Ian was a day student at SPC, starting in First Year and completing Matriculation twice in 1963 and 1964, as was common practice during those years.

He was followed by brothers Alan (SPC 1960-62) (dec), Frank (SPC 1964-69), James (SPC 1967-73) and Gerard (SPC 1971-76).

Ian was a bright student, receiving a junior government scholarship and then scholastic prizes most years. He was the joint winner of the English prize in 1962 and won the Sir Hugh Devine Prize for English Literature in 1964.

He was a Prefect in 1964, and Captain of Boats. He was the stroke in the Firsts rowing crew and a member of the First XVIII Football team in 1963-64 as well as the Combined BPS First XVIII. He also won the College’s “most consistent” football award in his final year.

Not only that, Ian was a member of the 1963 Cross Country team and also excelled in cadets. He was named an Under Officer in 1960 and took out numerous cadet prizes during his school years.

Ian was also a handy cricketer, particularly in his junior years, named captain of the Under 13 XI, and showing impressive bowling form.

In moving tributes, Ian was remembered as a valued member of the Learmonth community, particularly the Learmonth Football Netball Club, where he was remembered for dedicating countless  hours to supporting the club’s junior football program in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

We extend our condolences to Ian’s family, including his wife Angela and seven children Narelle, Melinda, Daniel (SPC 1988-93), Sam (SPC 1991-96), Jennifer, Jane and John (SPC 2000-05) and their extended family.

Patrick was a boarder from the family farm at Nalangil, near Colac in western Victoria, following in the footsteps of his father Jack (SPC 1917). Patrick’s brother Robert (Bob) also attended, along with his uncles Dan, Patrick (Park) and William, and son Peter (SPC 1976-77).

Patrick was a member of Nunan’s Senior Shed football team and Platoon No.4. After his time at St Pat’s, Patrick returned to the family farm, where he raised four children with his wife Helen until retiring into nearby Colac, in western Victoria.

We extend our condolences to Patrick’s extended family.

Peter joined SPC for only a short time as a student in Form 2, however he was very proud to be a Paddy boy and enjoyed catching up at many St Patrick’s Day lunches over the years.

Peter was a carpenter and builder for many years and at varying stages even worked on some of the maintenance of the buildings constructed in the 80s at the school.

His son Geoff even remembers his dad being involved in the building team which re-invigorated and floated a version of the jetty at the St Pat’s Boatshed in the mid-1980s.

We extend our condolences to Peter’s extended family.

A celebration of Paul’s life was held at the Napier Park Chapel in Bendigo on 9 May.

Paul attended SPC from Year 7 to 11 along with his brothers Chris (SPC 1984-89), Craig (SPC 1980-85), Glenn (SPC 1986-91) and Michael (SPC 1978-82)

Paul was a day student and fully embraced the sporting opportunities on offer, including athletics, basketball, football and rowing.

Moving to Bendigo in the mid 2000’s Paul made a career and life for himself in the building and construction industry.

A devoted family man, he was a doting father to his beautiful daughter Sienna. We extend our condolences to Paul’s extended family.

Our condolences to his wife Pat and children Anne, Tony, Leon, Kathryn, Michelle, Terry and 14 grandchildren.

Who described Vince as “a man of incredible strength, intelligence, kindness, humility and quiet brilliance”.

Vince was the youngest of eight children and his early days were spent on the farm at Watchem, using the horse and buggy or his bike to ride the 10 kilometres or so to get to school.

He started boarding at SPC in 1951, where he excelled both physically and academically, and alongside his brothers Brian (SPC 1940-41) (dec), Johnny (SPC 1944-47) (dec) and Patrick (SPC 1945-48, PY1950) (dec).

In the eulogy at his dad’s funeral, son Leon recalled SPC boasted a number of particularly good sportsmen and numerous Aussie rules players at that time.

