We recently reconnected with Frank White (SPC 1947-49), a boarder from Hopetoun, who has happy memories of his time at SPC, especially playing football whenever he had the opportunity.
Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
After I left St Pat’s, I began working on the family farm between Yaapeet and Hopetoun until 1980 when my family and I moved to Bendigo. In Bendigo, among other jobs, I worked at the Bendigo Pottery and worked with cattle at the Bendigo sale yards.
I am now residing at the aged care facility in Hopetoun.
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
At St Pat’s, I kicked the football every moment I had spare.
Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
The Brothers I remember were Br Coyne, he was a kindly sort of a bloke.
Br “Brasher” Williams was a senior teacher and he was very fair. Br Bill O’ Malley used to say, “White you are a bold old larro (larrikin). Not like your cousins the Davis boys.”
How has your education shaped your professional life?
The 12 months at St Pat’s was a very valuable experience and most of all I learnt the background of my Catholic religion and it readied me for my future life.
I played 14 seasons of football including grand finals and the only premiership I won was on the Shed oval in 1947 at St Pat’s.
If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
My advice to current students would be to get as much education as you can.
