6 minute read
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. 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 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’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.
Trent Martinz died on the 7th March 2005. He was a fun loving athletic guy who loved to go out and have a great time. He got into a mindset that there was no way out of life’s problems, that there was no one there for him. He was wrong, his mates, his family were there the whole time, he just didn’t realize it. One thing that should be taken from this is please don’t take your mates or children for granted. Each and every person is special; you need to support and love those people around you, and make sure they know you will be there for them. Trent is sadly missed by all.
– The Boys (Trent’s friends)
Dean Tarca
The College community was deeply saddened at the passing of Dean Tarca. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tarca family at this time. Dean’s friends and teachers in the Junior School cherish his memory and have erected a plaque in our Chapel so that he may be forever with the Trinity students in spirit.
Dean is sadly missed by all.
To my friends and loving family Some things I’d like to say But first of all to let you know That I arrived OK
I’m writing this from heaven Where I dwell with God above Where there’s no more tears or sadness There is just eternal love Please do not be unhappy Just because I’m out of sight Remember that I’m always with you Every morning noon and night That day I had to leave you When my life on earth was through God picked me and hugged me And said “I welcome you, It’s good to have you back again You were missed while you were gone. As for your friends and family They’ll be here later on I need you here so badly As part of my big plan There’s so much we have to do To help our mortal man”. Then God gave me a list of things He wanted me to do And foremost on that list of mine Is to watch and care for you. And I will be beside you Everyday, week and year And when you’re sad I’m standing there To wipe away the tear And when you lie in bed at night The day’s chores put to flight God and I are closer to you In the middle of the night When you think of my life on earth And all those living years Because you are only human They are bound to bring you tears But do not be afraid to cry It does relieve the pain Remember there would be no flowers Unless there was some rain
And to my very dear friends Trust God knows what is best I’m still not far away from you I’m just beyond the crest There are rocky roads ahead of you And many hills to climb But together we can do it Taking one day at a time When you are walking down the street And you’ve got me on your mind I’m walking in your footsteps Only half a step behind And when you feel the gentle breeze Or the wind upon your face That’s me giving you a great big hug Or just a soft embrace And I will always love you From that land way up above We’ll be in touch again soon. P.S. God sends all his love.
