Alumni & Friends R.I.P.

A list of Patricians (mid 2023 to the present) who are no longer with us can be found by clicking this link.

Notices or short paragraphs describing the lives of Patricians who have passed away prior to 2023 can be found on a 'sub page' of this section (see menu above or click here).

Tony Gaynor has maintained a much longer list of Patricians (from 1981 to 2018) who are now resting in peace.

Max NANKERVIS (59-62)

Max passed away on Friday 12 September (the same day as Tom Hawkins, recorded elsewhere on this page). He was involved in a range of pursuits at school in addition to his academic achievements. Membership of the Sodality of Our Lady, one of the elite group of singers called upon when a ‘sung Mass’ was required, a regular in the Second XVIII team, and winner of the 55 yds swimming event in the Open age group (in front of the likes of Bernie Power and John Leeds!) are just some of Max’s highlights in his time at St Pat’s.

After school he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and followed a career in Town Planning, Local History, and Architecture. He made many contributions on a range of topics connected with those areas, one notable one being his article which made up the contents of the Autumn edition of Heritage Australia in 1992. That essay was entitled “An Incongruous Tower” and related many historical asects not only concerning The Tower but also the school more generally, particularly in relation to design features.

RIP Max

Max at the 55th Anniversary of College Closure

Thomas HAWKINS (40-46)

Tom died on Friday 12 September (the same day as Max Nankervis, recorded elsewhere on this page). At 96, Tom was the oldest of the many ‘fairly old’ Patricians at the time of his passing – others will now have to carry the torch (no names mentioned!). Faithful to the end (and in the middle, as his second name was Fidelis!), in his last days he reminded his son (Tom, jnr) to inform SPOCA of the sad news.

At school he was keen on athletics, not only competing in events but also being a member of the organizing committee. Debating was another of his interests. At the right is an extract from the 1948 Patrician yearbook which illustrates the breadth of the Hawkins footprint at St Pat's!

RIP Tom

Tom as a cadet!

Paul Costigan (50-58)

Paul passed away in Darwin on 26 June 2025.

After leaving St Pat's, Paul entered Corpus Christi seminary and was ordained in 1966. However, he resigned after a few years and later married Patty Ring. They worked in various hospitality venues, hotels and motels even spending some years in the United Kingdom. They eventually moved to Darwin where the remained. Some further details about Paul are included in Martin Tobin's outline of the Costigan, Sullivan and Tobin inter-connected families elsewhere on this website (see page 14, here). Paul's wake was announced to one and all in the notice shown at right ...

RIP Paul

Tim Walsh (54-62)

Tim passed away on June 20, 2025. Although Tim’s name has been on Patrician lists for many years, unfortunately we haven’t had a recent contact point for him. Nevertheless the grapevine has brought his name to our attention.

He began at St Patrick’s in 1954 as a Grade 4 student. One of his first involvements in non-academic pursuits was as a member of the cast in the presentation of The Toymaker’s Dream, taking the role of the Fife Player!

In later years he was active in the Debating Society and football. So somewhat of an all-rounder! By the time he was in Leaving he was a member of the Second XVIII, as the photo from the 1962 Patrician magazine shows.

With no up-to-date contact, we aren’t able to give any details of Tim’s later life. Perhaps a compatriot of his might contact SPOCA via email or other means to add some colour to the Tim Walsh story.

RIP Tim.

Richard Grant (52-60)

Richard passed away on 1 April 2025. He was on the SPOCA committee during the latter years of the College and was Treasurer in 1968. So much has been written about his life after St Pat's (and some during his time there) that little can be added here (see parts of the obituaries from his funeral service here).

RIP Richard

Laurie McGuane (61-65)

Laurie began at St Pat's in Grade 5 and continued until he completed Sub Inter. Not much is known about Laurie after that but he had been living in Hervey Bay in Qld for some time and had lost touch with his earlier classmates. He passed away in late March or early April (exact date and other details are not known).

RIP Laurie

John Henderson (1944)

John was born on 26 August 1932. He attended St Pat’s for a year, which he spent in the Second Year class while staying with his grandmother (the family lived in Tamworth), flying back and forth to family on his own as a young lad. In his early years he learned piano and continued to priactice it while with his grandmother. He went on to be an excellent pianist, mostly enjoying playing classical music. After the year at St Pat’s he spent the rest of his secondary education,still taught by Jesuits, as a boarder at Riverview, Sydney.

