Where are they now – Gavin Greer (SPC 1951-55)

The College reconnects with former boarder Gavin Greer (SPC 1951-55) who fulfilled a lifelong dream of joining the Navy and has since retired to travel with his wife of 53 years. Three generations of the Greer family are pictured in this Anzac Day 2016 photo, with- Gavin, pictured right, ex POATC, with his grandson in Naval Cadets and his son, a- serving member on patrol boats.

 

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

After leaving school, I was employed by the then National Bank for about three years before leaving to fulfil a lifelong dream of joining the Navy. I served in the RAN as a Fleet Air Arm radio technician from 1956 until 1978 and saw active service during the Indonesian Confrontation and Vietnam. I retired from the RAN as a Petty Officer and was then employed by Liquorland for 20 years and retired to travel. – My wife of 53 years and I have three children, nine (plus one deceased) grandchildren and three great grandchildren. We still like to travel, mainly cruising as due to health reasons we are unable to caravan any more. We settled in Hervey Bay after our travels and have been here since mid-2002.

What are your favourite memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

I boarded at St Patrick’s from 1951-1955 and enjoyed my time there – more for the sport than scholastic reasons, although I did not excel in sport either!

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

The teacher who made the biggest impression on me was -Old Bill- as he was and in my mind, still is affectionately known, ie Brother O’Malley. A genuine, caring and very astute man when it came to teaching about life and how to be honest and true to oneself and others.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life, personal values and your family life?

Brother O’Malley was an inspiration to me and right through to this moment, I have tried – albeit not often successfully – to uphold those ideals.