Roly Dunlop

Roland James Dunlop was born on 5 June 1967, the youngest of six children, and was apparently unimpaired in any way.

On 4 November 1967, in accidental circumstances, Roly sustained a severe brain injury involving a depressed skull fracture and brain lacerations. Roly was left with severe intellectual deficit in consequence of his injury and associated disabilities including hemiplegia on the right side, loss of motor function and continuous epileptic seizures.

From the first Roly displayed a cheerful and happy disposition, ready on the instant to plunge wholeheartedly into life’s experience. He had a ready affinity for living things and equanimity with, and love for animals. He revelled in the nooks and crannies of his old rambling family home at Singleton and he delighted in the family rural retreat with its creek, open spaces and steep hills. He was readily included in all family activities. Roly was an avid camper and enjoyed fishing and surfing. He had an unquenchable sense of humour as well as a quick and musical ear. He enjoyed movies and social outings and sometimes went on trips with his siblings and with Scouts camping out.

Roly enjoyed a full and happy life. He was always cheerful and over the years never once complained concerning his condition.

In January 2002 Roly developed pneumonia and died at the Mater Hospital, Waratah, on 20 February 2002.