29 October 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #55
Inspiring educator and leader goes to the Father By Marco Ceccarelli FRIENDS AND FAMILY recently mourned the passing of Kevin Desmond (Des) O’Sullivan, a man whose endless qualities as mentor, teacher and leader were praised by those fortunate enough to have known him. Mr O’Sullivan passed away peacefully on 5 October 2015, having lived an eventful life beside his wife of 56 years, Barbara O’Sullivan, his five children Mark, Julie, Peter, Rebecca and Margaret, as well as eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The eldest of nine, Mr O’Sullivan was born in Sydney on 26 August 1931 and attended boarding school aged 13 at De La Salle College in Oak Hill. He was followed into the De La Salle Order by his brothers Barry and Roger, while his sister Deidre entered the Ursuline Order of Nuns where she continues to be a strong and vibrant member. Pursuing an ingrained passion for teaching and education, Mr O’Sullivan obtained his Teachers’ Certificate from the De La Salle Training College, Castle Hill, in 1951, and taught at the De La Salle’s Sydney schools in Marrickville (primary level) and Cootamundra (lower secondary level). From 1956 to 1960, he taught Upper Primary at the 1 | EDITION #55 | 29 OCTOBER 2015
Des O’Sullivan passed away peacefully on 5 October 2015, having lived an eventful life serving Catholic Education community across Western Australia. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Christian Brothers College, Rose Bay, before moving West in 1961 and continuing his teaching career at Aquinas College in Perth, WA. Mr O’Sullivan took on the role of mathematics, physics and religion teacher at Aquinas College, rising to the ranks of Senior Maths Master, and Senior Leaving
Master. In 1975, he was appointed as the first lay Principal of St Norbert College, Queens Park, where he earned a reputation as man of integrity and remarkable leadership skills. He helped the school transition into a co-educational facility, commenced
an ambitious building program which saw the rise of five buildings in nine years and established a strong pastoral care ethos. His dedication to St Norbert’s eventually led to his appointment as
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