WWII hero, St Joseph’s College alumna John Bohan dies age 100

A WWII veteran and lifelong Geelong resident who attended St Joseph’s College, has died age 100. He has been remembered for his storytelling, faith and connection with so many.

Lifelong Geelong resident John Bohan will be remembered as a storyteller and a “great connector of people”.

John, a World War II veteran and St Joseph’s College alumna, died on June 30 aged 100.

World War II veteran John Bohan in 2002. Photo: Gary Ramage

His cousin, Michael Bohan, said John would be greatly missed and had lived a full life.

Mr Bohan said John was very involved in both his community and family.

“He was active in church affairs his whole life,” Mr Bohan said.

“He was also active in the Catholic War Veterans (and) organised services and a march on Anzac Day for many, many years.

“He had so many friends. When he extended the hand of friendship, it was never withdrawn.

“That’s the sort of fellow he was.

“He was also our family historian, self-appointed. He did a lot of work on family trees and connecting with people in Ireland, where (his great-grandfather) came from.

“I know they all appreciated that. He was a great connector of people.”

Mr Bohan said John was a staff member local company Arthur Thoms & Co until his retirement in 1982. He only left the company temporarily once throughout his working life to enlist in the Australian Army in 1941.

Mr Bohan said John had many hobbies, and was a well-travelled man.

“He taught himself how to paint,” Mr Bohan said.

John Bohan with St Joseph's Principal Tony Paatsch, St Joey's Old Collegians Justin O'Brien and Cats Premiership captain Cameron Ling, also a former St Joey's boy. Picture: Alan Barber

“He produced some pretty amazing artworks … and a good number of them will be held permanently at St Joseph’s.”

Mr Bohan said his cousin had a lifelong love of tennis and was a strong tennis player who had won many champions and tournaments. His sporting prowess extended beyond the tennis

“He also travelled a lot. He went to Japan on a boat, and travelled to Ireland, travelled by boat through Asia … (and travelled) around Australia,” Mr Bohan said.

Mr Bohan said he would miss John’s storytelling and ability to forge connections.

“He would talk about things that happened a long time ago … as if the people were very much still with him,” Mr Bohan said.

“He could entertain my children all afternoon with stories, and have them in stitches.

“I’ll just miss that.”

The funeral for John Bohan will be held on July 15 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Manifold Heights from 11am.

Originally published as WWII hero, St Joseph’s College alumna John Bohan dies age 100