18 Oct 2016
Ralph McDonell was a ships master, maritime heritage enthusiast, carpenter, wood carver, historian, author, devoted father and a true"man of the sea". He made an enormous contribution to the National Trust.
Ralph McDonell left his mark through a lifetime of support to Polly Woodside. In particular at the Melbourne Maritime Museum, where as the President of the Polly Woodside Volunteers Association his skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and interest in people and the ship shone. His wood carvings take pride of place in the Master’s Saloon and the Deckhouse still today.
The National Trust acknowledges Ralph McDonell’s enormous contribution to heritage over a lifetime and wish to extend his family condolences on their sad loss.
