Brian Joseph Kelly (SPC 1943-46)

We were notified of the passing of Old Collegian Brian Joseph Kelly (SPC 1943-46) on 7 October 2023 in Wangaratta, aged 95 years.

A requiem Mass was held to celebrate Brian’s life at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wangaratta on 18 October.
Brian was a boarder at SPC from Wangaratta, alongside his brother John (SPC 1946-47) (dec). Brian was involved in all facets of College life. He was Head Prefect of the College in 1946, as well as Captain of the First XVIII Football team and the First XI Cricket team. He was also a member of the Ballarat Public Schools Champion Athletics team, played tennis and was a member of the No. 3 Platoon.

Brian was awarded the Pedler Cup as the “best back” player in the 1946 football program, and won the best all-rounder award for cricket. He was mentioned as a member of the First XVIII football team in 1944, and a tennis representative.

Brian also demonstrated a strong sense of community service during his time at SPC and was an executive member of the Sodality of our Blessed Lady (head councillor), the Holy Name Society (president) and Senior Literary and Debating Society, and a member of the St Vincent de Paul.

He received a scholastic prize during his matriculation year and was remembered as a “leading pupil at SPC and was a favourite of Br O’Malley’s”.

After matriculating, Brian left for Mildura to study first year medicine.

We extend our condolences to his family, including wife Elizabeth and children Tom, Marcus (dec), Damian and Justin and their families. He was a grandfather of six.