It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own – Paul Stapleton – in late June, after battling with brain tumour.

Paul came to St John’s College from Canberra to study Engineering. His 1979 Ave Atque Vale tribute is a testament to the wonderful times he had building many friendships at St John’s. 

“…While in residence at John’s, Stapo has provided us with some much appreciated light entertainment. Like the time he decided to take up running “tout a’round” the Uni for exercise, with Chicken Man (alias Doc “Legs” Connors)…Paul won many College Scholarships during his stay at the College. (He) left John’s half-way through the year to co-habitate with another ex-Collegian, Michael Ell…We wish Stapo the best of luck in the coming year, when he hopes to visit the sunny shores of South Africa…We are sure that his College experience will help with any obstacles that he may have to hurdle.”

Stapo had a stellar academic record at his high school, St Edmunds in Canberra.  Venturing to Sydney, he resided at St John’s for most of his time at the University of Sydney where he excelled in Mechanical Engineering, but to his frustration was beaten by single marks for the University Medal.

Paul’s early post-graduate years were spent at the University of Queensland where he lectured and undertook project research in the UQ Engineering faculty, then practised as a consulting Engineer internationally and in Australia.

As many Engineers do later in their careers, he applied his discipline into broader areas and management, returned to Canberra and worked for the Australian Sports Commission and NICTA (Australia's National Information & Communication Research Centre of Excellence) for over a decade.

In his retirement Stapo became a keen sailor and inveterate traveller with his partner Sandra Williams.

He was a great engineer but also a great friend, loyal brother, son and a happy partner to Sandra, all of whom will dearly miss him and his cheeky humour and love of a party.

Paul leaves behind his partner Sandra along with his other beloved family members who cherish their times with him.  He was laid to rest in Lake Macquarie.

RIP, Paul.

(Our gratitude to David Gillespie who kindly shared his thoughts on Paul.)