“Dad was good enough to be picked for the school side and played many games in the back line. He played alongside players who would go on to play for St Kilda, an Essendon captain and even a Brownlow medallist, so he was in good company.”

It turned out Vince was also a talented gymnast.

“A great friend of dad’s … told me of times where dad was in the gym at St Pat’s and when he would “do his thing” on the parallel bars that invariably people would stop what they were doing and a crowd would form to be in awe of dad’s prowess.”

However, in addition to all these attributes it was in the water where Vince truly rose to the top.

Vince was in the stroke position for SPC in the fiercely contested 1954 Head of the Lake.

“After almost two kilometres of intense competition there was barely a cigarette paper between St Pat’s and Ballarat College, but in an upset Ballarat College took the win in the final stroke.

Here’s where things take a very “Vince Colbert” 90-degree turn. You see St Pat’s hadn’t won the race in almost 20 years. They’d come third in 1953 and now second in 1954 but Dad had unfortunately run out of time as it was his final matriculation year at school…  but, not our dad, he had unfinished business, didn’t he?

“So, in what can only be considered as one of the greatest gifts of team loyalty, I have ever heard of, my Dad returned to St Pat’s the following year and completed an entire extra year of schooling just so he could stay with that team for the 1955 race.

“That was our dad. Loyal, fiercely determined and selfless. When he committed to something whether it was a team, a job, his family or his friends, he gave everything he had.”

And after nearly two decades without a win, SPC won the Head of the Lake in 1955 with Vince as “the stroke”.

Vince combined this win with duties as an Assisting Prefect, member of the Sodality of our Lady Councillors, Holy Name Society executive and as a senior sports captain for rowing.

After leaving SPC, Vince set up a successful livestock cartage business, eventually with three trucks, moving livestock around the state and beyond.

He was a self-taught mechanic, an incredible problem solver, trusted operator and could fix anything.

Eventually the trucks gave way to a new outlook in life and Vince started working at a farm equipment business in the Mallee, eventually purchased a part in the business.

Vince was a stalwart in the local community.

He is remembered for his involvement as a goal umpire for Birchip and the North Central football league; member of the Birchip hospital committee; served on the North Central football tribunal; steward at the Watchem racing club; played football for Watchem for many years and went on write a book called “The Combine Continues” detailing the 100-year history of the club from its inception in 1893 to 1993 covering football and netball.

Vince was a member of the Watchem Football Club and local fire brigade, and the Knights of the Southern Cross. He even organised the one and only triathlon held in Birchip and he and his wife took in a number of underprivileged children to help them get a better start in life.

“He was never one to seek recognition or praise, he just saw things that needed to be done, and he did them,” Leon said at the funeral.

Thank you to Leon Colbert for his help in preparing this tribute

Our sympathy to his wife Joanne and daughters Kate, Kym and Julie and their extended families.

In moving tributes, his family wrote Denis would be remembered “for his kindness, wisdom, strength and unwavering love for his family”.

His funeral is to be held at The Parish of St Anne & St Bede at East Kew on 10 June.

Denis was a full-time boarder from East Kew and he commenced his studies in Proficiency A through to his Matriculation.

He was immersed in school life and was a talented runner, cadet and non-commissioned officer and rower throughout his time at SPC.

Denis was a member of the winning Platoon Competition – Drill Platoon group in 1960, the Secombe Trophy for the most Efficient Platoon in 1961. He was recognised for general excellence the same year, and as the Best NCO in his platoon in 1962.

He was the bow in SPC’s 1963 First Four rowing team, and was a talented runner in the 100 yards, 220-yards and hurdles.

Aaron joined St Pat’s in Year 10 as a boarder from Greendale. After graduating from SPC, Aaron joined the South Australian Police Force, however after three years, he decided he wanted a change in his life.

Aaron studied at the University of South Australia as a Registered Nurse. He then furthered his studies to become an Intensive Care nurse. Aaron was the ICU Unit manager of the Lyall McEwen Hospital in South Australia. Further study enabled Aaron to become a Nursing Practitioner.

