LONG-SERVING St Patrick’s College staff member Brother Herbert Theodore Breach has been remembered as a Christian role model and champion of his students.
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Br Breach died on Saturday aged 96 at Nazareth House, Ballarat.
He joined the Christian Brothers in 1931 and came to St Patrick’s College as senior French master in 1974, coaching the First XI cricket team and assisting hurdlers, shot putters and the senior hockey team.
Returning in 1984, he remained on staff until his retirement in 2002.
St Patrick’s College headmaster Dr Peter Casey said Br Breach would be remembered by many former staff and students as one of the most influential and popular Christian Brothers to have served at St Patrick’s.
“His passing will be mourned by thousands who have studied and played sport under his guidance,” Dr Casey said.
“The college extends its sympathies to the Christian Brothers and to Br Breach’s family and friends at this time.”
Old Collegians remembered him as a skilled sporting coach and leader of the annual Purton Oratory competition.
Junior students at the college today compete for the Br H.T. Breach Oratory Cup.
Former student Peter Naus said Br Breach was a generous and wise teacher.
“He taught me to be passionate about the things I loved, respectful of others and to be as great a person as I could be,” Mr Naus said.
“Though he leaves a surprising hole in my heart, he made the world a better place in so many ways.”
Vigil prayers will be held today at 7.30pm at the St Patrick’s College Chapel, followed by light refreshments in the college dining room.
A requiem mass, to be celebrated by Bishop Paul Bird, will take place tomorrow at 11am in St Patrick’s College chapel.
It will be followed by a light lunch in the Old Collegians Association Pavilion.
thomas.mcilroy@fairfaxmedia.com.au