Vale Vale
Murray John McKenna If “memory is the diary we all carry about with us,” then looming large in our entries for 2005 will be the one on Murray John McKenna. In May this year, after a long illness, Murray passed away leaving a palpable sadness at the College. A dedicated and gifted teacher was gone but leaving a legacy of loyalty, commitment, erudition and passion for life that will be long remembered.
coach preparing for the next game. I gladly spent the next twenty minutes explaining all to him. His family endearingly recall his railing at umpires and opposition players but this was only in front of the television. "They can’t hear you Murray," his wife Julie would reason, "no matter how loud you yell." But how can you tell such an ardent fan?
Murray McKenna exemplified the essence of the Edmund Rice ethos. He was a staunch supporter of the Christian Brothers and Trinity College and whether in his capacity as a teacher or in one of his many leadership positions continuously and tirelessly encouraged and exhorted his students to be "men for others". He spent 21 years at Trinity and loved teaching --- especially his senior history classes. Through his specialism he kindled minds, imparted selfconfidence and nurtured undiscovered talents. And yet, as with all great teachers, his curriculum was an insignificant part of what he communicated. From him you didn’t learn a subject, but life --- tolerance and justice, fearlessness and pride, reverence and pity, are learned in a course on twentieth century history or on quadratic equations if the teacher has those qualities. He also loved sport and delighted in his coaching of school cricket and football teams. He was an indefatigable Carlton supporter through all their vicissitudes, yet was able to engage knowledgeably about other sports. I had many a conversation with him about the College 1st XV and the Wallabies but he was also to be heard in trenchant analysis of all other College sports. During a hiatus at a conference some years ago, I began devising a move for the 1st XV drawing copious match-stick men and direction arrows on a piece of paper. Murray spied what I was doing and immediately forgot the imperatives of the meeting. Far more interesting to him were the thoughts, nuances, machinations and predictions of a
Murray’s leadership roles at Trinity included a lengthy spell as Deputy Principal and editor of Trinity News. In 1994 he was the driving force behind the creation of Centenary Park which commemorates one hundred years of Christian Brothers’ education. He also lectured in Economics at the Graduate School of Business at Curtin University for more than twelve years where he was greatly admired by his peers and students. In all that he involved himself, Murray exhibited the qualities which endeared him to all of us: he was engaging, friendly, caring, patient, passionate, hard-working, insightful and competent. And throughout, we all experienced his wonderful geniality and sense of humour. That’s what real teaching is: it drowns the teacher. But then, so does anything done well; and it makes teachers remembered more for what they were than what they taught. Murray will be especially missed by his family; but he will also be sorely missed by the students, staff and parents of Trinity College. His passing reminds us that loss is life’s non-negotiable side. It is the time when we learn, unconditionally, that we are powerless over things we thought we had a grip on. But he lives on --- in the enduring love of his family, the affectionate memories of his colleagues and the significant achievements of his students. He would charge us to see the living that is to be lived and the laughter that is to be laughed, to learn at last the tremendous triumph of life. May he rest in peace.
Trent Martinz The Trinity community was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of one of the College’s Year 12 students, Trent Martinz on 7th March 2005. Trent was a well loved and respected student. His friendly and open manner endeared him to his large group of friends. His great love of sport was well-known. He was a member of the College’s Rugby tour to the UK and Holland. His commitment to the game and to the team was infectious and his jouir de vivre communicated itself to all he came in contact with. We extend to Trent’s family our heartfelt sympathy and assure them of our prayers. We also extend our condolences to the Year 12 students – especially to Trent’s closest friends – who have been deeply affected by his death. The response of these students has been a wonderful outpouring of respect and affection for Trent and a moving expression of their faith. 16
May he rest in peace.
