Where our they now – Brendon Stahl (SPC 1960-62)

The College reconnects with former boarder Brendon Stahl (SPC 1960-62) who remembers being told by Br (Bill) O’Malley that he was -as silly as the train that went up the middle of the main street of Wycheproof-.-

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I joined the State Bank of Victoria in Wycheproof at the end of 1962 and spent the next three years there. In 1966, I was transferred to the relieving staff in Melbourne before being conscripted for two years of National Service in the army beginning on September 28, 1966.- Whilst in the army, I married Maureen and when I was discharged, we purchased a home in Heathmont, in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne where we raised our four children.

On returning to the State Bank, I worked in several eastern suburb branches eventually becoming Manager of the Canterbury branch.- When the Commonwealth Bank purchased the State Bank I worked with them for four years before taking a redundancy in 1994.

We then moved to Deans Marsh and purchased a 14-acre property.- – I worked as a Gaming Manager at hotels in Lorne and Colac and also at the Colac RSL Club during the next six years and then I retired. In January 2013 we moved to Colac.

 

What are your favourite memories at St Patrick’s?

It was a new experience for a country boy from Wycheproof becoming a boarder.- Apart from experiencing home sickness, I enjoyed making new friends and participating in the sport offered including the chance to try rowing.

 

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

Brother WT (Bill) O’Malley.- Besides being a good teacher, he demanded discipline and was famous for lining us up and giving us -tippers- with the strap.- He would tell me I was as silly as the train that went up the middle of the main street of Wycheproof.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

I think the discipline that I experienced helped during my banking career and life in general.

 

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

SPC cemented my Catholicism which was instilled in me by the good example of my parents.- I am still a practising Catholic.- Maureen and I have been married for nearly 50 years and are proud of our four children who have all been successful in their chosen careers and are happily married.

 

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would that be?

You can achieve anything in life if you put your mind to it.