Peter Kerwan remembered for his teaching and his dedication to Buninyong Golf Club

The Ballarat community is grieving the sudden loss of former beloved teacher Peter Kerwan who died suddenly at the weekend. His friends, work colleagues and golf club pay tribute.

Peter Kerwan was a respected member of the Ballarat community. Picture: Supplied.

Just a few hours before Ballarat’s Peter Kerwan died he was doing what he loved to do the most in the world - playing a round of golf with his mates.

Kerwan, a valuable member of the Ballarat community, died on Sunday after a heart attack while on a walk.

He was 66.

Kerwan was a teacher for almost two decades first at St Patrick’s College from 1981 to 1988 before moving to Loreto College from 1988 to 1997.

He later was part of the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education for 14 years in several executive roles before recently retiring.

Wherever he went, Mr Kerwan made an impact and was an exceptional teacher.

“Peter was a valued, dear friend and colleague of the Loreto Ballarat community for the past 35 years,” the school said.

“He joined our community as an economics and politics teacher in 1988 after having previously taught at St Patrick’s College.

“Peter was a dedicated and professional teacher who gave his all to the care and development of his Loreto students.

“Both Peter’s highly talented daughters, Stephanie and Rebecca, were educated at Loreto College, so Peter’s support and friendship continued with the College for many years after he left.

“He was an exceptional teacher and educational leader in the wider Ballarat community for 40 years.

“Peter was greatly admired by staff and students alike, many of whom have reached out to the College to express their shock and sympathy to his wife Jacinta, and his family and many friends.”

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education executive director Tom Sexton said Mr Kewrwan would be remembered as a valuable member of the team.

“Peter was a well-known and deeply valued member of the Catholic Education community in the Ballarat Diocese for many years,” he said.

“Over his 13 years with CEB, Peter provided support, guidance, and a listening ear to many, both within the office and the wider school community—support that for some continued beyond his retirement in 2020.

“To those who knew Peter well, he was the epitome of the fullness of life, always smiling, a devoted husband to Jacinta, a loving father to Stephanie and Rebecca - their partners, and a cherished friend to many.

“Peter was generous with his time for others and is remembered for his warmth, encouragement, and love for community, golf, and his beloved Magpies.”

While dedicated to his teaching, golf was his passion, according to Buninyong Golf Club president and good mate Ron Delaland.

On and off the course he will leave a legacy and a massive void for the club to fill in the future.

Peter Kerwan after he got a hole in one in 2024 at a stableford in Buninyong. Picture: Victorian Veterans Golfers Association.

A member since 1987, Mr Kerwan was the vice president at the club for the past two years and for the previous four was captain at Buninyong.

He was also a match committee member for more than a decade and a board member for a period of time.

He also knew how to play golf.

In his final round, on Saturday, he won a ball in his grade after finishing among the top competitors.

“We had a drink with him on the Saturday night, under a gum tree, with the members,” Delaland recalls the last time he was with him.

“We were all having a good time.”

Delaland called Mr Kerwan his right hand man, able to help with whatever the club needed.

“Anything to do with golf administration, he was in charge of that,” he said.

“He was just so passionate, whatever he took on he was so dedicated to the job.

“When he took on a job he’d do it 101 percent, that’s the proper fella he was.”

Delaland said he would miss him as a mate he could talk to about anything, golf, holidays or family.

“He’s a true gentleman,” he said.

“You’d never hear him swear or curse about someone.

“He was a gentle giant and a good golfer himself.”