MIKE Troon had exceptional leadership qualities that he carried from the football field to the boardroom of his family’s 143-year-old Ballarat company.
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Mike, a director of building and development company H Troon Pty Ltd, founded in Ballarat in 1870, died on Saturday.
He was passionate to be involved in numerous community projects and played a strong part in the development of Ballarat icons including the city’s POW Memorial and Olympic Rings.
Brother Steve Troon said Mike was a significant driving force behind the family business, which had seen significant growth in the past 15 years.
“He was a director of the company through its golden era,” Mr Troon said.
“He was very good at creating strong relationships within the industry, especially in mentoring and supporting our large workforce.
“He was the starring light of the St John of God Hospital $60 million redevelopment.
“He received enormous accolades for the way in which he co-ordinated his team to carry out the $60 million redevelopment ensuring all the stakeholders throughout that project were well looked after and well led.”
Mike was also instrumental in H Troon’s development company and securing the Lake View Hotel site which now has the $40 million Lake View apartments nearing completion.
Mr Troon said Mike’s leadership qualities and drive were carried throughout his life.
He excelled at the sport of yachting, competing in regattas at grand prix level around Australia.
He was also a premiership winning captain and leader of the North Ballarat Football Club in its golden era.
North Ballarat Football Club chief executive officer Mark Patterson said Mike came through the club’s junior program before playing 171 senior games.
Mike was runner-up in the Ballarat Football League Best and Fairest in 1991, played in six senior premierships and captained the premiership team of 1995.
Mr Patterson said between them Mike and his two brothers clocked up 519 games, a record for any group of siblings to go through the club.
“Outside his playing record he remained very close to the club through the family company,” Mr Patterson said.
“He leaves quite a strong legacy here both on and off the field.
“To become a captain of a premiership team he was obviously held in very high regard as a player and leader.”
Mike, 45, died suddenly on Saturday after a short illness leaving behind three children, his wife Maxine, four siblings and mother Millie.