His family moved to Geelong in 1947. After leaving school John began medical studies at the Melbourne Uni. He married Pam in the early 70s and he began his work as a GP in Geelong. and they had four children.

He was a well-loved and widely known man in Geelong and had wide interests. Perhaps his main one was photography – at his funeral his wife said the he was rarely without a still camera in one hand and a movie camera in the other.

His love of vintage cars was also high on his list of interests. His other favourite method of transport was flying. Not far behind those was a glass of wine (but not at the same time!).

Much of his life was re-told by family members at his funeral, which is worth watching online. He passed away on 5 March 2025.

RIP John.

Peter Carrucan Rev. Fr. (44-47)

Peter enrolled at St Pat’s in 1944 in Second Year and stayed for four years. In those early days he was an outstanding sportsman on many fields. From the start, he was noticeable in the athletics track, the cricket pitch and the football oval.

During his second year at Intermediate (1947) he played in the very successful First VIII team which scored wins against teams like Ivanhoe Grammar, St Bede’s and CBC St Kilda. His team mates included current Old Patricians Paul Noone and Brian Fleiter who were all mentioned regularly among the best players.

At cricket , he was very handy, whether it was with the keepers gloves on or opening the batting.

And in his second last year he was athletics champion in his age group: he won the 100 & 200 yard sprints and the high jump.

After leaving school he worked in the Taxation Department for a number of years, then began preparing for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College in 1955. He was ordained in July 1962. He was appointed to various parishes during the 60s and early 70s, and then Parish Priest at Hadfield in 1975. By the early 1980s he was in the far eastern suburb of Belgrave and his leadership was called on to assist residents of the area to survive the Ash Wednesday bushfires. His years before retirement were spent at St Albans where he spent much time helping at the local hospital and the wider community. after retirement from parish duties he became very involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

A longer story about Peter's life and calling can be read here.

Two quotes from Peter give an insight into the man:

"A priest is not there just for the good people but for people furthest from the church".

Even in retirement, Peter was always ready to respond to those who might be in prison, immigration detention, hospital or in trouble. At the age of 92 he was still saying mass in prison where the men were always impressed by his sincerity and unusual ability to communicate at their level.

"I never regretted becoming a priest but I regretted not being a better priest".

All who knew Peter would agree this humble statement was a significant underestimation of the good work he did for people in need, and for all his long life.

There are thousands of people throughout the parishes of Melbourne who have benefitted from his guidance and leadership. Peter was finally called to a higher place on 27 February 2025 at the age of 93.

He was a good priest and man.

There are thousands of people throughout the parishes of Melbourne who have benefited from his guidance and leadership. Peter was finally called to a higher place on 27 February 2025 at the age of 93.

RIP Peter.

David BULLARD OAM ED RFD LLB (48-50)

David attended St Pat’s for the last three years of his schooling, although his Matric year was unfortunately interrupted due to a car accident involving five teachers. They suffered various injuries and were unable to continue their teaching for some weeks. Accordingly, David and many classmates were temporarily re-located to Xavier for a time. All were back at St Pat’s by the beginning of term 2.

After school, he completed a Law degree and became part of a successful legal practice, most recently having an office in the city. Simultaneously, and for many years, he was also a member of the Australian Army Reserve (originally enlisting as a member of the CMF), achieving the rank of Lt Colonel and becoming CO of the Melbourne University Regiment in 2005. His interest in the Army probably developed from his membership of the Cadets at school, having reached the rank of Sgt and performing more than creditably on the rifle range. His long service resulted in his awards of the Efficiency Decoration and the Reserve Force Decoration.

Not satisfied with having military activities occupy his time outside his main profession, David was also a founding and long-time (45 years) member of the Odyssey House Board. That wasn’t the limit of his community involvement as he was also on the board of the RACV, holding the office of President from 2002 to 2004.

He died peacefully on 15 February 2025 in his 92nd year. David ... RIP.

