We are saddened to hear of the passing of Old Collegian Leonard (Ian) Basham (SPC 1958-64) recently.
Ian was a day student at SPC, starting in First Year and completing Matriculation twice in 1963 and 1964, as was common practice during those years.
He was followed by brothers Alan (SPC 1960-62) (dec), Frank (SPC 1964-69), James (SPC 1967-73) and Gerard (SPC 1971-76).
Ian was a bright student, receiving a junior government scholarship and then scholastic prizes most years. He was the joint winner of the English prize in 1962 and won the Sir Hugh Devine Prize for English Literature in 1964.
He was a Prefect in 1964, and Captain of Boats. He was the stroke in the Firsts rowing crew and a member of the First XVIII Football team in 1963-64 as well as the Combined BPS First XVIII. He also won the College’s “most consistent” football award in his final year.
Not only that, Ian was a member of the 1963 Cross Country team and also excelled in cadets. He was named an Under Officer in 1960 and took out numerous cadet prizes during his school years.
Ian was also a handy cricketer, particularly in his junior years, named captain of the Under 13 XI, and showing impressive bowling form.
In moving tributes, Ian was remembered as a valued member of the Learmonth community, particularly the Learmonth Football Netball Club, where he was remembered for dedicating countless hours to supporting the club’s junior football program in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
We extend our condolences to Ian’s family, including his wife Angela and seven children Narelle, Melinda, Daniel (SPC 1988-93), Sam (SPC 1991-96), Jennifer, Jane and John (SPC 2000-05) and their extended family.
