Tributes flow after death of Bundaberg teacher John Costigan

Family, friends, colleagues and former students of one of Bundaberg’s most beloved teachers have paid tribute to the man who left a lasting impact on so many people. Read what they had to say:

Tributes have poured in for former Bundaberg teacher John Costigan,who died on February 7 at the age of 74.

The Shalom College stalwart retired from teaching in late 2004, but had left a lasting impact on the children he taught.

Mr Costigan’s wife Lyn and daughter Danielle spoke to the Bundaberg NewsMail about the loving family man and his life of dedication.

Working first as a teacher in Bowen, Mr Costigan soon made the move to Bundaberg where he worked for North Bundaberg State High School and then Shalom College in a career that spanned 26 years.

It was his association with Brothers Football that led him to calling Bundaberg home and would also go on to be involved with Rotary.

His love of sport even led him to coaching squash, football and golf.

Mrs Costigan said her husband had been described by many as a “true gentleman” and that title extended to how he treated those closest to him at home.

“He was a dedicated family man,” she said. “That was a big thing.”

The Costigans described a man who was hardworking, dedicated, kind and always willing to lift someone’s spirits and make the world a better place, even if it was through a simple smile.

“He made friends with all sorts of people,” Mrs Costigan said.

Danielle said her dad was the kind of man who often mentored others at work, caring for his colleagues’ welfare.

“He was a beautiful man who would do anything to help others. He had the biggest heart and was a big softie. He was such a wonderful Dad and Grandad,” she said.

Mr Costigan became well involved in solar car projects at Shalom and the Costigans said it was because a student had expressed interest and John had decided to take it to the next level.

Mr Costigan gave his all to everything he touched and always went about it with integrity, too.

“If something was to be done, he’d do it right,” Mrs Costigan said.

Danielle said one of the proudest moments was driving past Shalom College with her partner, who pointed out the solar panels on the roof.

She beamed with pride because the school’s promotion of solar energy had been sparked by Mr Costigan and continued on even after he had retired.

Shalom College house co-ordinator Chris Roelofs was teaching in the Industrial Technology and Design department for some of the time when Mr Costigan was head of the department.

“John spent a few years at NBSHS before moving to Shalom around ’95,” Mr Roelofs said.

“ In 1997, John became the head of the Industrial Technology and Design department. As head of department, John introduced a number of new learning areas relating more to design based and utilising various new technologies at the time.

“ In 1997 John introduced the subject, Technology Studies into the junior curriculum area and was the instigator of Vocational Educational Courses (Engineering and Furnishing) into the senior curriculum.

“At this time, graphics in Year 11 was also bought in line with other schools around the state, which focused drafting on practical and life-oriented drawings/designs.”

Mr Roelofs fondly recalled Mr Costigan’s particular interests at the school.

“John’s big passion was the introduction of model solar boats and cars,” he said.

“He was very much into the designing and manufacturing, then entering state competitions.

“Quite a number of school groups were very successful in this area which would see the teams travel to the Gold Coast, making the state champions.

Shalom College teacher Chris Roelofs has paid tribute to former colleague John Costigan.

“This allowed them to travel to South Australia to compete in the national competition.”

And according to Mr Roelofs, Mr Costigan was often looking to the future.

“John was very much into changing projects and utilising technology in the classroom so students would gain valuable skills for their future careers,” she said.

“Not a week went by where John would not spend many lunchtimes assisting students in the workshop with their projects.

“He was very much into knowing the students and how they learn to ensure they had success when they completed their schooling.”

Taking to social media, Shalom College shared the sad news as tributes flooded in for the beloved local they termed “just a really nice bloke”.

Ben Oldham said Mr Costigan was a wonderful person.

“Great teacher, great bloke and an amazing family,” he said.

“So sad to hear, thoughts are with the family.”

Danny Carswell said Mr Costigan had been involved with more than just one generation of his family.

“John coached me in rugby league and when my eldest daughter started at Shalom, he made the connection,” he said.

“Just a really nice bloke.”

Tributes have poured in for former Bundaberg teacher John Costigan, who died on February 7, at the age of 74.

Colleagues also paid tribute.

“John was a valuable member of the Shalom community and I was privileged to work with him for many years,” Beth Heaton said.

“My sincere condolences to Lyn and family.”

Carolyn Boylan said Mr Costigan was “one of the world’s true gentlemen”.

Steve Porter agreed, saying he was not just a true gentleman, but one of the best teachers he‘d had.

“You will be sadly missed, Mr Costigan,” he said.

Femia Eizema said she was saddened by the news.

“Was a wonderful teacher and friend of many at Shalom College,” she said.

Adam Russell said Mr Costigan always had time for his students.

“A great man gone too soon,” he said.

Rhonda Challen said Mr Costigan had been very involved in solar car competitions at the school.

“Such sad news, a very respected colleague dedicated to the welfare of students,” she said.

William ‘John’ Costigan was aged 74 and passed away peacefully at Bolton Clarke Fairways on February 7, 2022.

He was a dearly loved father and father-in-law of Danielle and Kyle, Dane and Lauren. Loving grandfather of Connor, Jesse, Lachlan, Jayden, Olivia, Flynn, Oliver. Loved brother of Judy, Sheryl, Robert, Margaret, Vern, Michael, Tricia, and loved uncle of their respective families.

Mr Costigan‘s celebration of life will be held at Des Allen Funerals from 11am Saturday.