ROBERT Out, former Padua College rector, died aged 65 at his home with his family by his side.
Padua College rector Peter Elmore said he was a proud Franciscan and Paduan, and his contribution and commitment to Padua College and Catholic education were unsurpassed.
Mr Out will be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him as the ‘Good Man of Padua’, he said.
Mr Out’s lifelong journey of service and commitment to Padua College began when he joined as a Year 4 student in 1966.
He graduated Year 12 in 1974 and returned as a teacher in 1979.
He served the community of Padua College for 38 years, as a teacher, Vice Rector (1987-2000), and Rector (2001-2016).
He was the college’s first lay, and longest serving rector.
As a leader of the community, Bob was an excellent example of the College’s mission for students to be men of wisdom, service, and a quiet strength, Mr Elmore said.
“Bob lived the Gospel through his work as a teacher, coach, leader, mentor and friend to generations of Paduanstudents, parents and staff,” he said.
Bob’s leadership and relationships with all in the community captured these ideals, he said.
Affectionately called ‘Bob the Builder,’ Mr Out led the transformation and modernisation of Padua College during his time as rector.
He oversaw the upgrade of classrooms on both Greccio and Assisi Campuses, the construction of the Saint Bonaventure Centre (Library, Teaching and Learning, and IT), La Cordelle (Hall), the Greccio Covered Playing Area, and the Santa Croce Building for Science and the Arts.
Alongside these building improvements, Mr Out also guided the college through a period of significant enrolment and educational change while upholding the Franciscan history, values, and ethos of the college.
Mr Elmore said he was best remembered as a humble, wise, and committed man who exemplified the importance of relationships in education and in the faith formation of young people.
“Bob Out has left an amazing legacy at Padua College,” he said.
He was recognized for his outstanding contribution and leadership, being awarded the St Francis Medal on his retirement.
Mr Out is survived by his wife Julianne, his sons Michael, Justin, and Daniel, their families, the Franciscan friars, his friends, and the many students, parents, and staff of Padua College whose lives he touched in his extraordinary service to the Padua community.
“May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” Mr Elmore said.
