Br Peter Desmond (Mark) O’Loughlin (SPC 1949-50, PY1952)

Br Mark O’Loughlin.

We have been notified of the passing of Br Peter Desmond (Mark) O’Loughlin (SPC 1949-50, PY1952) on 29 August 2023 at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, aged 87 years.

Br Mark.

Br Mark was a highly respected member of the Christian Brothers. He was the beloved son of Peter and Ellen (Lee) and brother of Margaret and Mary. His Funeral was held at the Treacy Centre in Parkville on 6 October.
Mark began his SPC journey as a full-time boarder for two years. He was actively involved in the College’s football and music programs as well as Athletics, winning the Under 15 Athletics honour in 1949.
He joined the Christian Brothers and returned to SPC as a teacher in 1973 for a year. He was Senior Chemistry Master and Master-in-Charge of Kenny House.
The 1974 College Annual spoke of “Br O’Loughlin’s energies were seemingly boundless and embraced the swimming team, rugby teams, debating, drama and athletics. The boys came to respect his demand for high levels of excellence in all things”.
Br Mark was remembered fondly in tributes from former students.
“Mark changed my life at St Pats Ballarat in 1973. His passion for Freud, Robert Ardrey and Chemistry. An amazing man.”

Another student relayed similar sentiments.

“The best teacher I have had, for both religion and chemistry (1976-77). Brother O’Loughlin was gifted at teaching and was also a keen marine biologist. His Christian religion classes included deep discussions on psychology, philosophy, and human relationships. His legacy has been to help those who knew him better understand themselves, their faith, and others. He also discovered many more of God’s creatures, in particular new marine echinoderms.”

Br Mark left SPC for Aquinas College, Ringwood, and also worked at Parade College, Bundoora.

Peter (Mark) O’Loughlin, pictured in his intermediate A class photograph, in the 1950 College Annual.