Brian SHERMAN (56-62)

Brian began at St Pat’s in 1956 as a First Year student. From the start he made his mark as a student with wide-ranging abilities. His French and Latin were better than others in his class, and he also showed some early skills in arithmetic and algebra, the latter two areas providing an early pointer to his eventual career. However he also featured on the sporting field with his cricket skills, particularly in bowling. Classmates whose names will be familiar to others include Denis Hitchens, Terry Mulgrew, Peter King, John Leeds, and many others. The emphasis there is on the ‘many’ as his class list comprised 56 names – were there classrooms that could accommodate such a number?

Whatever the conditions and companionship, they evidently suited Brian as, by his last year in 1962, he was dux of the school. By then, his colleagues also included Peter Gaffney, Michael Dolan, Gerry Healy, Anton Orbe, Max Nankervis, Bernie Power among many other well-known names.

Another of his other interests was debating. During 1962, his team were one of a number who represented their schools on a Channel 7 program called ‘Parliament of Youth’. The question his team had to defend was ‘Has our Present-day Democracy Failed?’ – the question is still pertinent.

Subsequent to his secondary schooling, Brian studied at the University of Melbourne where he gained qualifications in Mathematics and eventually took up a position at the University of Adelaide where his career spanned the next 50 or so years.

One of his achievements (and one which will stand the test of time) was his discovery of a fourth side of a triangle. The issue is an obtuse one for more than the obvious reasons but those with an interest in the area can read his 1993 manuscript here. While he modestly referred to ‘the fourth line of a triangle’ his academic colleagues thought more of his contribution and have allowed eponymy to give his work a longer life by calling the feature ‘The Sherman Line’. Further information regarding Brian’s life and work can be gleaned by application of the usual online research techniques.

An Old Xaverian who was at Melbourne Uni with Brian remembers him well and provides an example of his personality and intelligence:

My class memories of Brian is of him sitting in the front row under the nose of the Professor ( E R Love) reading the newspaper which eventually became too much for the Professor.

"Sherman, put down the paper and come to the blackboard and complete the problem that I have been methodically solving".

Brian would look up, proceed to the blackboard and finish off the work, usually in 2-3 brilliant strokes.

The Professor would look on dumbstruck by the simplicity of his answer. .... He was a genius really.

Recent communications to SPOCA by Brian included some recollections of his time at St Pat’s, particularly his involvement in handball which continued after his SPC years but still with some St Pat’s compatriots. A few months ago he was receiving treatment for myeloma but he and his doctor were optimistic about a recovery by Christmas. Unfortunately that wasn’t to be on 13 Jan 2025. He is survived by a large family of sons, daughters and grandchildren, and his death notice in the Adelaide Advertiser can be read here.

RIP Brian

Tom BROPHY (50-57; Rev. Fr.)

Tom began at St Pat’s in Grade V and continued through to Matric in 1957. After secondary school he began an Arts degree at the University of Melbourne, finishing his studies at the Teachers College. Although he was raised in the inner suburbs of Melbourne (the family home was in Moreland Rd), his teaching career began in Ballarat at Sebastapol Tech.

After a number of years teaching, he took time off to travel around Europe, meeting Pope Paul VI while there. Perhaps that was the spark that caused him to change his career so that, on returning to Melbourne, he began studies for the priesthood at Werribee, and was ordained in 1972. He then chose to return to Ballarat again, this time teaching a different message, and he remained in that diocese for the rest of his priesthood until retirement in 2015. During that time he was assigned to many different parishes and so became well-known throughout the entire region of Western Victoria.

He was a dedicated priest, often being appointed to a parish in ‘difficult’ circumstances. Even though he would later be re-assigned to a new parish, Tom retained in contact with many of his ‘old’ parishioners, often traveling large distances to return to previous parishes for weddings and other ceremonies.

After his retirement his love of travel saw him again in Europe, and again chatting to the Pope (Francis this time!). One of his favourite photos was of him and the Pope together.

In 2020 his health began to decline and, in 2022 he moved to Nazareth House, and then to Justin Villa Aged Care in Balwyn where he could be closer to family. Further deterioration in his health resulted in his death on 28 April 2024.

