A lifetime of giving back

BGS Old Boy John Hoare ’56 enjoyed his time at BGS, discovering a passion for rowing late in his time at the School. He was the most improved oarsman in 1956 and went on to coach BGS rowers in 1963. Four of the boys he coached were part of the BGS crew that won the Head of the River in 1964.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering in 1961, John worked as a structural engineer at several firms. During this period, he married Desley in 1963, and the pair have been married for almost 60 years.

John and Desley have proved a wonderful team over the years and have given back to BGS as volunteers. John was a successful rowing coach and Desley played a vital support role. Without a boat to follow his team on the water, John had to coach from the riverbank. Desley was a regular behind the wheel, driving John to points along the river ahead of the boat, so he could continue to coach his team.

John joined IBM in 1966 as a computer engineer trainee before taking a calculated risk to set up a software engineering business. The venture proved successful, and he expanded the business into Sydney in the early 1970s. His computer talents saw him open a new business in 1982, developing project management software for clients in the construction industry.

In 1992, John moved back to Brisbane to focus on property development. For almost 10 years, John and Desley bought, renovated and sold houses. In 2001, they moved to Tewantin near Noosa.

Their first property in Tewantin was located nearby Sheep Island Conservation Park. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have acknowledged John for his significant voluntary weeding in the park.

John and Desley also made time for themselves over the years – driving, camping and adventuring throughout Australia, Europe and North America.

John also generously gave his time to his local community, serving as President and Secretary of the Rotary Club of Noosa Heads during a 37-year involvement with the humanitarian service in the Brisbane West and Noosa Clubs.

During the extended COVID-19 lockdown period in winter 2020, the BGS Advancement and Community Relations (ACR) team launched a campaign to engage Old Boys over 70 by providing some light intellectual stimulation. During this challenging period, those aged over 70 were strongly encouraged to stay home by the health authorities.

The ACR team designed a crossword based on the School’s history and sent it to BGS Old Boys over 70 with the promise of a copy of the School’s BGS150 History Book, Light Dark Blue, for those who completed the crossword and sent it back. The 500-page hardcover book updates the BGS story with previously untold anecdotes, rare photographs and illustrations.

It was through this initiative that John reconnected with BGS and decided to gift a parcel of land in the Sunshine Coast to be used by the School for outdoor and environmental education, history, and geography for the benefit of all BGS students but particularly for bursary recipients.