STAN MARKS OAM (OB 1945)

A MAN OF GREAT TALENT, COMMITMENT, LOYALTY AND HUMOUR.

Stan Marks (OB 1945), a respected journalist, author, and public relations expert, passed away on 18 January 2023 at the age of 93. Born in London in 1929, he moved to Australia when he was two and graduated from Brighton Grammar in 1946, going on to study journalism at the University of Melbourne. His reporting role with The Herald marked the start of a lifelong career in journalism and public relations, where he dedicated his work to fostering the rights of minority groups, promoting international understanding, and advocating for the ability to find humour in life’s challenges.

Throughout his career, Stan worked for various Australian journals in London, Canada, and America before joining the ABC as Public Relations and Publicity Supervisor. Later, he became the Public Relations and Publicity Manager for the Australian Tourist Commission. Stan’s writing focused on promoting respect and understanding between different races, cultures, and religions. His groundbreaking work included an article in The New York Times about a special worldwide United Nations Youth Council, which aimed to foster greater global cooperation and understanding between adults and young people.

Stan was also an accomplished author, having written 14 books that were published both in Australia and overseas. His work on MS, a popular cartoon strip, and the play Viva la Difference, which explored malefemale relationships, earned him great acclaim. Additionally, Stan was a regular speaker on various topics, including the importance of humour, for the BBC, CBC and ABC.

Stan’s contributions to his community were recognized when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and named Glen Eira Citizen of the Year. He spent 17 years editing the Jewish Holocaust Centre’s magazine, Centre News and worked as a guide alongside his beloved wife, Eva.

In 2020, to encourage Brighton Grammar students with their writing, he endowed the Stan & Eva Marks Writing Prize in memory of his beloved wife Eva. The finalist essays become archival records of the year at BGS, with the Year 6 and Year 11 winners receiving a prize at Speech Night.

Stan is fondly remembered at BGS for his legacy of respect, understanding, and humour. His contributions to journalism, writing and community service will not be forgotten.

Kate Birrell Alumni & Community Manager

FROM 1983 TO 2001.

As well as being a senior Federal Government Cabinet Minister, he was father to four boys, father-in-law to four adoring daughters-in-law and grandfather to 13 grandchildren for whom he was their devoted and adored grandpa.

At BGS Peter was a high achiever serving as a Prefect, Cadet CUO and Captain of Boats in 1968. He held the House Shot Put record for many years and played Football (Aussie Rules) at First XVIII level and achieved an Exhibition (highest award for academic excellence) in Australian History in his Matriculation year (Year 12) in 1968.

After graduating from Monash University with a degree in Law and Economics, Peter