‘Greatly missed’: Aussie Olympics advocate dies at 93

Sir Donald Trescowthick AC KBE, respected businessman and esteemed member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, had a profound impact on the Olympic Movement in Australia.

Sir Donald Trescowthick AC KBE has passed away.

Sir Donald Trescowthick AC KBE has passed away at the age of 93.

Mr Trescowthick, a respected businessman and esteemed member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth in 1979 for services to the community and a year later was awarded the Olympic Order of Merit.

In 1991, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community, arts and sport.

That same year, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as a General Member for his contribution to Olympic administration.

Sir Donald Trescowthick made significant contributions to the Olympic movement in Australia. Picture: Supplied

Throughout the years Sir Donald held a number of roles dedicated to furthering the Australian Olympic movement, including Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Fundraising Committee, Chairman of the Citizens Committee and Chairman of the Australian Olympic Committee Investment Advisory Committee.

He was also Chairman of the Australian Olympic Committee Audit Committee from 1986 to 1994 and deeply involved with the Special Olympics as Australian Patron from 1992 to 2000.

“Sir Donald had a profound impact on the Olympic Movement in Australia,” AOC President Ian Chesterman said in a statement.

“He was passionate about the Olympics and what the athletes do for our country. His vision in developing our Prime Minister’s Olympic Dinner, our Australian Olympic Team premier corporate event, has raised more than $20 million since its inception in 1984.

“Sir Donald always provided wise advice and counsel to me and I greatly appreciated his support. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go to Sir Donald’s family.”

Pictured with his wife Lady Norma in 1997. Picture: Supplied

In the corporate world, Mr Trescowthick is well-known for starting Swann Insurance, which became Australia’s largest privately owned general insurer before it was sold to CGU.

In the 1970s, he assumed control of department store Harris Scarfe and built it into one of the nation’s most successful stores.

Mr Trescowthick also supported Australian football and was successful in thoroughbred horse breeding and racing.

His wife of 72 years, Lady Norma, passed away earlier this year. One of his children, Andrew, died when he was just six months old.

Sir Donald is survived by his children Mark, Susanmary, Adam and Caroline, his grandchildchildren Nicholas, Dominie, Alice, Oliver, Fletcher, Hennie and Mac, and great-grandchildren Reece and Rylee.