At his funeral, his brother, Bernie, recalled many fine characteristics of Tom but he said that many people summed up Tom simply by saying that ‘he was a good man’, in every sense of the word.

RIP Tom.

John ZIZYS (55-59)

SPOCA has not been in touch with John for some years, even indirectly, but some OPs have and the news recently came through that John died in 2023 (Feb 14) after experiencing health problems for some time, mainly and probably related to rare side effects from medication that he was prescribed.

John’s life-story is an unusual one which presented many difficulties and much hardship for him and his family. They came from Lithuania to Australia in 1949, after suffering for many years surrounded by war and all the deprivations that come with it.

Life in Australia for the Zizys family began in a migrant hostel in Bathurst before finding accommodation in Sale, Victoria. Their experiences since then are too numerous to be told in a short note such as this, but much of it has been recorded in a book* written and published by his mother, Elena, later in life. Elena and her husband worked hard to gain extra qualifications which helped them to get good employment during the 50s. They moved to Melbourne in 1954 after which John started his secondary education at St Pat’s in Second Year. His family continued their strong links with the Lithuanian community, with involvement in many activities most weeekends.

During his student years John’s focus was largely on his studies, and that resulted in regular appearances in the listings of subject results in the annual Patrician magazine. After school, John undertook studies at the University of Melbourne, gaining an Arts degree in 1963 and a teaching diploma at Secondary Teachers College after that. Thereafter, his career was mainly directed to poetry and other literary pursuits.

* The book can be found online at various bookstores (although often ‘out of stock’), but a shortened draft version can be accessed by sending an email to SPOCA.

RIP John

Bill DWYER (44-47, SJ)

Fr Bill Dwyer was born on 15 May 1930 and died on 12 November 2024. He began his St Pat’s education in 1944, in Sub Intermediate, and continued until he completed Matric. He regularly featured on the list of subject awards in the annual Patrician magazines with many mentions for Latin, French, English, General Science and Chemistry. But academic performance wasn’t the only area that defined him during his four years as a Patrician. He was also a regular member of one or other of the Sodalities, he reached the rank of Warrant Officer in the cadets, played footy in the 2nd XVIII for his last two years and was treasurer of the Social Studies club.

After leaving school and going directly to Loyola College, Watsonia, in 1948 he was still remembered at St Pat’s through regular entries among the Notes of Past Students, including the news in 1952 of his transfer to India. He remained in India for the remainder of his life apart, from a short stint back in Australia in 2013.

There are many details of his life which have been recorded on the Jesuit website. In addition, a few years ago he wrote a short outline of how he came to follow his calling to the priesthood and what were some of his experiences when in India (as much as 60 years can be summarized into a page!). That outline can be read here.

In addition to those historical facts and recollections, it is also of interest to read some extracts from the travel diary of Ancita d’Cunha (Australian Province Support Officer) when she went to Hazaribag in March 2018. Having landed at Ranchi airport (two hours from Hazaribag) they received a warm welcome from Fr Bill Dwyer and his driver. Regularly while there, she saw examples of how ‘gracious, considerate and kind a man Bill is. I am humbled to see how he and the other Jesuits treat their staff ... and each other’. Then, as the trip developed, she noted that he was ‘an inspiration to watch in action’. She saw and heard of many examples of stories about people who ‘are forever grateful to him’ as a result of the way he looked after them when they experienced various difficulties.

More recently (August 2024), he wrote to SPOCA in response to an earlier email. He gave some recollections of his St Pat’s years and classmates as follows ...

Many thanks for your letter. It was good to be in touch again with the old school, and to be reminded that there are still some "old boys" around. We are a dwindling family.

I find it difficult to recall even the names of my 1947 Matric class.

You spoke of Conway Tighe. Was he in my class or a class behind? I remember him well because the Tighes were an Essendon family with a well known dairy. Jack and David Walsh, John Playle, John Byrne, Kevin Hoctor - all Essendon boys. I suspect they have all passed on. Over the years I lost touch. Phil Hosking - Head Prefect of St Pat's 1944, the year I joined the school - was in the same community as me; I was Principal of St Xavier's, Hazaribag, with Phil as Prefect of Studies. Phil is well remembered as a good English teacher. We often talked about "those days". In our reading room is a copy of MORE THAN A SCHOOL. I sometimes turn the pages.

