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

from SACOBU
Hannah as well as his parents, sister and brothers Michael
(SAC 1981), Justin (SAC 1986) and John (SAC 1990).
The following is an extract of the eulogy delivered by his
classmate and close friend, Tim McGowan (SAC 1985).
stand here today
I representing all the
Aloysius Old Boys – in
particular Andrew’s
close friends Cameron,
Sam, Michael, Tony,
Johnno, Clayton and
the Class of 1985.
To us, Andrew was
always Rocky.
When thinking of
Andrew ‘Rock’ Leavey,
a number of fond
memories come to mind. I think of Rocky dancing like
Peter Garret, I remember trips to Blueys Beach, back-yard
cricket, rugby tests, The Oaks on a Thursday night and ,of
course, breakfast at the Leaveys. We grew up together:
a friendship that began in the corridors of St Aloysius’
College. If I look back on the best years of my life – the best
years were with Rock.
Rock was like a brother to me. He always knew
where to go, how to get in and who would be there.
He introduced me to Cold Chisel, Bowie and the Violent
Femmes. He taught me how to drive – albeit before we
had licenses; he led me astray and I was happy to follow.
He developed before most of us, which gave him an air
of maturity. When I was ordering sweet and sour, he was
ordering Peking duck; when I was drinking Toohey’s twist
tops, he was drinking Blue Lagoons; when I was wearing
Puma, he was wearing Lacoste. He quickly learnt to enjoy
the good life.
He enjoyed school and, despite his tendency to allow
his quick wit to get him into trouble, he respected what
the College stood for and he made some long and lasting
friendships. We should all take great comfort from our old
school network that has come together so quickly in our hour
of need. It’s amazing to think we were all here in Avoca
over twenty years ago celebrating leaving school – with
Rock leading the charge.
Rock was courageous and not only on the rugby field.
He was never one to back down despite the odds. I
remember many years ago Michael Condon’s (SAC 1985)
father bringing the WWF Wrestling to Australia and after
the show we went back to their hotel bar to have a few
beers with the wrestlers. Just picture us in a bar – all in our
early twenties – all in suits – drinking with The Killer Bees,
Corporal Kirsner, The Iron Sheik and Andre the Giant.
Somehow during the night Rock managed to get into an
argument with The Iron Sheik and The Iron Sheik wanted to
kill him. I recall saying to Rock “Settle down mate it’s The
Iron Sheik, it’s not some Knox boy.” Rock replied, “But mate,
if I knock him over, it’ll make the papers”. It was only after
Andre the Giant stood up did we convince Rock it was time
to leave.
I think Rock’s courage and bravado always protected his
sensitive side. I always thought the ‘deep and meaningful’
conversations he had turned into an art form, a part of his
plan of seduction. But Rock was capable of intelligent,
honest and emotional conversations. He was charming,
handsome and sophisticated.
Rock represents our youth. He represents the challenges
of that time and the bonds of friendship that have lasted all
these years. He has made an indelible mark on all our lives
and our lives will not be the same again.
To describe Rock’s life I will use a rugby analogy. He
played the first half but didn’t finish the game. He played
a blinder and pushed himself to his limit. He was hit from
behind with a blow none of us saw coming. In fact, he may
have played some of the game injured and survived with
his wits, charm and courage. Either way, he played the
game of his life and was always true to himself. He knocked
down the big blokes, back-chatted the referee and enjoyed
the adulation of his family, classmates and friends. He was
carried off, dazed and exhausted. But that was Rock, full
bore or not at all. He is irreplaceable.
And as we run on for the second half, the big Number
2 is no longer leading us around the field. He’s been called
up to play a bigger game and our lives have changed
forever.
So when I see you next time Mate, we’ll catch up where
we left off. Cheers Rocky! We love you.
Timothy McGowan (SAC 1985)
Footnote: Members of the Class of 1985 gathered in the
Boys’ Chapel on Friday 23 May to hold a Memorial Mass
for Andrew and the five other members of the Class who
have gone to their eternal rest. This Mass gave those who
could not travel to Terrigal for Andrew’s Funeral, a chance
to farewell him.
Dominic Mason (SAC 1991)
Dominic was killed by a car whilst riding his bicycle near
Newcastle on 11 December 2007. Son of Stephen
and Margaret, and brother of Timothy (SAC 1997).
Eternal Rest grant to them O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
may their Souls and all the Souls
of the faithfully departed Old Boys of the College,
through the mercy of God, rest In Peace. Amen.
St Aloysius, pray for us!
St Aloysius’ College
A Jesuit School for Boys _ Founded 1879 aloysiad / page 56