Our deepest condolences to the extended Shanahan family on the passing of Leo James Shanahan (SPC 1965-67) on 16 June 2025, aged 75 years.
Leo was the dearly loved husband to Margaret for 53 years, and a loving father, father-in-law and grandfather. Leo was the sixth child of Jack and Una Shanahan and brother of John (SPC 1967-69), Trish (dec), Maureen (dec), Margaret and Tony.
A Requiem Mass to celebrate Leo’s life was held at St Alipius Catholic Curch on 23 June.
Leo grew up on the family farm at Myrniong, near Bacchus Marsh and was a full-time boarder for three years.
Leo and his younger brother John enjoyed sport at SPC, particularly athletics and football. Leo was a member of the Hill Competition football premiership team in 1965. He was part of the Under 16 McCarthy House premiership side in 1966 and described as an “effective centre line player” of the Fourth XVIII.
His family say Leo would have loved a life on the farm, however a job with local accountant, Nevett Glenn & Coutts (which has had a number of name changes since) was organised by his father as soon as he finished his final year in Matriculation.
It made sense as Leo had a flair for maths and numbers and his interest in farming attracted clients who were grateful for his knowledge and interest in all things rural.
He was described as honest, trustworthy, strong-minded, tough and some would say grumpy.
He was community-minded and did the books for the St Alipius Kinder and school tuckshop when his kids were at school. He also gave his time to the St Patrick’s College Old Collegians’ Association committee and 10 years’ service to Ballarat Foundation.
He enjoyed horse racing, investing shares, football and developed an interest in gardening after suffering a heart attack at the age of 43. Family was everything to Leo.
Thank you to Leo’s family for their assistance in preparing this tribute