I recently celebrated my 94th birthday, the Jesuit brethren and the Sisters who teach in our school gave me a party, wishing that I bat I on to the century. Not in my hands! I am in fairly good health; get around on a stick; still drive - in the back streets when I go out in the early morning for Mass in a convent.

Well, Paul, keep reminding us of SEMPER ET UBIQUE FIDELIS and say hello to any of the old boys who may remember me.

The Lord's blessing,

Bill Dwyer SJ

Bill was a great man in every way and will be a loss to the communities where he lived as well as those further away.

RIP Bill

Ferruccio ROMANIN SJ (1943)

Ferruccio died on 28 October 2024. Judging by the last three entries here, it seems that some of our OP clerics have decided to meet up again in a different place! There is not much that can be said about Ferruccio that isn't already written on the Jesuit website (here). What little there might have been can't, because he chose his only year at St Pat's to be the one when a Patrician magazine wasn't written at its end. He does get a mention in the 1944 edition, but only via the many 'placings' he received in most of the subjects he studied in "Grammar II" (we'll leave it to those familiar enough with that earlier terminology referring to grade levels; suffice it to say that, had he continued, it would have been about three years before he reached Intermediate).

Ferruccio RIP

Michael HEAD SJ (58-66)

Michael Head SJ died on 15 October 2024. He had been at St Pat’s from 1958 to 1966. After that, he went directly into training at Loyola and eventually being ordained in 1980. His work in many fields since then has been widely reported, with roles which included time as rector at St Leo’s, the Province Archivist, an author, and more.

It is also worth recalling Michael back when we first knew him – his ‘pre-Jesuit’ years. Throughout his time at St Pat’s he was always getting involved in a range of pursuits. He was a member of the Sodality of Our Lady (showing early signs of an interest in at least the formalities of the Mass, he was in charge of teaching the procedures of serving Mass to younger students).To the surprise of some (which only shows how memory can fade), Michael was active and reasonably capable in a range of sports, particulary swimming: in his senior years he won the 110 yd freestyle, placed in the 44yd butterfly and backstroke, and placed in the overall Open age group championship. In addition, he was a member of the 2nd XVIII and 1st XVIII footy teams, and academically he showed an early interest and capability in History (placing in British History and Modern History, an academic area which he continued to work in during his clerical career).

One of his proudest achievements and reported as such by Fr Gerry Healy in the eulogy at the requiem mass, was Michael’s record in cadets. He was the longest ever serving member of the Cadet Unit while retaining his rank as ‘Cadet’ (i.e. Private)! He was also recorded in the 1965 Patrician as receiving the ‘Special Services’ award.

Gerry also recalled Michael’s ‘wicked sense’ of humour, and that observation saw a number of faces smiling and heads nodding.

Since Michael’s passing and the sending out of the email by SPOCA to the OP community there have been many who sent reply emails recalling their time with Michael at St Pat’s. Fr Gerry McKernan, Joseph Santamaria, Simon Clark, Michael Curtain, Paul Santamaria, John Patterson, Denis Quinn and many committee members.

The funeral was attended by over a dozen OPs – photos of some of those can be seen here (there were a few others whom we didn’t quite catch for the pics). There is an edited version of the eulogy delivered by Gerry Healy which can be read here.

RIP Michael

John Gerrard FENNELL (45-51)

John was born in 1934 and died on 10 October, 2024. Most recently he had been living in the Malvern area and had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for some time. He began at St Pat's in Grade 5 and progressed through to Leaving when he left. After school he still kept in touch with the College via SPOCA, in the early years at least. He was a Preston boy and began working with the Department of Agriculture after school.

The annual Patrician magazines always had a section in which the activities of past students were recorded. On those pages he was noted as being a regular attendee of SPOCA functions (the Sports Social and the Dinner Dance to name just two in 1960), and was noted as being a 'paid up member' in 1957! But his more well-known claim to fame was being an early face on the then fairly new phenomenon of television. By 1960 he was having more than passing success on TV quiz shows, recorded as having 'played a very profitable part in T.V. quiz shows during the year'!

RIP John

Michael MORGAN (53-56; Rev. Fr.)

