Melbourne’s west lost one of its greatest story collectors in Peter Haffenden, who for decades devoted himself to the Living Museum of the West.
I approached his family and asked whether they might like me to write an obituary for Peter. After some discussion with writer Arnold Zable, we decided I’d have a crack at it. What an entertaining life Peter had – living the Carlton-St Kilda scene when it was really a daring thing to do. I had his personal memoirs to work with, although it was written for his daughter Phoebe and I kept much of the highly personal private. There were interviews too with his partner Kerrie, friends and colleagues.
Years ago, I attended a funeral for Joan Carstairs at the Living Museum of the West and dearly wanted to write her obituary. Although persistent, it never happened. In writing this obituary, I’ve at least given Joan a mention and I hope she can now see what might have been.
A life story can be told in 170,000 words or 1700 words. Either way it is a fitting tribute to this man Peter Haffenden which appeared in The Age, Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Vale Peter Haffenden.
