Clyde Packer

This article is about Robert Clyde Packer (1935 – 2001) known as Clyde Packer. For grandfather Robert Clyde Packer (1879 – 1934) also known as Clyde Packer, see Robert Clyde Packer.

Robert Clyde Packer (22 July 1935 – 8 April^[1] 2001), usually known as "Clyde", was the son of Australian newspaper magnate Frank Packer and the elder brother of media baron Kerry Packer. Clyde Packer was originally intended to be his father's heir before a falling-out resulted in Kerry inheriting the family business.

Among his many business activities, Packer founded the independent Spin Records label, which released many successful singles and albums from 1967 to 1972, including the original Australian cast recording of the rock musical Hair.

Dispute with father

Clyde was the elder son of media baron Sir Frank Packer. In 1972 his first marriage broke up and he had a public falling-out with his father. He resigned his posts as managing director of the Nine Network and general manager of Australian Consolidated Press after his father refused to air an interview with then union leader Bob Hawke. In 1976 he sold his quarter share of the family business for A$4 million to his younger brother Kerry, who went on to become Australia's richest man.

Political career

Clyde Packer was also a Liberal member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1964 to 1976.

Counter-cultural involvement

After his resignation, Packer became briefly involved in the counter-culture (famously wearing a kaftan), before moving to California in 1976, where he later died aged 65. He rarely returned to Australia.

In America, Clyde pursued interests in film, surf culture, and magazine publishing.

Clyde was married twice, to Angela Money and Kate Clifford. Like his brother Kerry he suffered from heart and kidney problems, and had a kidney donated from a close associate (in his case, his architect).

References

1. ^ Social Security Death Index

External links

• Obituary

Persondata
Name	Packer, Clyde
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	22 July 1935
Place of birth
Date of death	8 April 2001
Place of death