Kevin Francis Walsh (SPC 1961-67)

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Old Collegian Kevin Francis Walsh (SPC 1961-67) on August 3, 2020.

Kevin was well-known and respected and fondly remembered as a “first class bloke”. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret, children Reagan (SPC 1993-98), Alexander (SPC 1997-02) and Justine, and nephew Courtney (SPC 1989-94).

His family paid tribute with “Kevin’s stoic suffering only made us love him even more and admire his character”. Kevin’s funeral was held on August 10 in Ballarat and was livestreamed due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Kevin enjoyed a career in teaching like his older brother Bill. Kevin taught at Urquhart Street Primary School and then later at Urquhart Park Primary School alongside his brother Bill for many years. Kevin was remembered as a much-loved and respected teacher, who had a lovely approach towards staff and students.

He also introduced an innovative maths program for female students, which was used successfully across the Ballarat region. Kevin was also fondly remembered as a sports fanatic with a great knowledge of many sports.

He was remembered by the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club as “a true gentleman” and by his friends as a “real gentleman with a great sense of humour (who) used to organise group golf trips for many of us and made them unforgettable events”. In a further tribute by his family, they quipped “no more bets, trivia quizzes, or golf on Earth but you will be able to teach them up there with a few laughs in between”.

Kevin’s association with SPC began in 1961 as a student in grade six and he completed his matriculation. He was a day student from Cape Clear, where his family had a pub. Two of his brothers Bill (SPC 1953-58) (dec) and Maurice (1958-63) also attended SPC. Kevin was a keen sportsman at school. He enjoyed playing tennis throughout his time at school and was a member of the First Four tennis team in his matric year.

Kevin played various sports at the College and was also a member of the Fourths XVIII Football Team. He was described in the 1966 College Annual as an “effective centre line player”. Kevin also played U15 football, captaining the Treacy team in the Leaving House Competition, which consisted of cricket, basketball and baseball games.  Kevin also played cricket consistently throughout his schooling and was placed equal sixth in academic honours in Form 1 Gold in 1962.