Goodbye to the Tie

Pictured: (right, top to bottom) Gary Evans and Carson Dron; Jacqui Wood, Gary Evans and Beverley Langlands; Cutting his retirement cake with Tim Kotzur.

KELSEY BRICKNELL

On Friday 28 May, St Peters staff gathered on the steps of Ross Roy to celebrate the career of Mr Gary Evans. Known, by some, for his iconic tie wearing, Gary has worked at St Peters for a record-breaking 47 years. Before he retires at the end of Term 1, we take a moment to say “Farewell”.

Gary commenced work at the College in 1974. His first position was held at Ironbark, when the outdoor education program was in its pilot year. In 1976, he was recruited to work at St Peters Indooroopilly by Head of College, Dr Carson Dron and, in 1978, was appointed Head of Works, succeeding Harry Spann (the first person to hold the position at the College).

Over the course of his career, Gary has observed many changes. His tenure has included five Heads of College and, when he started, student numbers at Indooroopilly sat at just 600. Today Indooroopilly boasts 2,200 students. The population increase has caused Gary to grow and adapt in his position—under his leadership, the Works Department have worked tirelessly to build and maintain much of the campus infrastructure we all know and love.

There is little that Gary doesn’t know about St Peters Indooroopilly—from piping to cabling, his mind holds our blueprints. Gary’s ability to recall facts about past building projects has been invaluable in times of renovation and his service to St Peters has been a true Plus Ultra effort. It’s unlikely that his 47-year record will ever be surpassed and, for his commitment to the College we are truly grateful.

Gary says that he’s enjoyed his time at St Peters—a fact evidenced at his Ross Roy Farewell. Flanked by longstanding, valued members of the St Peters community, Mrs Jacqui Wood, Mrs Beverley Langlands and Dr Carson Dron, Gary spent the afternoon reminiscing. When it came time to go, he kept it short and simply said, “I couldn’t think of a better employer to work for.”

Thank you, Gary and all the best in your retirement.