Obituary — Denis M McDonald

Denis practiced extensively in the early part of his career in what was known as the “crash and bash” jurisdiction in the Magistrate’s Court, having later undertaken commercial litigation, which he jokingly called “debt collection”. For many years, Denis was an esteemed tutor at RMIT University in commercial law subjects.

Having been an avid basketball player in his early years at the Bar, Denis experienced the onset of ill health at the young age of 30 which limited his ability to pursue his interest further. Denis remained stoic in the face of on-going treatment for his illness over many years and demonstrated true resilience.

He spent many happy hours at his block at Clunes where he planted a vast array of trees and fruit to see what would survive in the harsh conditions prevailing there.  He was also significantly involved in the early days of the famous Clunes Book Fair.

In chambers, Denis had an open-door policy and was always ready to help anyone in need with both legal and computer support.

He will be truly missed by his family and many friends in the legal profession including long standing solicitor friendships and barristers with whom he had maintained regular contact with over a Friday night drink following his retirement from the Bar in 2018.

Vale Denis.