Remembering Brian Carroll MSC ….. one of our (very) quiet achievers!

Terry Herbert writes:         As a close friend, confidant, and teaching companion of Brian, I’m immensely grateful to have known him for just three years when we were on Staff at Chevalier College, 1975 - 77.

         Brian’s mother died when Brian was aged 7; with his father Clem, they moved to Orange, where Clem was Stationmaster. This may account for Brian’s intense interest and extensive knowledge of trains, both in Australia and worldwide.

           One of the Hobby Club’s at Chevalier, was Brian’s Train Group, where he would “take” the students on (for example) one of Europe’s great train journeys, intimately describing the train decor, dining menu, loco details, etc. with passion and enthusiasm. This same spirit coloured his teaching … not unlike Keating of Dead Poet’s Society.

           Brian was known for his very quiet presence … the student boarders aptly nicknamed him “Casper, the friendly Ghost”. He was known for his patience, and cheerfulness, good humour, and especially his exceptional ability to listen deeply to people, and emphathise with them with compassion . That was not missed by the student boarders at Chevalier. One Obituary note read: “no girlfriend, no problem was too big for Fr Brian”.

           I experienced Brian’s patient listening one morning close to 9am. Brian was on a verandah near our dining room, probably reflecting on his next class, when I asked him if he had a moment to help me with a few ideas on a Religion Class topic. Brian strolled over, seeming to have all the time in the world, offered me some ideas, and asked gently, “is that OK” with no sign of rushing. I later learned he (also) had a class to teach at 9am!

           Brian became progressively exhausted, and some thought he was having a breakdown; he was advised to take a break, and was having a meal with his father up country, when he said: “that was a good meal, Dad … like the one we had in South Africa”!   They’d never been there. Another medical opinion was sought; a woman specialist “twigged” and suggested a brain scan …. a large tumour was found at the back of his brain, and next to his spinal column… inoperable for obvious reasons. That was early 1978. I had moved to Monivae College,Victoria. end of ’77.

           Brian died peacefully on 11 June 1978, aged 37 years. Like all our close friends, I (too) look forward to reuniting with him in the New Creation.

                                 ….. Terence Herbert MSC