GPS Premiership Volleyball Trophy
The Peter Donaldson Memorial Trophy is named after a remarkable man, who made a difference in the lives of young men through his involvement in Brisbane Boys’ College and GPS Sport.
On Saturday evening, February 25 2006, Peter Donaldson - teacher, sportsman, and administrator - died from a massive stroke. The BBC community confronted the heartfelt reality of losing a colleague, a friend and a very special man.
His life’s story may have been shortened and destined to be told prematurely, but by no means will this detract from his mark as “a real gentleman.”
As the new appointee to the position of Director of Cricket in 1998, Peter steadily and unassumingly began his involvement with BBC. Within four short years Peter was appointed to the position of Director of Sport – a true reflection of his character and his meticulous attention to detail. For those who knew Peter, the job title did not restrict Peter’s involvement across the college. His influence was evident in all aspects of the boys’ education and co-curricular activity.
BBC was not the only benefactor of his caring swagger and his forever young demeanour. A strong sense of loss was also felt by staff and past students of Hilder Road Primary School (The Gap), where Peter was a teacher for 19 years. Other schools to be blessed with the presence of Peter’s “unfailingly good nature” were Everton Park, Oakleigh, Beaudesert and the Marist Brothers School in Rosalie where Peter, with his twin brother Brian, ventured through their schooling years. Peter’s commitment to the work of the GPS Sport Masters’ Executive was outstanding. His work in our association showed the same meticulous attention to detail that was his trademark at BBC. He was Chair of the GPS Swimming and Volleyball Sub Committees where his wisdom and guidance endeared him to his fellow professionals.
His passion and involvement in cricket will ensure his legacy both on and off the field. The number of people touched by Peter’s wisdom and guidance was unfathomable. The news of his passing travelled quickly and far afield; clear testimony to the high esteem in which he was held by so many members of the community.
At a moving memorial service attended by staff, students (past and present), friends and Peter’s family, tributes, stories and heartfelt grief were presented to an overwhelmed audience. Graeme McDonald recalls, “At our Memorial Service we gave thanks for the splendid contribution that Peter Donaldson made to the life of our College. We gave thanks for the privilege of having had the opportunity to work alongside one of ‘nature’s gentlemen’.”
In the words of BBC’s Chaplain Mr Graham Cole, “What set Peter Donaldson apart was not so much him being thorough or those spot words at assembly or a wonderful sense of humour - it was the priority he gave to relationships with us. Relationships full of dignity fairness and loyalty.”
Peter Donaldson will surely be missed by all of us but by naming the GPS Premiership Volleyball Trophy after him we can ensure that the legacy of Peter’s involvement at BBC and in GPS Sport will never be forgotten.
D.Johnstone - July 2008