondary schooling, performed with distinction as an athlete and became head prefect in a delayed Year 12.
The delay was a consequence of Leongatha High School having no Year 12 course available in 1949, so he went unhappily to Melbourne High School for a year, boarded in Caulfield, then returned for a final year to Leongatha when a Year 12 curriculum was offered.