Some reflections on the man by a close friend and colleague.(Warren Horton AM: 23 June 1938-25 November 2003)(Obituary)

Warren Horton's death came after a prolonged and valiant fight with cancer.

His was a towering presence on the state, national and international scene of librarianship. His contribution to that world was remarkable and he was much rewarded for it by our professional bodies at home and abroad, by the academic community and the book world, as well as by the Australian government on behalf of the people with his Order of Australia award.

Biographic Synopsis

Warren Michael Horton, the son of John Horton and Iris Purcell, was born in Ryde, Sydney, just 13 months prior to the start of World War II. This was the time when Donald Bradman was at the height of his powers and, just two days before Horton's birth, had scored a century at Old Trafford in the record-breaking time of 73 minutes. Perhaps it was coincidence, but Warren grew up to be extremely interested in Test cricket, following the fortunes of the Australian team with great interest.

Warren's father had initially worked as an accountant in a manufacturing business. He subsequently opened a corner grocery shop, apparently to his family's considerable embarrassment. Warren grew up in Dee Why, one of Sydney's northern beachside suburbs, attending the Dee Why Public School until 1949 when he won the scholarship that took him to Canberra Grammar School as a boarder, completing his schooling there in 1955. He then took 17 years to complete an Arts degree from Sydney University! Its completion was a springboard to his subsequent career.

Career Synopsis

Grounding in his chosen profession and then his developing career was at the State Library of NSW (1957-1981) where he rose from one of its humblest positions to that of one of its loftiest--Deputy State Librarian (1974-1981). From that position he came to Victoria as state librarian (1981-1985). It was in this role that he…