Mr Roderick Anthony Christopher Balfour
(Fr 1959)
1940 - 2024

The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Mr Roderick Balfour (Fr 1959), who passed peacefully in Nairn Town and County Hospital, Scotland, on 11 January 2024, aged 84.

Roderick’s father, Antony Ralph Balfour served in the Australian Army in World War II. As the child of a serviceman who died while on active service, Roderick and his sister Stefanie and their mother Bessie were supported by Legacy in Launceston. Bessie Balfour became one of the founding committee members of the Launceston Branch of the War Widows’ Guild in 1949.

Roderick completed his schooling at Launceston Church Grammar School in 1957 before entering St Andrew’s College in 1959. He studied Law at The University of Sydney and stayed at the College until 1965, when he graduated with a Bachelor of Law. 

During his time at St Andrew’s, Roderick regularly supported the College Chapel Services and acted as College Piper. He continued his support throughout his lifetime too - attending the occasional reunion, making gifts in support of the Thyne Reid Link Building and becoming a member of the 1867 Circle.

After College, Roderick returned to visit his mother’s birthplace, the Highlands of Scotland, later making it his home. He gave 23 years of service to the Highland Council and Communities. He worked as a solicitor and became the Independent Representative for Culloden and Ardersier. He was said to be passionate about the Gaelic language and was a very accomplished bagpiper.

The Balfour family is held strongly in our thoughts and our dearest sympathy is extended to all who knew Roderick.

   Roderick in the 1963 Whole College Photo

   The 1959 Whole College Photo