Vale Modernian Bob Hawke Ac 1929 – 2019

The Perth Modern School community has been saddened by the passing of one of its eminent alumnus, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke AC.

Bob enrolled in Perth Modern School in 1942, having come seventh in the Secondary Scholarship examinations. He was in the Army Cadets whilst a student at Mod and he recalled helping to build trenches outside the school. He maintained a strong connection to Perth Modern School, a place he loved where he made friends, enjoyed a variety of sports and all that the school had to offer. He returned to visit the school on a number of occasions, including in 2011 for the School’s Centenary Celebrations.

After graduating from Perth Modern, he attended UWA and completed an honours degree in law. He won a Rhodes Scholarship and enrolled at the University of Oxford in 1953. After being elected to federal parliament in 1980, he won three elections as Prime Minister before retiring in 1991.

Principal Lois Joll paid tribute to an illustrious Modernian:

“Bob Hawke was a very talented individual who reached the heights of politics in becoming the Australian Prime Minister, always demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the community along the way. He was known for his natural affinity for people and his willingness to make them feel special. He was a proud Modernian and enjoyed making return visits to the school, being part of the Centenary celebrations in 2011 and also coming back in 2013 to give a talk to politics and law students, singing the school song with them with gusto.”

The Perth Modern School community hails a great Modernian and Australian in Bob Hawke AC. Condolences to his family.