Br Finian

I was lucky enough to sit next to Br Finian at Leo Gamble's "grumpy old men" luncheon at Mentone RSL in December. He was in sparkling form as we shared memories from more than 65 years of friendship.

In all that time I have never heard a bad word spoken about him. He has been an inspiration to generations of St Bede's community members.

What a privilege to have known him!

Vale, mi amice

John Rhoden

“ Br Finian is a dear friend of our family having taught my brother and also my father who recently turned 84 years of age. A wonderful man who was always very kind and thoughtful to the boarders at St Bede’s”

Steve Smith (Class of 1984)

“He personified De La Salle brethren, a good man, loved his positive approach…May God hold him close.”

Anthony Walsh (Class of 1975)

“Farewell to our beautiful friend and Reed family support for 60 years. You enriched our lives and brought so much happiness to us when we were kids..and remained a faithful friend to the end. Rest peacefully, Fin.”

Sylvie Herron

May your wickets in heaven be perfect and thanks for all that you did for us boys. You taught my father Mike (85 years old) and uncle Ken (91 first Dux) who pass on condolences. RIP – Sadly missed

Peter Kennedy (Class of 1983)

In remembering the significant impact Br. Finian had on countless generations of BedaBoys, we thought these words expressed by reflected out thoughts….

To me Brother Finian Allman was the embodiment of his beloved order’s Founder, St. John Baptiste.

He gave his life to his beliefs, he was humble. He was both a gentle man and gentleman.

He carried an authority of presence that was never stated, he exuded an overt admiration of his fellow brothers and teachers that was never questioned.

He loved the boys he taught. They loved him back - without limitation, without self doubt and with the respect for those special people who live their livesby deeds and not words.

It was Finian who inspired me as a boy to become a teacher. It was Finian who inspired me as a teacher to always see the good in the young men entrusted to my care.

For decades he toiled for months to proudly present the district's finest turf wicket. Stoically, he raised the ire of many captains when "Finian’s Rainbow” dropped 25mm of ‘rain’ every Friday night before an important match. They complained, he ignored them - the uncomplicated way to be the curator.

He never seemed to age. Red hair, big smile, swarthy appearance, no fuss, state your case, move on. Life was simple when you have devoted it totally to the interests of the young and their education.

Although I know he has finally left St. Bedes’ I know he will always be there in spirit and in it’s history.

Like thousands of others, I shall always miss him when I think of the times spent with him.

Vale Fin.

Tony Vaugh