The Scotch Family mourns the passing of David Crawford AO (’61), a distinguished Old Boy of Scotch College, whose legacy and commitment to the School and the wider community is enduring.
David attended Scotch College with distinction from 1956 to 1962 and became a revered figure in business and public service. His vision and lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and leadership has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him.
At Scotch, David was a School Prefect in 1961 and 1962 and Lawson-MacFarland House Captain in 1962. He played in the 1st XI in 1961 and 1962, and in the 1st XVIII in 1962. David then played for the Old Scotch Cricket and Tennis Clubs and played 26 games for the Old Scotch Football Club, including the 1964 Reserves premiership.
On leaving Scotch, David went on to graduate in Commerce and Law from Melbourne University and dedicated his life to serving some of Australia’s largest public companies, sporting organisations and arts and educational institutions.
David was a member of the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association (OSCA) Council from 1973 to 1993. In 1987 he followed in his father Frank’s footsteps by becoming the first father and son Presidents of OSCA. He was awarded Honorary Life membership of OSCA in 2011.
In 1991 David joined the Scotch College Council, serving as Vice Chairman from 2003 to 2006 and Chair from 2006 until his resignation in 2012. Paying tribute to his service, Principal Tom Batty shared that ‘David’s time in office, as both member and Chairman, has been marked by clear thinking, sound judgement, good humour and unquestioned loyalty to his school.’
Through their generosity, the Crawfords are Trustee members of the Scotch College Foundation.
Over the course of nearly three decades, David rose to become Chairman and Managing Partner at KPMG. He subsequently became a non-executive director, holding numerous roles including as Chairman of Foster’s Group, Lend Lease Corporation, South32, Australia Pacific Airports Corporation and The Australian Ballet, Director of BHP Billiton and Westpac, and Vice-President and Treasurer of the Melbourne Cricket Club, amongst many others.
As a leader, David showed a capacity to absorb information on complex issues, to focus on core problems, and provide solutions in an understandable manner, He was also a great mentor and championed those things he believed in, always with a high degree of integrity and humility. In public life, his dedication to civic engagement and social betterment exemplified the values that Scotch College seeks to inspire in its students.
For his service to business as a director of public companies, to sport and to the community, David was awarded the Order of Australia in 2009. In 2021, he was awarded the Faculty of Business and Economics Alumni of Distinction Award for Outstanding Achievement by Melbourne University for his involvement in public company life, his focus on the review and restructure of national sporting bodies, and his contributions to arts and educational organisations.
David’s death is a tremendous loss to Scotch and to the community. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his enduring commitment to creating a better world. His example of service, leadership, and respect will continue to guide us, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can make.
On behalf of the entire Scotch Family, we extend our deepest condolences to Maureen and to David’s family during this difficult time.
May his memory be a blessing and his legacy inspire all who follow.
