Vale Graham Harrington

1.4.38 – 14.1.2023  

Passed away on January 14 2023. Much loved and loving husband of Rosanne and father of Mark, Linda, Philip, Kathy and Vanessa.

Was awarded a scholarship by the Boyer Mill (now Norske Skogg) in 1954. The scholarship was not taken up and Graham returned to the College and in turn be part of the highly academically successful Class of 55.

While at SVC Graham was the star right winger in the first SVC Hockey Team in 1954 and along with Graham Fish were the Colleges ace sprint team.

Graham attended night school to study Geology which was a special subject he carried through to his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960.

Education

His further exploits centered on his teaching/administration career with the State Education Department which is summarised below:

• first posting New Norfolk then
• Rose Bay High
• Cosgrove
• Kingsmeadows Senior Master Science
• Scottsdale Deputy Principal
• Rosetta High (now Montrose High) appointment as Deputy Principal,
• Bridgewater High founding Principal
• Overseas for a year obtaining a Masters degree at the same time
• Superintendent
• Deputy Secretary (Education) for Tasmania

In addition, while being with the Department Graham supported the music development whenever possible while his individual devotion was particularly directed to Jazz.

Included among the non-academic activities are the following:

Hockey

As a follow up to the 1954/55 introductory team referred to above went on to play with University A grade and from time to time later played with the Catholic Hockey Club of which he acted in the position of President. Was also a team member of the 'Dad’s Army' XI that involved many of the then old members from the late 50s. The team was promoted to A Grade in 1962 after winning the second grade premiership in 1961.

Sailing

Went yachting in the 60s one adventure being the Australian JOG Championship 'half ton cup' in Sydney (for craft of approx. 32 feet) and later purchased his own cruising yacht 'Wanderlust'. Graham raced extensively on the Derwent and was appointed a Flag Officer at the Bellerive Yacht Club. His Tasmanian cruising extended from Maria Island in the East to Port Davey in the Southwest. He later was a part boat owner partner with his friend and fellow academic Larry Scott (whom he first met at Kingsmeadows).

 A devoted husband, enthusiastic father, supporter of his students and recognised friend by the many who knew him.

Graham was the son of Tom Harrington, who after a very successful career as a headmaster with  the Tasmanian Education Department, ended his career as the head of the St Virgil’s College Junior School classes at Barrack Street  from 1963-66.