2022 | Issue 8 | SJC Newsletter

In loving Memory of Desmond (Des) Podbury (94 years) SJOC 1944,

Des joined the St Joseph’s family as a student in 1936 and was one of the original 27 boarding students who resided at the College in 1940. Des was College Captain in 1943 & 1944 and was awarded the inaugural McNeill Cup in 1944, this is given to a student who is held in high regard and personifies the St Joseph’s tradition of leadership, academic and sporting achievements.

A keen sportsman and champion schoolboy runner, Des was the SJC Athletics Captain in 1944. He continued his passion for sport and was a decades-long member of Geelong’s Gym, Des proudly carried the Olympic Torch on its relay journey to Melbourne in 1956.

Des became a prominent businessman who ran the former Podbury’s Bakery. He had a strong connection to his community, and was Mayor of Geelong from 1980-1982.

Des maintained his connection with St Joseph’s College, he was a dedicated member of the St Joseph’s Old Collegians Association, serving as secretary from 1949-1955 and as President from 1956-1957. He was very hands on in his role, one year even cutting scores of pegs from discarded school desks and hammering them in with a tomahawk to mark the levels for the seven practice wickets to be laid on the Memorial Oval (now Zampatti Oval)! Des lead the SJOCA Golden Jubilee reunion in 1985 and continued to be a long serving committee member.

Des attended many a reunion and past student celebration, he always enjoyed catching up with his fellow boarders he even joined John Bohan earlier this year to celebrate John’s 100^th birthday. Des was one of the members of the Old Collegians community who assisted with the launching of the McNeill Society and was also a member of the College Foundation.

Three Generations of Podbury’s have now walked the grounds of St Joseph’s as students, a journey begun by Des back in 1936.

To the entire Podbury family, the College extends its heartfelt sympathy after the passing of Des. He was a true friend of St Joseph’s, he will be missed by his fellow Old Collegians and by all of the members of his St Joseph’s family. Rest in peace Des.