Remembering Barry W

Barry was born in Hobart in 1943. This exceptional human being passed away at Vaucluse in Hobart after a lengthy battle with leukaemia on 14 July 2010.

Barry was a student of St Peter’s School prior to attending St Virgil’s from 1956 to 1961.

In his final year at St Virgil’s Barry was the Deputy Head Prefect. In addition to proving to be an outstanding student, Barry (affectionately known as ‘Pud’) figured prominently in the sporting arena – First XVIII Vice-Captain and best & fairest and captain of the cricket First XI (century-maker against Friends – for this feat he was awarded with a new bat which his relations have forwarded for display in our Centenary History Centre). He was also a member of the victorious 1961 athletic team. Barry was an under officer with the cadet unit and editor of the student newspaper.

Barry graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Tasmania and spent his professional life as a meteorologist in Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland as well as spending 12 months in Antarctica.

During his post-school period in Hobart, he played cricket with the University Cricket Club and gave great service to the OVA football team.

Barry also served on the committee of the Old Virgilians Association for several years before moving to the mainland.

Barry received his education at Barrack St with the aid of a scholarship set up by the Old Virgilians Association, due to difficult financial circumstances within his family. He never forgot this assistance by the OVA and the Christian Brothers of St Virgil’s and he became a vigorous and generous supporter of the existing scholarship fund for needy students - to the tune of $ 100,000.

The associated citation accompanies the display of Barry’s bat in the Centenary History Centre.