Padua College in mourning after deaths of two former rectors
The Padua College school community is mourning the deaths this week of two former leaders, one of whom had been involved with the school for half a century.
Two former heads and “stalwarts” of Padua College in Brisbane’s north have died within five days of each other, rocking the current school community and old boys group.
Robert “Bob” Out died overnight on Sunday at his home with family. He was 65 and served as College rector from 2001-2016, making him the longest-serving in that position.
Mr Out started at Padua as a Year 4 student in 1966, graduated Year 12 in 1974, later returned as a teacher in 1979, became Vice Rector in 1987, and Rector in 2001.
During his time at the helm, he upgraded classrooms, built the St Bonaventure Centre (library), La Cordelle (hall), and Santa Croce Building for Science and the Arts.
“Bob spent over 50 years of his life in the community of Padua College. His contribution and commitment to Padua College and more broadly, Franciscan education, is unsurpassed,” Padua College Rector Peter Elmore said.
“Affectionately called ‘Bob the Builder’, he led the transformation and modernisation of Padua College during his time as rector.
“Bob will be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him as the ‘Good Man of Padua’.”
It came after Father John Boyd-Boland, 82, died at a Lutwyche aged care home last Wednesday.
Fr Boyd-Boland was a teacher at the College from 1972-73, before being rector from 1990 to 2000. He was the driving force behind the College’s outdoor education centre, playing fields, grandstand, and house system.
Fr Boyd-Boland was also instrumental in the establishment of the Associated Independent Colleges alliance and the school’s Saturday sporting program.
He also wrote the words to the College Song.
In the last round of Term 1 AIC matches on Saturday, all Padua teams wore black armbands, and pre-match prayers were dedicated to Fr Boyd-Boland.
“The loss of Fr John will have an enormous impact on our Padua College staff, students, and Old Boys alike, as he has been at the heart of all things Padua for many years,” Mr Elmore said.
“Fr John spent his life inspiring educators and school communities with his passion and energy for young people and Catholic education.
“This includes a commitment of over 30 years to Catholic education at Padua College as a rector, teacher, and chaplain as well as over 50 years of service to the Franciscan
Friars.”
Dan Purdie, former Queensland police officer and current State LNP MP for Ninderry, graduated from Padua in 1990 and had fond memories of both men.
“It really was devastating … it took a while to register,” he said.
“They really were stalwarts … both of those guys were rocks of Padua community for a long time … it has sent shockwaves through the school and old boys community.
“I don’t have a memory of Padua without Bob Out, and Fr John arrived while I was in Year 12 and he came with us on a New Zealand trip which is where I got to know him.
“I remember getting called into Bob Out’s office at the start of Year 12 and he told me to start paying attention to my schoolwork, rather than sport and extra-curricular activities.
“In hindsight, it was awfully good advice.
“No doubt thousands of former students could tell stories about how Bob or John helped mould them into the people they are today.”
Funeral details have not been released.
