Richard Francis Lenehan

The Provincial of AUSTRALIA announced the death of Bro. Richard Francis LENEHAN (religious name Silverius Nicholas). He passed away peacefully on 30th March 2019. He was 93 years old and 73 of marist life.

Richard was born at Loretto Private Hospital Griffith on 14 December 1925 and was baptised 6 days later. His father, Andrew Joseph, was an orchardist and his mother, Ruth Mary (nee Watkins) died when he was just 6 months old. His was a large family, with 10 children in all. His brother Peter (Br Vincent Lenehan) died in 2014 and his youngest brother, Bernard, only last year.

Richard met the Brothers while a student at St Gregory’s College Campbelltown. He followed his brother to the Juniorate in 1940, just four months after the outbreak of World War 2. He received the habit on 2 July 1944 and was given the name Brother Silverius Nicholas. He took first vows in 1945 and two days later, at age 20, found himself teaching at Parra-matta. From there he went on to teach at Maitland, Bondi Beach, Auburn, Daceyville and Randwick. After the Second Novitiate in 1970 he continued at Parramatta, Rosalie, Campbelltown and Dundas. He was a dedicated and skilled teacher, especially of Maths, and his students responded to his style and affable manner. He maintained contact with many of his ex-students over the years. Reluctantly, he retired from teaching at age 75. He was Principal on two occasions: 1957-62 at Daceyville, and 1971-73 at Rosalie. However, Dick would agree that administration was not one of his noted strengths, and he was pleased to be free of formal leadership roles.

However, he was a leader and a strong leader. He was renowned as a coach and mentor, and brought his Rugby League teams major successes, particularly at Campbelltown. He enjoyed sport, particularly football and athletics and had a significant capacity to guide and motivate, enthuse and befriend.