John Szewczuk (SPC 1969-71)
December 1, 2021
John Szewczuk.
We are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Old Collegian John Szewczuk (SPC 1969-71) on November 4, 2021.
John, affectionately known as “Wossel”, was enjoying retirement with his family in Robinvale after operating a table grape business up until about 12 months ago.
Some would remember catching up with John at the Emerald Hotel two years ago at one of the quarterly luncheons organised by Old Boys Noel Sheehan and Mick Dowd and was known to many Old Boys who live in the Mildura, Robinvale, Ouyen, Tempy and Watchupga areas.
John leaves behind his wife Karen, son Matt, two daughters Bec and Brooke and grandchildren and we extend our deepest condolences to them.
Old Collegians, Mick Gastin, Mick Curran, John Coffey, Peter Jury, Trevor Jury, Peter Maher and Mick Cimino reminiscing after John’s funeral at Trevor Jury’s home in Robinvale.
There was a sea of green, white and blue at John’s funeral service, with numerous Old Collegians in attendance to pay their respects to a great mate.
John was a boarder at SPC from Robinvale and played in the First XVIII Football team in both 1971 and 1970 and SPC Seconds side in 1969. He was described as “an excellent footballer and capable of winning a match off his own boot”. John was also captain of the Red team in the Senior House Competition in 1971, but missed most of the 1971 season through injury after breaking his leg.
John was also a solid contributor in the First XI Cricket Team, playing in both the 1971 and 1970 teams, vice captain of the 1971 side and making the BPS Representative Team in 1970. He was an award winner in 1971 and also won the First XI Fielding Award in 1970.
The 1970 College Annual cricket report stated the following “The First XI also had a new wicketkeeper this season. John Szewcuk after an indifferent start took all before him and improved to such an extent that he gained selection in the Ballarat Public Schools combined eleven. Nicknamed “Wal”, he amazed the supporters, his teammates and even himself with some of the diving catches he took and the lightning fast stumping. Thus is it any wonder why he won the fielding trophy.”
A handy all-round athlete, John also recorded success in the athletics competitions at SPC.
John Szewczuk pictured in his matriculation photograph, as published in the 1971 College Annual.
John Szewczuk pictured in the 1971 First XVIII Football team photograph.
John Szewczuk, pictured in the 1971 First XI Cricket Team photograph.
1971 First XI Cricket Vice Captain John Szewczuk with Captain Brian Hemley.
John Szewczuk with 1971 First XI Cricket award winners, Peter White and Graeme Clarke.
