The Magazine of St Aloysius' College • 'Men for Others' • Issue XLVII ...

got odds of 33-1 and did not miss the opportunity. Each
time the field circled the arena, the “special” went further
and further ahead. As it swung into the straight for the last
time, it was 100 metres in front, but that was not enough; it
collapsed and dropped dead in the straight!
That was about fifty years ago and I am not sure if
Ross went into a racecourse again; he certainly did not
have another bet on a galloper or trotter. There were better
investments elsewhere.
Ross was a top party performer, whether it was at a
large function, or in a group of eight or ten sitting around
a table having a meal. He had an appealing charisma,
was very talented, could speak with knowledge on many
subjects and he could tell a great story. If that was not
enough, he could use his powerful voice to perform his
wonderful repertoire of songs.
He did have one idiosyncrasy I am sure you experienced.
Sometimes, after wining and dining but still sitting at table
he would just shut his eyes, but then he would sleep soundly
for half an hour or so. One occasion I remember well, he
was part way through telling a story, the eyes shut and he
was sound asleep; half an hour later he woke continuing
the story from where he left off. Actuall, it was always a
concern when this happened; he would wake rejuvenated,
and you knew, you were in for a long and late night.
In the more than fifty years I have known Ross there was
never any change; it was always a case of what you saw,
and what you heard, was what you got.
He was a great character. He was forthright and
genuine. If he thought something he would say it, and if he
said it, you would know he meant it.
If a friend needed help he was there, not at the forefront,
but quietly doing what was necessary.
He had a very strong social conscience and was
generous where he felt the need was greatest.
From 1975 to 1980 Ross was one of a group of
businessmen appointed by the Sisters of St Vincent’s Hospital
to an advisory board to assist with the establishment of the
facilities for a Heart Transplant Department. Then from
1980 to 1987 he was on the Board of Directors at St
Vincent’s Hospital.
To Barbara and the family we extend our very sincere
sympathy. We have liked and enjoyed Ross in our different
ways and we will all miss him. The number of those who
are here is a fitting tribute to Ross and his family. Our lives
have been enriched by his friendship and I am sure his
maker will have a good spot in heaven to reward him for
his endeavours.
Paul ‘Puffer’ Flynn (SAC 1952)
My parents made a decision for which I will always be
grateful in transferring me to St Aloysius’ College at the
beginning of Term II in 1947.
Here, I met other Aloysians who became life-long
friends. Ross Wardley was one such Aloysian. He became
a close friend at school and he remained a close friend for
the next sixty years.
Ross commenced his schooling at St Aloysius’ College
in 1944, and at school Ross was involved in everything
worthwhile. He was always good company and he was
very good at sport. He was in the College Swimming Team
and he was successful at athletics. Indeed, in 1950 he set
the College Under 15 High Jump record of 5’2”, which
lasted until recently. He was good at rugby, always in the
A teams until the Open years, and in 1952 he was fiveeighth
for the First XV until he broke his ankle in a trial game.
Perhaps, his strongest sport was cricket. He made the First
XI in Third Year, and The Aloysian for 1950 records that as
the ‘baby’ of the team “… he came to light in Term III – he
should be a tower of strength in years to come in this and
all sports …”. How true this was. He took 6-58 against
Trinity Grammar School and 5-33 against Knox Grammar
School. In 1951 I recall he made a century against Trinity
Grammar School – a rare feat for a school boy, requiring
application and determination, which were qualities Ross
had in abundance throughout his life.
Whilst our working paths did not cross, Ross’ success
in his career demonstrates that he always made the same
commitment to his work that he made to his family and
to his friends. His work as a member of the Board of St
Vincent’s Hospital was consistent with his charitable support
for what he regarded as worthwhile causes to which he
gave financial support.
When Ross returned to Sydney from his time in the north,
he became involved in the Old Aloysians Cricket Club and
played with them from 1962-1980. The OACC was, and I
am sure remains, a wonderful institution and over the period
Ross committed himself enthusiastically to the affairs of the
Club, both in cricket and social activitites. He was very
successful with the bat. He had lots of advice to offer from
the slips and he was an absolute stalwart of the side. He
went overseas with the Club on Tours to the East in 1974,
1976 and 1978.
His love of cricket was intense and I shared many happy
days with him watching Test Matches at the SCG to which
Ross belonged for over fifty years.
Ross was a talented golfer, although he complained he
rarely used his Royal Sydney Golf Club membership.
As a person whilst of course gaining in maturity over the
years, Ross really remained as he had been at school. His
fundamental qualities only strengthened with the passing of
the years.
Nobody could say of Ross that he did not make the most
of his talents because he most certainly did. He was always
loyal to his family, his religion, his friends and his school.
He was energetic and fun loving. He was very intelligent
and he was great company, a great person to have a drink
with and to dine with. There was always plenty to discuss
in his company and Ross was forthright in his views about
St Aloysius’ College
A Jesuit School for Boys _ Founded 1879 aloysiad / page 53