Obituary & Funeral Notice - Stanley Spittle

Stan was born at Skeleton Creek in Far North Queensland on 12 April 1941.

He was educated at Ballarat Grammar, along with Victorian Bar contemporaries Norman Fowler and Neville Bird.

He obtained his LLB from the University of Melbourne, where he was also a champion middle-distance runner. In 1963 he was the recipient of a Full Blue for Athletics, awarded by the University of Melbourne for outstanding individual sporting performance in competition at the highest level. Whilst at the University, Stan trained under renowned athletics coach Franz Stampfl and was the training mate of sporting elite Ralph Doubell (who went on to win a 1968 Olympics gold medal for the 800 meters in Mexico City).

He was admitted to legal practice in 1966, completed his articles with Ellison Hewison & Whitehead and then worked as a solicitor at Baird & McGregor in Ballarat.

He came to the Bar in 1969 and read with the late Frank Costigan QC. He developed a substantial and successful practice in workers compensation and personal injuries. He was known as a fearless and dedicated advocate for his clients.

From 2004-2011 Stan served as Treasurer of the Compensation Bar Association. He retired in 2015.

In retirement, he went on to participate in crews for the World Rowing Masters Championships, winning medals in Italy, Japan and Germany.

He is remembered as a Legend of the Bar (2015), a respected advocate, and an accomplished sportsman.

The Bar extends deepest sympathies to Stan’s wife Rosemary, his sons Richard and Cameron, and his grandchildren Briar, Summer, Charlotte and Isabella.