After attaining this level of qualifications and experience he travelled to the Northern Territory. Aaron was employed by the Australian Government to manage the health and welfare of the isolated Aboriginal groups between 2012-19.

His mum Julie said “this was the job that was the closest to his heart”.

Aaron returned to the big city in 2019, and while working at a major teaching hospital in Sydney in April 2025, Aaron tragically suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved. He was only 45 years old.

Aaron is survived by his mother, two brothers, nephews and nieces and great nephews.

“Aaron served a life of helping others,” his mum said.

“I have always said that St Patrick’s College paved the way to give Aaron the confidence and the tools to aim higher in life. He did that and helped others to do the same.”

May Aaron rest in peace.

Francis began his Sub-Intermediate studies in 1945 and left after completing his Intermediate A studies in 1946.

Francis was a member of Nunan’s Senior Shed footy side and the College’s Platoon No. 2.

He also had an interest in helping with boxing, and was a talented debater, with the 1946 College Annual referencing Francis’ debate on the “Compulsory Disarmament of Nations” as part of the Intermediate Literary and Debating Society, which he won by popular vote.

John was born in 1927 and grew up in Victoria Valley in the Grampians. He attended St Patrick’s College Ballarat as a boarder from 1941 to 1944, and often spoke fondly of his time there.

He was actively involved at school as a member of the Second XVIII Football team, Athletics Team, Sodality of Our Lady and St Vincent de Paul Society.

He described those years as “the best of that time in my life,” reflecting his deep respect for the Brothers and his appreciation for the opportunities he was given in both education and sport.

The following are John’s words from a 2011 email to St Pat’s – “Congratulations are due to all at St Pat’s for the excellent boarding facilities now available to “bush boys”. For many, further education beyond primary would not be open to them, were it not for boarding support from St Pat’s. This certainly is so in my case – how privileged I am!”

John was inducted as a Legend of St Patrick’s College in 2007, an honour he held with great pride. He often reflected on his years as a boarder, cherishing the friendships he formed and his achievements in both academics and sport. Among these, a treasured highlight was his “SPC 1943 Mile Champion – John McArthur” trophy for setting a record he proudly held for 35 years, until it was later surpassed.

John maintained a lifelong and unwavering loyalty to St Patrick’s College, regularly attending fundraising events and offering generous support through sponsorships and donations. His commitment was recognised with the opening of “The McArthur Dining Room” in 2018 as part of the Boarding facilities upgrade.

On learning of John’s passing, the College’s current boarding students came together and acknowledged John’s generosity and loyalty to SPC with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude.

In earlier years, John also took great pleasure in bringing together friends from his era to attend College celebrations, relishing the chance to revisit the memories they had shared. John truly thrived on the camaraderie.

After leaving school, John began his career in retail before moving into a role as General Manager of Haigh’s Chocolates in Adelaide, working alongside its founder, John Haigh. In 1969, he established a recruitment business bearing his name providing permanent and temporary staff to offices across Adelaide. What began as a local venture grew under John’s leadership into one of Australia’s most highly regarded national recruitment organisations, led by John and Anni, and later joined by his son, Matthew. He was also instrumental in the company’s later expansion into the broader healthcare care industry through McArthur Community Care.

Nearly 60 years on, the business remains strong – a lasting testament to John’s vision and values. Affectionately known as “John Mac,” he was a genuine pioneer within the industry, remembered by senior executives, long-term clients, and staff alike for his wisdom, compassion, sense of humour, and genuine, down-to-earth nature.

In both his professional and personal life John was the very embodiment of the St Pat’s motto – Facere et Docere – To Do and To Teach. His accomplishments in the business world reflected his ‘can do’ attitude while his natural ability to impart wisdom and insight and to lead by example, influenced and shaped careers across two generations of McArthur employees.

