Old Boys

VALE PAUL PINEL (’53)

It is with sadness that I inform the College community of the passing of Old Boy and former College Captain, Paul Pinel (’53). Over the years, Mr Pinel had maintained a strong connection to the College, attending a number of events and keeping up to date with all the news. As his health deteriorated and he became house bound, Mr Pinel would enjoy visits from Dr Wattam and they would share stories about his school days over a cup of coffee. 

Mr Pinel had been, and continues to be, a generous benefactor of the College. In 2011, upon celebrating the Chapel’s 50th Anniversary, he donated the statue of St Thérèse of Lisieux which sits alongside a similar statue of St Patrick which he and his classmates donated in 1953. Mr Pinel also made numerous donations of old photographs and historical documents to the College’s archives.

Music had always played a big part in his life, and Mr Pinel was keen for others to explore and build upon their musical talent. This led to the installment in 2017 of the Paul Pinel Music Scholarship which assists with a student’s music education for a year. 

By all accounts Mr Pinel was a generous, kind and deeply religious man who possessed a wicked sense of humour. As recently as last week, Mr Pinel wrote to Dr Wattam offering his blessings and prayers for our College community, and as always, imploring us all to let our light shine. Eternal rest grant unto Him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. He will be deeply missed by many. 

Damian Chase

Acting Principal