Fr John Harold Ware (SPC 1943-47)

We are saddened to learn of the passing of well-loved ordained priest and Old Collegian Fr John Harold Ware (SPC 1943-47) on July 9, 2021 in Albury.

John was born in Shepparton on Christmas Day, 1930 and was the beloved son of Harold (SPC 1907-08) and Margaret (both dec) and devoted brother of Gerald (SPC 1938-40) (dec), Margaret (dec) and Bill (SPC 1945-48, PY1949) and fond uncle to their families.

John was an ordained priest for 66 years and a concelebrated requiem mass was held at Rutherglen on July 14, 2021 where he had served as parish priest of the country community.

John was a boarder and was very actively involved in school life at SPC. He was a member of the First XI Cricket Team in 1947, as well as the First XVIII Football Team. In the 1947 College Annual, it was noted John “did not show impressive form until near the end of the season when he earned his place in the XVIII. Has ability. Marks and kicks well”. The annual also noted John’s father Harold played in the SPC team in the early 1900s. John was awarded the Academic Francaise French Essay Prize in 1947 and was also fourth placed in the Christian Doctrine scholastic prize for the matriculation class.

 

 

John was also involved in many other pursuits, including a member of the Holy Name Executive, St Vincent de Paul Society, Sodality of Our Lady and senior music group.

After completing his matriculation at St Patrick’s College, John studied at Corpus Christi in Werribee and then studied in Rome before returning to the Sandhurst Bendigo diocese, where he devoted his life to serving these communities.