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OBITUARY

It is with great sadness and humility that we write these words of tribute to our dear friend, colleague and Past President, Vernon De Alwis.
As we know, Vernon’s illustrious life came to an end last week after a long illness and we at the Old Josephians’ Club of Australia are all the poorer for it. However, we are certain that Vernon will be looking back at his life with a great sense of joy and achievement.
Vernon showed great sportsmanship and fairness as he represented St Joseph’s College at several sports:
· He was a pivotal member of our swimming team which won the Public Schools Swimming Championships every year he took part in it. · Vernon excelled in Rugby and Football during his schooldays and represented our Collage. · In the field of competitive cycling, Vernon was again a stalwart and led the way in terms of competitiveness and team spirit.
When his school days were behind him, Vernon continued his sports excellence representing the Havelock Sports Club at Rugby and continued his enthusiasm for swimming and cycling.
Vernon was also an excellent academic as he continued to use his natural gifts in the fields of studies and continuous improvement. He won a scholarship to Europe in his early years after which he returned to Sri Lanka (Ceylon at that time) fully qualified as a Structural Engineer. He practiced those skills with great vigour and distension until he migrated to Australia in the late 1980’s and also later in this country during his working career.
Vernon joined the Old Josephians’ Club of Australia almost immediately upon his arrival here and continued his great love for his Alma Mater by contributing immensely to the various facets and activities our Organisation offered and were involved in. Veron’s contribution to our Club culminated with him being appointed by the members to the prestigious position of President in 1998.
Vernon continued to contribute to the activities of our club for many years until poor health took its toll on his body. He attended almost every Dance, Christmas Party and all Sports activities in his hay day.
Vernon leaves us with great distinction as an outstanding sportsman and humanitarian. Above all, Vernon will be remembered throughout our community as a Perfect Gentleman!
Vernon, we congratulate you!
We express our heartfelt sympathies to Vernon’s wife Lorraine, his daughter Michelle and all other family members.
Farewell Vernon, May your soul Rest in Peace!

Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Tuesday, 26th of March 2024,10.30 AM at ST. Anne's Catholic Church Seaford.(84 Austin Road, Seaford, Victoria, 3198).
We kindly request all member’s present where possible to wear the college Tie.

CRICKET IN 80'S

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