Ross Skerman
I was extremely fortunate to have George as my boss in Adelaide in the mid seventies. He and I had wound up in the same bar at an APEA conference in Canberra in 1973 – I was a student delegate. He was the Exploration manager for Delhi International Oil Corporation. He offered me a job when I graduated right there in the bar! Mind you he had Olive Del check me out on the dance floor to make sure she approved! I finished Uni just as the oil crisis hit but got the chance to work overseas in mining and GSR encouraged me to take the opportunity to see the industry at large. As fate would have it we next met in the aftermath of the Darwin cyclone when I was evacuated to Adelaide Christmas 1974 – Brian and Bruce were helping at the airport and I recognised who they were. George had been tracking my exploits as we kept in touch. Six months later I joined his team and enjoyed the Rogers mentoring through many discussions on the life ahead. George and OD helped my wife and I in so many ways when we shifted to Adelaide with a very young baby – from furniture to favours. Working for GSR had its serious moments – he was a great mentor with a terrific work ethic. In those days the Americans all went to the office Saturday mornings – a oddity to we Australians but they never demanded it of us.! The team George led was incredibly successful in building the Cooper Basin business and with 27 JV partners from around the world we were busy. George had a keen sense of stopping you in your tracks with his wit. When we had our second child I proudly went into George's office to announce it and said I needed a pay rise. Quick as a flash George reminded me I was remunerated for my performance in the Biardroom not the bedroom! We did have a beer after work! I was fortunate to spend a weekend with George and OD in Dallas a few years ago where OD reminded me why I was hired and we relived those days for hours. (the first book she gave me was Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead). George was busy looking after OD and the neighbourhood and the world seemed at peace. Vale George – a true gentleman.