With a heavy heart we share the sad news of St Pat’s Legend John McArthur’s (SPC 1941-44) passing last month. John passed away on 18 March, aged 98 years and was laid to rest in his beloved Grampians following a private church service attended by his family.
John was born in 1927 and grew up in Victoria Valley in the Grampians. He attended St Patrick’s College Ballarat as a boarder from 1941 to 1944, and often spoke fondly of his time there.
He was actively involved at school as a member of the Second XVIII Football team, Athletics Team, Sodality of Our Lady and St Vincent de Paul Society.
He described those years as “the best of that time in my life,” reflecting his deep respect for the Brothers and his appreciation for the opportunities he was given in both education and sport.
The following are John’s words from a 2011 email to St Pat’s – “Congratulations are due to all at St Pat’s for the excellent boarding facilities now available to “bush boys”. For many, further education beyond primary would not be open to them, were it not for boarding support from St Pat’s. This certainly is so in my case – how privileged I am!”
John was inducted as a Legend of St Patrick’s College in 2007, an honour he held with great pride. He often reflected on his years as a boarder, cherishing the friendships he formed and his achievements in both academics and sport. Among these, a treasured highlight was his “SPC 1943 Mile Champion – John McArthur” trophy for setting a record he proudly held for 35 years, until it was later surpassed.
John maintained a lifelong and unwavering loyalty to St Patrick’s College, regularly attending fundraising events and offering generous support through sponsorships and donations. His commitment was recognised with the opening of “The McArthur Dining Room” in 2018 as part of the Boarding facilities upgrade.
On learning of John’s passing, the College’s current boarding students came together and acknowledged John’s generosity and loyalty to SPC with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude.
In earlier years, John also took great pleasure in bringing together friends from his era to attend College celebrations, relishing the chance to revisit the memories they had shared. John truly thrived on the camaraderie.
After leaving school, John began his career in retail before moving into a role as General Manager of Haigh’s Chocolates in Adelaide, working alongside its founder, John Haigh. In 1969, he established a recruitment business bearing his name providing permanent and temporary staff to offices across Adelaide. What began as a local venture grew under John’s leadership into one of Australia’s most highly regarded national recruitment organisations, led by John and Anni, and later joined by his son, Matthew. He was also instrumental in the company’s later expansion into the broader healthcare care industry through McArthur Community Care.
Nearly 60 years on, the business remains strong – a lasting testament to John’s vision and values. Affectionately known as “John Mac,” he was a genuine pioneer within the industry, remembered by senior executives, long-term clients, and staff alike for his wisdom, compassion, sense of humour, and genuine, down-to-earth nature.
In both his professional and personal life John was the very embodiment of the St Pat’s motto – Facere et Docere – To Do and To Teach. His accomplishments in the business world reflected his ‘can do’ attitude while his natural ability to impart wisdom and insight and to lead by example, influenced and shaped careers across two generations of McArthur employees.
A celebration of John’s life was held on 1 May at the MCG in Melbourne, bringing together many whose lives were shaped by his genuine warmth and wisdom, and who continue to carry forward the lasting impact he had on them.
– Thank you to John’s family with their help in preparing this tribute