Michael passed away on Sunday 29 September. [Newspaper entries, below, provide brief records of his family and life; funeral details, including streaming, can be found here ... for those who are interstate and interested in the online view of the funeral, remember that the times are 'Vic times'; DST began on Oct 6].

From The Age

The above might be a bit too small for 'tired eyes' so click here to open in a new tab for larger view.

From the Herald-Sun

Noel BELFRAGE (44-50)

Noel passed away on 18 September 2024 having reached the grand age on 91 earlier this year.

Noel Belfrage was born in April 1933 and attended St Pat’s from 1944 to 1950, his final year being Matric (‘second year Matric’ as was the norm for many of us). He was, without doubt, an all-rounder at school. In his second year in Matric, he was School Captain, Captain of the First XI, dux of the school (winning a number of prizes, mainly in Languages and English, at the Annual Speech Night), and many other things besides, all of them described in detail in the 1950 edition of the Patrician. From that link, it is only a hop, step and a jump to find copies of earlier Patricians to read more of Noel’s life at St Pat’s. There are also numerous references to contirubtions made by his younger brother, George, who went on to spend his life as part of the Jesuit community, including time in the Salisbury parish in South Australia during the 1970s.

After leaving school, Noel undertook a B.A. with Honours and then studied for his Dip. Ed. His teaching career included time at Northcote High School. He and his wife Helen had a family of eight children. One of his daughters, Abigail, became a professional historian and archivist and, in that role, later wrote a reflective essay about life around Northcote HS entitled A Stroll Along the Merri.

Noel lived a long life, spending his final years in the care of the staff at Sambell Lodge in Clifton Hill.

RIP Noel ... a Patrician life to be celebrated.

Terry Lane (59-63)

Terry died on 15 June 2024. He was the brother of other well-known Patricians, Brendan and Kevin.

A newspaper article in The Age (25 Sept 2024) contains quite some detail about Terry's life after leaving St Pat's and can be read at this link. If the link has expired over time, there is a copy of article here.

Vin Bourke (65-68)

Vin died as a result of a medical episode while driving in Bacchus Marsh on Tuesday 16 April. He was driving his car with his wife Helen when the car hit a tree. Both were transferred to Royal Melbourne Hospital but unfortunately only one of them – Helen – was able to be saved. He was in Leaving during his last year at St Pat's, and represented to SPC in both the First XVIII and XI footy and cricket teams. He completed his last year of schooling at Xavier, after which he spent most of his working life in Local Government, principally as a property valuer in the north-west suburbs of Melbourne and nearby regional areas.

He continued his sporting interests after school, especially with the Sunshine YCW, receiving a life membership there in 1987. A popular personality at St Pat's, he will be sorely missed by his Helen, his older brother Phil and other family members. RIP Vin.

Tony BAHR (61-68)

Tony died peacefully overnight on 23 March 2024. He had been valiant in his efforts to continue life as normal over recent years, despite his battle with cancer. Over the last couple of months, a number of his old mates visited him in Pakenham (see the article in the Alumni/Patricians Recently section of this website), and he was adamant that he was going to attend our annual gathering at the Glenferrie Hotel in February 2024. His presence there was an inspiration to all. RIP Tony.

Peter Norman CROZIER (56-62)

Peter passed away on Wednesday 28 February 2024. He will be sadly missed by his family, including his son, Tim, and sister, Noni. His years at St Pat's concluded after completing a second year Matric in 1962. Old Patricians will recall Peter as being an active member of our community – his academic strengths were in the Humanities (esp. History and English), he was a regular on the recording table at Aths meetings, a Corporal in the Cadets, a member of the YCS, and a Prefect in his last year. RIP Peter.

Bernard ('Barney') MOORE (58-64)

Many Old Patricians of the '60s era would remember Barney. He was a solid competitor on the Aths track, a very bright student, a member of Our Lady's Sodality, and the regular scorer for the First XI cricket team for at least two years. After leaving St Pat's at the end of '64, he began a Librarian's course and was the Timekeeper for the Patricians FC. He spent a number of years as the librarian at Loyola College, one of our 'connection schools'. In recent years he lived at Faversham House and passed away quietly in his sleep on 16 February 2024. RIP Barney.

