In Memoriam

In Memoriam

We were saddened to learn of the passing of the following members of the Trinity community. On behalf of the school and the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, we offer our condolences to their families and friends. Our thanks go to those who have submitted articles for publication.

Chris Dobney (OTG 1972) loved his Trinity education, where he enjoyed being part of the school’s theatre productions, and graduated as Dux of Humanities. After school, Chris studied at Monash University, where he formed a touring theatre group and was a student activist before attending drama school in the UK. He returned to Australia where he swapped acting for journalism, working in key roles in Australia’s LGBTQIA+ media, City Search and the Sydney Morning Herald, before moving to northern New South Wales to run a bed and breakfast.

Allen Evans (OTG 1966) passed away in June 2022, aged 73. All of Allen's education was at Trinity, from kindergarten through to matriculation. He also went through from Cubs to Scouts to Seniors to Rovers in Trinity's own 2nd Kew Scout Group. After leaving school, he studied Veterinary Science at The University of Melbourne and had a successful career as a vet, while also enjoying his passion for overseas travel, travelling to over 80 different countries.

Simon Charles Williams (OTG

1971) passed away in July 2022 after a sudden illness. He was a member of Merritt House and a keen cricketer and footballer, representing Trinity in AGSV Firsts teams and later, in OTG competitions. He was Dux of Humanities in 1971. Upon leaving Trinity, Simon studied at The University of Melbourne, and then commenced a long career as a teacher. His specialty subject, expertise and passion was Indonesian Language and Culture. He commenced his career at Mildura High School, followed by The Mac. Robertson Girls’ High School, and finally with the Australian Defence Force School of Languages at Point Cook.

For several years, Simon filled much of his non-teaching time as a radio presenter at 96.5 Inner FM. His show on Saturday mornings featured an eclectic range of music from his vast personal collection. His knowledge of all forms of music was immense and reflected another lifelong passion. Simon was very popular with his family, friends and colleagues as attested by the attendance and glowing tributes at his memorial service. He is sorely missed.

Patricia Wong-Yap, a former, long-time instrumental music staff member at Trinity, passed away after a long battle with cancer in June at her home, surrounded by her husband, Travis, and family. Trish taught at Trinity for 18 years from 1997 to 2015 and was the third Suzuki violin teacher at Trinity, helping to create the foundation of the program. Senior School students will remember her accompanying on piano each week as she was not only a violinist, but also a skilled pianist. Staff remember her as the most glamourous teacher at Trinity having impeccable style, full of life and good cheer. If you had a chance to chat with Ms Wong-Yap on any given day, you left with your spirits enriched. She simply made your day better.