Foundation pupil and Old Collegian, Geoffrey Howard Mortimore Blackett, died suddenly in Taupo on 3 February 2010. A service to celebrate his life was held in the Chapel of Christ the King, St Paul’s Collegiate School, on 9 February 2010.
Geoff attended St Paul’s as a boarder in Sargood House from 1959 – 1961.
Geoff went on to become a Board Member in the capacity of Old Collegians' Representative in 1979 and 1980. He took up the position of President of the Parents' Association and served in this capacity from 2002 to 2005. During this time, he and Ross Bradstreet resurrected the Cattle Scheme and grew it to become one of the most effective fundraisers of the Association.
With the establishment of the St Paul’s Foundation in 2005, and in typically supportive style, Geoff became a Foundation Member.
Amongst his love of sports in general, Geoff had a passion for cricket. He was Captain of the First XI in 1961 and was very supportive in the capacities of coach and manager of many teams. The love of cricket lives on in his sons, the older two of whom both have cricket honours at the School.
Geoff’s enduring support of St Paul’s has been deeply appreciated over the years and is acknowledged by the whole school community.
Geoff was honoured by the current Sargood students who performed the Sargood House haka as his casket left the Chapel.
