Former Staff Passings

Gwen Bryson worked in the library of Toowoomba Grammar School from 1980 to 1991 as the AV coordinator, AV assistant and assistant librarian under the headmastership of Mr Bill Dent. Mrs Bryson was an avid swimmer and involved in the TGS Diving Club and Scouts. She passed away in July 2021.

Susan Inch was employed at TGS from 1996 to 1998 in Biology, Agricultural Science and various co-curricular activities before resigning to spend time with her family. Her sons are all TGS Old Boys, Thomas (2002-06), Lachlan (2004-08), Hamish (2007-11) and Dugald (2011-15). All four boys were prefects during their time at TGS. Susan passed away in July 2021.

Richard (Dick) Honor was employed as an English, History and Maths teacher at TGS from 1951-53. He resigned to pursue a career as a naval instructor and then, in 1981, as the Australian manager of CCH Legal Information Services Inc. Dick passed away in May 2021. Leanne Penberthy was a much-loved art teacher at TGS for 19 years, starting as a teacher aide in May 2001 before becoming a full-time teacher in 2008.

Her son, Nicholas Whatson (2000-04), and brother, Roderick (1972-76), are both Old Boys.

In August 2019, Leanne was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. She initially took leave to undergo treatment before resigning last year.

Leanne lost her battle on 12 August 2021, almost exactly two years after she was diagnosed with the disease.

Leanne wrote and illustrated two beautiful books during her illness as part of her “healing journey”. A Little Bird Told Me was published in August 2020, and A Quokka Adventure was released in August 2021, just a week before she passed.

Leanne was a wonderful educator who touched the hearts of everyone she knew. She will be remembered for her bubbly personality, beautiful smile and, of course, her tutu.

Leanne’s “Reflection on Living” highlights the positive and courageous person she was.

“When changing is a possibility, take this opportunity to make good choices and be joyful for this – because sometimes changing is not possible but accepting and then going on is all you have. Do it bravely. Smile at people because you can – it will make the darkness lighter and brighten your life.”

– Leanne Penberthy

DEATHS

John CLOSE (1951-54) in February 2021 John (Jack) PUNTER (1945-48) in February 2021 Angus McADAM (1962-66) in March 2021

James McKAY OAM (1954-55) in April 2021 William (Bill) IVERS (1996-2000) in April 2021 John ZEMEK (1959) in April 2021 Gerald PATCH (1956) in April 2021 Sydney (Syd) GARDNER (1947-50) in May 2021 Robin MULCKEY (1972-75) in May 2021 John CORFE (1954-57) in May 2021 Lester (Mick) McPHEE (1956-46) in May 2021 Peter LACAZE (1947-50) in June 2021

William (Jim) COWARD (1942-45) in June 2021

John McINTYRE (1964-66) in June 2021

Rodney ALTHAUS (1946-49) in June 2021

Colin DAY (1961-62) in June 2021

King-Wai (Gordon) LEE (1956-60) in June 2021

Jack HOGAN (2005-17) in July 2021 Alex (Blue) AGNEW (1948) in July 2021 Brian KETTLE (1951-52) in July 2021 Douglas COCHRANE (1935-36) in July 2021 Bryan LYNN (1961-64) in September 2021 Norman DEVINE (1945-46) in September 2021 Elwyn HARGENS (1944-45) in September 2021 Robert COPELAND (1969-72) in October 2021

Please contact the Enrolments Office to discuss enrolling your son or grandson at Toowoomba Grammar School