A celebration of John’s life was held on 1 May at the MCG in Melbourne, bringing together many whose lives were shaped by his genuine warmth and wisdom, and who continue to carry forward the lasting impact he had on them.

– Thank you to John’s family with their help in preparing this tribute

We extend our condolences to his wife Barbara and children, Mary, Paul, Clare, Anne, Margaret and Lucy and their extended families.

A Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Bernard’s Church in Belmont, Geelong, on 19 May.

Kevin is remembered as a respected doctor in Geelong from the 1970s, and before that, in Warracknabeal from the early 1960s.

He wasn’t shackled by professional terms, and when once referred to by a medico in a hospital as a GP (general practitioner), Kevin replied he was a country doctor, not a GP!

Kevin was a full-time boarder at SPC from Ascot Vale, in Melbourne. He transferred from St Bernard’s, Essendon, in 1952 and began his Leaving studies, where he excelled, academically, sporting as well as devoting himself to his faith and community.

He was a Prefect in 1954 after repeating his Matriculation year (which was common practice at the time) and was also named Dux of Latin and received Special Prize for Christian Doctrine. He was president of the St Vincent de Paul Society and Councillor of Our Lady’s Sodality; executive member of the Holy Name Society and secretary of the Literary and Debating Society and a member of the Altar Society.

An experienced public speaker, Kevin gained third and second placings in the Purton Oratory finals of 1953 and 1954 respectively.

He was also vice-captain of the Boards in 1953 and captain in 1954, a member of the First XVIII Football team and captain of the Second XVIIII Football premiership side in his matric year.

A Requiem Mass was held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church in Creswick on 29 May 2026 and led by Fr Marcello Colasante (SPC 1976-81) and Fr Justin Driscoll (SPC 1981-82).

Our condolences to his wife of 55 years Carlyene and children Eamon (SPC 1985-90), Elizabeth, Liam (SPC 1989-94), Louise, Dermot (SPC 1993-98), Sean (SPC 1995-2000), Lucy and their families, including 19 grandchildren.

Eamon Snr was brought up on the family farm at Tourello, the youngest of 10 children,  and attended SPC as a boarder in the early 50s, returning home after his father suffered a stroke.

He followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, including Nicholas who attended Holy Ghost College between 1889-91, along with Daniel (SPC 1894) and Richard (SPC 1903).

His son Liam, who spoke at his funeral, said his father was known as “Boss”.

He was born in Creswick and was the second of unexpected twins, 10 weeks premature. He was baptised on the day he was born as he wasn’t expected to survive. His twin, Eamon Patrick, died two days later. He spent the first year of his life in hospital, fighting to survive and “spent the next nearly 90 years of life proving it was worth it”.

“If there’s a single thread running through Boss’ life, it’s this; He was a man of deep, quiet and unshakable devotion.”

He was also remembered for his love of merino wool, love of learning, automobiles, family and icecream.

Our condolences to Danny’s wife Sue and his extended family. Danny was the eldest son of Kevin (SPC 1939-42, PY1945) (dec) and Elsie Cunningham and eldest brother of Stephen, Colleen, Monica, Bernard and Kevin and a grandfather of five. He was also father to Chris and Elizabeth (dec).

Danny was a day student at SPC, starting in Form 1 and completing his studies through to Form 6.

He loved sport and took an active part in cricket, football, rugby union and junior cross country.

He was a member of the winning Nunan premiership team in the St Roch’s Cricket competition in 1966 and continued to find good form, particularly as a batsman.

Danny won the Second XI Cricket sporting award for Batting in 1970.

The servery in the Old Collegians’ Association Pavilion is dedicated to Kevin and Danny Cunningham as a thank you for their support of the project at the time.

In later life, Danny made his home in the remote fishing township of Bemm River, in far east Gippsland, Victoria, after also living in Khancoban (NSW). His funeral was due to be held at Bemm River on 9 June.