Dr Timothy James Humphery
(Fr 1963)
1945 - 2024
The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Dr Timothy (Tim) James Humphery (Fr 1963) who passed away peacefully in Yass on 18th June 2024.
Tim attended Sydney Church of England Grammar School in North Sydney from 1954 to December 1961. His mother, Isobel, was Headmistress at Sydney Church of England Grammar School for Girls, Redlands, in Cremorne. His father Ronald died in active service when Tim was five months old.
Like both his father Ronald and uncle Fred (both Fr 1935) before him, Tim attended St Andrew’s College, entering from the Lent Term of 1963 through 1964 whilst studying for his Medicine Degree. Academically, he was very bright, winning the Harold John Ritchie Memorial Prize, awarded to a final-year student for the best performance in Clinical Medicine. In studying Medicine at the University of Sydney, Tim was following in the footsteps of his Androvian father and uncle, as well as his grandfather.
Tim loved his time at St Andrew's College as it gave him camaraderie and purpose. He was heavily involved in College life; he participated in University Rugby 4th grade, College Social Football, and he rowed and swam with what quickly became known as his typical zest, enthusiasm and good humour. He also joined the University Regiment, and achieved his Surf Life Saving Association Bronze qualification.
After qualifying in Medicine, Tim worked at Sydney Hospital, eventually specialising in renal medicine. After completing postgraduate work in Canada, Tim returned to work in Melbourne hospitals as a renal specialist. He completed a Ph.D. and regularly published research papers, building up an extensive medical library. From all reports, Tim was a very caring and compassionate doctor.
From 2000-2010 Tim became a member of Army Standby and Active Reserve. He achieved the rank of Major, serving in Iraq, East Timor, Solomon Islands and Bougainville. He wanted to do a stint in Ukraine, but sadly, ill health interfered. During his service, he compiled a large military history library.
Another of Tim's passions was amateur radio. He was a fluent Morse code operator and always listed his other language as Morse. He saved many lives during Melbourne’s Black Friday Bush Fires when telephone networks went down, and the only communication was by ham radio. His exceptional work during the bushfires was recognised by the Victorian Government. He also had a great love for gardening and the Australian bush.
Known amongst friends as a great raconteur, Tim had an infectious smile that made him very likeable. He could also be quite a character; never one to miss a drink, he would even come up from Melbourne to meet his mates at the Newport Arms in Sydney.
Tim lived his life with determination and fortitude. He gave a lot back to the wider community and made a positive difference to the lives of many people. Married twice but with no offspring, Tim has left behind a wide circle of family, friends, grateful patients, medical colleagues and College mates.
Tim's funeral was held on 9 July 2024. At the end of his funeral service, the bagpipes played "Going Home", a fitting tribute to a much-loved man.
The Humphery family is held warmly in our thoughts and our dearest sympathy is extended to all who knew Tim.
The College wishes to thank to Nick Palethorpe (Fr 1963) for his invaluable assistance in compiling this obituary.
Above: The 1963 Social Football team. Tim is in the back row, third from the left.
Above: The 1964 Social Football team. Tim is in the back row, third from the right.
