Dudley was born in Auburn, to Reg and Gladys Mercer. 
They moved to Manly where he completed Primary and some high schooling. This is where he developed his passion for the Sea Eagles, then to Temora where he completed high school. Never one to miss an opportunity, Dudley trapped rabbits and sold these to the local freezer works – this was before myxomatosis was released.

The Middle Years

Following the Leaving Certificate he obtained an apprenticeship with Bright Steel as a metallurgist but that was not his ideal. He changed course and with a scholarship, he graduated from Alexander Mackie Teachers College and began teaching primary school in the Riverina at Burraboi. Said he was always frightened of stepping on the little ones.

In 1963 he married Robyn Williams and they had two children, Scott and Karen.

To supplement his teacher’s salary, he worked in cleaning businesses at night, did the long country paper runs early in the mornings, and carted wheat to silos in harvest season, but he was really in his element when he changed to teaching High School students Science and Agriculture at Ganmain Central School, Wagga High, Oxley High at Tamworth, Dunedoo Central, Girraween High, Muirfield High and finally Bede Polding College, During that time, he gained Bachelor of Arts through Macquarie University and Diploma in School Administration through Armidale CAE and all by Correspondence while he worked and was bringing up a young family. 

In 1977 at Dunedoo, he married Marilyn and became the wonderful step-father to Tony and Mark. Their daughter Bindi, was born 2 years later.
Dudley was an active sportsman, being good at swimming, tennis, golf and AFL. He was a Group 4 Rugby League referee and received a medal for Latin American dancing. He also he received an award from the Royal Life Saving Society.

In every place he lived, he became an active member of that community – a member of many boards and committees – such as Secretary Treasurer Dunedoo Golf Club, President of Chamber of Commerce Hawkesbury, also on the management committee of the Hawkesbury Sister City Association.

During their time in the Hawkesbury, Dudley and Marilyn hosted students and adults from Hawkesbury’s Sister Cities – Tamba in Japan and Temple City in California.  This was an exciting and enjoyable time for Dudley.

After retirement, some of his great interests were his mohair goat stud and his dingo, and her pups. He Joined the Orchid Society and was very active in the Hawkesbury Antique Machinery Club.

The Later Years

His love of children led him to take the job as Santa at Castle Towers each year with mate Robert. He was still sought after by the management for years after he moved.  After retirement he took on the school bus run between Windsor and Penrith.

He generously allowed their home at Freemans Reach to be altered considerably so that Marilyn’s father could come to live with them after his major stroke. He also took time to help Arthur to try to walk, took him into their pool and to the local swimming pool.
His lifelong learning didn’t stop having participated in French classes at U3A at Tea Gardens. Always helping other people, even in his last 5 years at Tea Gardens he was on the Movie interest group committee and projectionist, joined the Myall Koala and Environment group and helped establish at the Palm Lake Resort, a group to assist those living with dementia and their carers.

Quote from a Rotary friend

“Dudley was a wonderful man.  He is probably helping in heaven already”

Hiroki Miyake

That's the very last news I wanted to hear... A huge loss to me, too. He was my best guide to Aussie life as well as my other heartwarming Dad.

Ross

I am very saddened to read the news of Dudley Mercer's passing, and my sincere condolences go to Marilyn and their extended large family at this difficult time. 

I first got to know Dudley during the 2014 Rotary International Convention in Sydney, he diligently managed the volunteer database.  I remember speaking to Dudley at our club changeover event in June and realised he was not well.  And speaking to Marilyn last week, I learned his condition had sadly deteriorated.   But I do remember Dudley as a positive person, a dedicated husband to Marilyn, and of course a passionate long-term Rotarian including being our Club's Past President.

 

 

                                                                                            

 

And So .....