Obituary by Dr Graham Hamdorf in honour of Dr Ken Rollond OAM

Dr Ken Rollond OAM
B: 28th June 1940 Mt Pleasant Hospital SA
D: 24th October 2023 at home in Glenelg SA aet 83

Ken Rollond grew up on his family’s farm in the Adelaide Hills township of Tungkillo. His father (Ellis) was a farmer, and his mother (Freda) was a schoolteacher. He attended Tungkillo Primary School (which had 18 pupils in total), then Birdwood High School and later he attended Prince Alfred College in Adelaide for his final two years of schooling (1956/57).

He commenced medical school at Adelaide University in 1960, followed by an internship. He then travelled to the UK to gain experience in paediatrics and anaesthetics. He did an obstetrics and gynaecology internship in Peterborough before completing his Membership of RCOG in London. He gained further O&G experience in Birmingham before returning to Adelaide.

Ken met and married RAH nurse, Anne Freeman, in 1969. They have two children Fiona and Bill. The young couple moved to Whyalla, north of Adelaide to practice O&G in a large general practice for six months. Ken returned to Adelaide, had appointments at QVH (Obstetrics) and RAH (Gynaecology). His public appointment at RAH continued for 50+ years. Ken combined his public commitment with a very successful private obstetric practice, delivering over 1,000 babies.

Ken somehow found time for his other interests which included his houseboat on the Murray River and skiing (by all accounts he was quite an accomplished skier). His other serious interest, commencing in the early 2000s, was community involvement as a local councillor and ten years as Lord Mayor of Holdfast Bay — a seaside council where he and Anne raised their children.

Sadly, soon after his retirement, Ken was diagnosed with a cerebral lymphoma which he battled for many years, only to succumb to the disease in October 2023. Ken will be remembered as a very popular, kind and gentle, caring Obstetrician. Also, a dedicated and community orientated citizen of Glenelg with his involvement in council affairs for over a decade.

Ken leaves behind a loving family Anne, Fiona, Bill, grandchildren Madeleine and Amelia, son-in-law Andrew.

Vale to my friend and colleague,
Dr Graham Hamdorf