Vale – Geoff Laidler
It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that we farewell our dear colleague and friend, Mr Geoffrey Laidler (Geoff), a man whose presence at St Ursula’s College was both enduring and profoundly impactful.
For 27 years, Geoff was a pillar of our staff, a quiet achiever whose impact was felt in every corner of the College. As a Modern History expert, Geoff brought depth of knowledge and passion to his teaching. His academic excellence was not just evident in the breadth of his historical understanding, but in the way he translated complex ideas into meaningful, engaging lessons. He held himself to the highest standards, always revising and always refining to get the best from each and every student. At the core of his teaching was the belief in the potential of every learner.
Geoff’s classroom was a place of intellectual rigour and genuine care. He taught with heart and his students responded in kind, with respect, with curiosity and equal passion. Geoff believed in the power of education to shape not just minds but character, and he lived that belief every day.
As a colleague, Geoff was thoughtful, generous and deeply committed. He never sought the spotlight but his quiet leadership and unwavering professionalism set an admirable tone that inspired.
Of course, if you ever needed to find Geoff, you simply followed the trail of St Ursula’s coffee mugs scattered lovingly around the College, a quirky signature of a man who was always on the move, always thinking, always teaching.
Geoff was an integral part of our ‘Serviam’ community, not just because of the years he gave, but because of the way he gave them. With integrity. With humility. With service.
Farewell, Geoff. Your legacy lives on in every student you inspired, every colleague you supported, and every lesson that still echoes through our College.
Thank you for your wisdom, your warmth, and your unwavering commitment to the students and our College.
You will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.
