VALE - Graham Nock AM, OBE
Past RPAYC Commodore and Life Member
A Life of Service, Seamanship, and Integrity
7. 1.1928 - 12.5.2025
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club acknowledges with deep respect the passing of Graham Norman Nock AM, OBE— former Commodore, Life Member, dedicated yachtsman, and much-loved member of the Alfreds community.
Graham served as Commodore from 1963 to 1966, a time of significant growth and evolution for the Club. He oversaw the completion of A-Marina and the Green Point Hardstand (then known as the 5.5m Hardstand) and played an instrumental role in the publication of the Club’s Centenary History Book – a lasting tribute to the RPAYC’s rich legacy.
His steady hand on the helm helped modernise operations, guide membership expansion, and uphold the traditions that continue to define RPAYC today. In 1973, in recognition of his outstanding service, Graham was awarded Life Membership— one of the Club’s highest honours.
Graham’s generosity and ongoing support of sailing at RPAYC is reflected through his donation of two enduring trophies: The Alyth Trophy, awarded to the winning PHS boat in the Bluewater Pointscore Series, and The Commodore’s Cup, presented to the winning PHS boat in each division of the Commodore’s Cup Series.
A Passion for Sailing
Graham’s lifelong love of sailing was inherited from his father, Sir Norman Nock (acknowledged as introducing the Dragon class yachts to Australia in the 1950s), and passed down to the generations that followed. A true sailor in every sense, Graham raced extensively along the east coast and throughout Sydney Harbour.
For more than 35 years, Graham was most closely associated with the classic timber yacht CARESS, a Wally Ward design built in 1961. Purchased by Graham in 1982, CARESS became a regular and successful competitor in the SASC Classic Division, often seen surfing home ahead of the fleet.
He sailed most often with his son Rick—a formidable team whose skill and teamwork earned them admiration and many trophies. Even well into his 90s, Graham remained connected to the boat, and in 2023, was honoured with one last sail aboard the beautifully restored CARESS—a poignant tribute to a lifetime spent on the water.
A Broader Contribution
Graham’s influence extended far beyond the Alfreds. He was a director and chairman of the family retail firm Nock & Kirby and served on the boards of major Australian companies such as AMP, Carrier, and Rheem. He also held office as an Alderman for the City of Sydney, with a strong commitment to civic responsibility and charitable work.
For these and other contributions, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1975 and made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1988. He was a lifelong supporter of The Smith Family, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australia Day Council, and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he served as a Life Governor.
A Lasting Legacy
Graham passed away peacefully at home on 12 May 2025, aged 96. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Pamela, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years, and is survived by their four children—Michael, Rick, and two daughters— and their many grandchildren.
He will be remembered at RPAYC not only for his achievements but for his quiet wisdom, gracious nature, and steadfast loyalty to the Club. His legacy lives on through those he mentored, the friends he made, and the enduring mark he left on our waters and our hearts.
Fair winds, Graham. You have crossed the bar with dignity. Your presence will always be felt at the Alfreds.
Commodore Robert McClelland
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Newport, NSW
A few more insights
Graham Nock was born in Sydney on 7 October 1928, the son of former Lord Mayor Sir Norman Lindfield Nock and his wife Lady Ethel E Nock, nèe Bradford. He married Pamela, daughter of J and PA McCathie, on 26 January 1955 and has three sons and one daughter.
Graham Nock was educated at Sydney Church of England Grammar School and Scots College and the Babson Institute of Administration in the United States of America. He held a Bachelor of Science degree.
He joined his father in the family’s well-known hardware store Nock and Kirby Pty Ltd, being Chairman of Directors since 1950. He was a director and/or chairman of many companies including Carrier Air conditioning Holdings Ltd (1961–87), the AMP Society (1992–95), Rheem Australia (1987–88), Touraust Corporation (1995–) Emerging Markets Co Ltd (1995–), and Development Capital of Australia Ltd (1993–).
He was President of the Australian Retail Traders’ Association from 1978 to 1981. He was the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Hedge Funds Ltd (HFL).
Graham Nock inherited his love of sailing from his father and was a champion yachtsman.
He was a member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.
Graham was a man of integrity and vision, who embodied the virtues instilled by his father, Sir Norman Nock. He leaves behind his children Michael, Richard, Jane, and Andrew, and grandchildren Camille, Lucy, Alex, Tom, and Sophie.
Known for his honesty, courage, and leadership, Graham's life was a testament to patriotism, kindness, and ambition. His spirit now rests with Pamela, united in eternal peace.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in July 2025.
Graham Norman Nock Alderman 1962-1967 (City of Sydney Archives, A-00025178)
Graham Nock was Alderman for Gipps Ward, 1 December 1962 to 13 November 1967 when the City of Sydney Council was replaced by City Commissioners. He was a member of the Works Committee and the Health and Recreations Committee from 1963 to 1967.
The partnership of Thomas Nock and Herbert Kirby began in November 1894. The original Nock & Kirby store was at Circular Quay, before the business expanded and moved to new premises at 417 George Street, Sydney.
By the 1950s, Nock & Kirby’s had become a household name in New South Wales. The shop sold everything from pots and pans to clothing, as well as hardware and gardening equipment. The company traded until 1983, when it was taken over by Burns Philp & Co and renamed BBC Hardware. Bunnings (Wesfarmers) bought the BBC Hardware chain in 2001.
References
City of Sydney Archives: Aldermen’s Files
Who’s Who in Australia 1997
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Nock family archives