We are saddened to hear of the passing of Thomas “Bernie” Carey (SPC 1945-55) on 2 April 2026, aged 88 years.
Bernie was the dearly loved husband of Sheila for 59 years and devoted father of Anna, Clare, Philip, Mark (SPC 1988-90) and grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of one.
A Requiem Mass was held at St Peter and Paul’s Church, in Geelong on 14 April.
Bernie was a full-time boarder from North Geelong, following in the footsteps of his older brothers Vin (SPC 1943-51, PY1952) and Ray (SPC 1944-52, PY1953) (dec) and his father Gerard (SPC 1912-17).
Bernie started at SPC in 1945 in the junior classes but left in 1948 and returned in 1951. He was an active member at school, immersing himself in all aspects of school life.
from Sodality of Our Lady and St Vincent de Paul through to various sports including athletics, football, cricket and rowing.
He was a member of the SPC Athletics team between 1951-53 and was named the Under 14 Broad Jump Champion in 1951 and Under 15 Hurdles Champion in 1952.
He was also a member of the Second XVIII Football premiership team, captained the Nunan house footy team and was bow of the Firsts rowing crew in 1954.
Bernie was an Assisting Prefect in his matriculation year in 1954 and returned to repeat his final year (as was common practice at this time) in 1955. He was named a College Prefect in the Holy Name Society, and a member of the Altar Society, St Vincent de Paul Society and Our Lady’s Sodality.
His family recall Bernie always remembered time at St Pat’s fondly with many lifelong friendships.