Graeme DONNELLAN (58-65)

After a short illness, Graeme died on 20 December 2023. He is well remembered and was well liked by all Patricians of the late 50s and 60s. Most recently, he had been living on the Mornington Peninsula, after having spent many years in Gippsland.

On learning of the passing of his old school mate, Chris Curtain recalled their many games of handball (both within the school grounds and in Graeme's home suburb of Pascoe Vale), Graeme's stylish dress sense, and his natural popularity among his classmates. Much more recently, Chris enjoyed the company of Graeme and Janice at his place in Bath (UK) when they holidayed in Europe in 2019.

During his school years, he was involved in a wide range of activities, excelling in many. In his last year (1965) he was handball champion in addition to being a member of the First XVIII football team, a very competitive swimmer, a sergeant in the cadets, and a member of many other groups.

Graeme is survived by his wife, three sons and many grandchildren, as well as his brother Lawrie and his family.

RIP Graeme

John PIRRIE (57-60; 15 Dec 23) ... RIP John

Raymond ANDERSON (42-47; 21 Nov 23)

Ray was born in 1932, not far from St Pat's, and began his schooling there in 1942. Although he always lived in Melbourne, Ray traveled far and wide in Australia in his employment within the aircraft industry. He was not a current member of our Association and so it was fortunate that his niece contacted us with an offer to hand over the St Pat's cap and tie which he kept ever since leaving school in 1947. It says something about the connection which many Old Patricians feel for our old place in East Melbourne that, despite not being in contact with other classmates to the extent of joining the Association, Ray nevertheless kept those small items as a personal reminder of his time with us. More of his interesting story, and a photo, can be found by clicking on this link.

RIP Ray

Michael COPPIN (55-60)

Michael had been living in Cairns for many decades, having been at St Pat's from 1955 to 1960. He died on 1 September 2023 (or near date). An old classmate and Patrician, Peter King (52-59), reported that he and Michael flatted together in Sydney during the late 1960s. Eventually, Michael went north and Peter went south, but they remained friends over the years.

RIP Michael

John Leonard LEEDS (52-62)

John passed away in August, and his funeral was held on Tuesday September 12 at 11.30. The venue was St Mary's Church in Hampton.

One of the many Patrician attendees was Jim Smith who was able to copy some of the photos on display, with the permission of John 's family (see John and trophies by scrolling down on our Victorian Collections website).

Jim reported on the impressive eulogies delivered, describing John's character and achievements during his school days, in his relationships with his children, and in life generally. During his St Pat's days, he was clearly a strong leader, being a Prefect, Capt or VC of many sports, including Captain of the First XVIII (with Peter Gaffney RIP, below, being his VC). He was quite a character, one who was highly driven to finish or succeed in whatever job or goal he set himself.

The following extracts from the 1962 edition of The Patrician demonstrate the breadth of John's sporting skills in addition to football and cricket. The first set of results are for Athletics, the second for Swimming, the third for Tennis and the last for Long Kicking. The latter would put John on the short-list for an AFL draft these days ... 198 ft converts to a 60 m kick ... one from inside the centre square on most grounds!

RIP John (16 October 1943 to 31 August 2023)

Peter Gaffney (20 July 23; 54-62)

Peter is well known to most Patricians as an outstanding and influential colleague through his College days, and throughout his adult life. His funeral was held on Friday 28 July at St Francis Xavier Parish, Montmorency. A goodly number of Patricians were in attendance, including two who shared the celebrant duties – Gerry McKernan and Gerry Healy (along with Fr Brian Glasheen). Others present included Tony Cavanagh, Denis Dalton, Michael Dolan, Brendan Lane, Kevin Lane, Paul McColl, Bernie Power, Joseph Santamaria, and Pat Talty.

The event was streamed (and saved) so readers may wish to view some of the proceedings via the link (it begins with some background music, with the ceremony beginning at about the 8 min mark; eulogies begin, at about 28 mins, with a couple of short family ones followed by a longer piece, about the 32 min mark, by Fr Colin Bourke who was Peter's PP at St Martin's in Rosanna).

Thanks to the Gaffney family and Le Pines Funerals for permission to use the above photo.

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