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Vale | Br Tony White OAM
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
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Brother Tony White OAM first taught at Terrace in 1971 and after a number of other roles in colleges around Queensland, returned to Terrace in 1982 where he was Headmaster through to 1989. Br White oversaw a major expansion in the facilities at the school during his term as headmaster, including the building of the Campbell Centre, pool, and Mount Sion which preceded the new administration building today. In his farewell to Br White in 1989, Br Walker noted.. “Brother will certainly be remembered as a builder..!”. More broadly, Br White’s contributions formed a meaningful part of the Christian Brothers legacy at Terrace, and our community will remember him for his years of dedication and service to the College, both during, and since his time as headmaster. In his last year as Headmaster, on the 1989 Speech Night, Br White reflected, “I thank you all for having me as part of the Terrace Family, for your friendship, tolerance and acceptance and I pray that, as this chapter in our history comes to an end, God will continue to bless and guide us as we work to further his Kingdom.” Please join us in keeping Br White’s family, friends and fellow Christian Brothers in our prayers. Michael Talty CFC wrote: It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our dear Brother Tony White. Tony passed to his eternal reward on 4th May having been visited by family and friends about 1.50pm in the Prince Charles Hospital Chermside. In late March Tony contracted COVID. Tony had been treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for a lymphoma from November with the chemotherapy finishing in late February. Initially Tony responded to the antiviral medication. However, 2 weeks ago the COVID infection caused a widespread inflammatory response in Tony’s lungs and oxygen therapy and complex intravenous antibiotics couldn’t stop the progression across Tony’s lungs. Anthony James White was a proud Bundaberg boy who was born to James White and Ellen Stapleton on the 5th July 1930. Tony was to be the eldest of his siblings who are Michael, Patrick, John and Mary. Tony grew up in Bundaberg attending the local convent schools and then moved to Our Lady Help of Christians CBC for grade 4. It was here that Tony encountered the Christian Brothers and significantly he was taught by Br Frank McCarthy. Inspired by his role models Tony journeyed to Strathfield in January 1946 and after successfully completing the Leaving Certificate Tony joined the December 1948 novitiate group. On completion of teacher training Tony was missioned to Launceston (’51), Abergowrie (’57) where he was made principal in 1963. Tony moved to South Brisbane (’69) to be Deputy at St Laurence’s as well as doing studies. Tony was transferred to Gregory Terrace (’71), Study (’72) and Ipswich (’73). In 1974 Tony was asked to be Principal of IPC Townsville where he spent the next 6 years engaged in building up the college. In 1980 Tony was given the opportunity to study in Boston and Chicago where he completed his M.Ed. On his return to Brisbane he was asked to be Principal of Gregory Terrace and it was during this time that Tony made substantial significant developments in both curriculum and building works. After 9 years Tony requested to be relieved of being Principal and was asked to move to Townsville where he was once again Principal for 1990-94. From 1995 till recent times Tony shared his wealth of knowledge and understanding in regard to running schools and finances by his membership of significant committees, commissions and boards. Tony always had the good of the Christian Brothers at heart and was called upon to be Province Bursar and member of the Provincial Leadership Team 2000-01. Tony, much loved home at Viridian Retirement Village was also the recipient of his future thinking and forward planning and even up to early 2022 Tony was engaged in the planning for solar panels to become planet friendly. As we look at the work of Edmund Rice Education in action in Brisbane’s Gregory Terrace and Townsville’s Ignatius Park College, we see the legacy of many but a significant proportion of it from Tony White’s astuteness, eye for detail and creativity that continue to be built upon. Our communities, province and congregation have gained from Tony’s insights and commitments. Tony was a true son of Edmund Rice being committed to justice and the betterment and welfare of others. Tony used the talents that God had gifted him with and we with gratitude say thank you for the life so generously shared with us as brother. May Tony, now be welcomed into the presence of the Lord he served so well and faithfully. May our beloved Brother Tony Rest in Peace |