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| Edward Hastings |
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“Youth today believe they will never die, but Eddie’s passing is a solid reminder that all of us will share in death,” said Fr Tony Smith, former headmaster of St Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point.
It was with a heavy heart that Fr Smith delivered his homily at the funeral of one of his former students, 17-year-old Edward Hastings, a much-loved member of the Aloysian family.
Edward died of a suspected heart attack while playing rugby in England.
Two army paramedics who were playing performed first aid and restarted his breathing before an ambulance arrived, but Edward later died in hospital.
Fr Smith said it “was a great tribute in faith” that more than 1500 family, friends, staff, current and ex-students packed St Mary’s Church, North Sydney, to say goodbye to Edward.
“The size of the congregation was a testimony to the way Edward touched so many lives,” said Fr Smith.
“There aren’t many 17-year-olds who get more than 1500 turn up to their funeral.”
Edward, a student at St Aloysius from 1995-2004, was an assistant teacher at St George’s School, at Windsor, outside London.
He was only a month into his GAP year in the UK and had his heart set on studying law.
“Edward was a young man with a massive ego, but a correct one,” Fr Smith said.
“He loved God and his fellow man.
“He had an innate humility which allowed him to share his gifts with others.
“Edward was physically small, but he had a huge heart, which in the end gave way.”
Edward was the dux of the college last year, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Frank Gormly QC, who was dux in 1938.
He was a committed all-rounder, involving himself in water polo, debating, public speaking and mock trials, and was also a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society and Amnesty International.
The rector of the college, Fr Ross Jones, described Edward as “a young man blessed with talents, one of the finest products of this college.
“He was generous and large-hearted ... a natural leader, an eloquent speaker, a gifted academic, a fine singer, a sportsman of character, one who embraced all that the college could offer, in and out of class.
“And, of course, he possessed an infectious optimism that was grounded in his faith.
“Ignatius called such a one an insignis – a man of influence for the greater good. Edward was that.”
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