Walter Besley died accidentally in 1882 at Ripplevale Estate, Birregurra. The Barwon River had flooded, stranding many sheep, and Walter and two others drowned while trying to rescue them.
Walter was just 40 years old, having been born in Wales in 1842. He came to Australia in 1852 with his parents, Francis and Isabella, and his brother Thomas, all hoping for greater opportunities for the boys. During his teenage years Walter lived in Colac and later became overseer for Sir Charles Sladen of Ripplevale, a well-respected lawyer and member of parliament. In 1875 Sir Charles presented Walter with a gold fob watch in appreciation of his service, and Walter continued as overseer after Ripplevale was purchased by Mr James Strachan.
As a member of the Loyal Birregurra Lodge, Walter had held the position of Noble Grand from at least 1869, indicating the respect he earned within the group and his qualities as a leader. He married Margaret Craig of Birregurra only three months before his death.
It was a sad time for the people of Birregurra after that fateful day in October 1882. After a funeral service at Christ Church, mourners proceeded to the Colac Cemetery. The graveside scene would have been especially heartbreaking, with the soil still fresh over the grave of Walter’s brother Thomas, who had died from ill health only a week earlier. The brothers now rested beside their father Francis, who had died five years before. Grief-stricken and alone, their mother Isabella soon sold the family property after 30 years in Colac and returned to relatives in Berkshire, England.
Although Walter found worthwhile work and contributed greatly to a developing rural district, his life was tragically cut short just as a new family life was beginning.
Research by Robyn Currie
Story by Robyn Currie

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