Mr. F. Boraston in 1933

popularly known as "Push"

Mr F Boraston - An Appreciation

By the death of Mr. Boraston another link has been snapped – another milestone has been passed and never again shall we see that courtly, kindly gentleman of the Victorian period slowly wending his way to our school precincts.
As a musician the late Mr. Fred. Boraston was outstanding. For many years he was in great demand as an organist, a teacher, a voice producer and a lover of music in its highest branches. He was well known and appreciated in the best musical circles.
As a man he was helpful – a pleasant and loyal colleague, vey human and kindly in his outlook on life. Yet this kindliness towards his fellowman did not prevent him from doing his duty towards his country. In the 1914-18 war he was one of the first to volunteer, for the Pals Battalion of the King’s regiment and having survived that holocaust, at an advanced age, he again volunteered for the Home Guard in the Second World War and performed his duties with his usual meticulous zeal.
As a teacher he was outstanding – always ready to help! The boy came first. Everything must be subordinated thereto. How many times did he devote his spare time to needy pupils! Monetary reward concerned him little. All he wanted for his pupils was progress and if necessary it must be at the sacrifice of him-self. He thought of himself last and if at any time, his discipline was exacting it was only to ensure the success of his pupils.

The boys of St. Edward’s College will miss him sorely. Thousands of his pupils who have passed through the College will remember both his insistence on the perfect interpretation of his art and his perfect understanding of difficulties, and that abnegation of self attainment of his ideal. Long may he be remembered in the hearts of his pupils as he must of necessity be! His colleagues, his pupils, nay the whole school will keep repeating as they have already begun to do Requiescat in Pace.
Author unknown, from 1954-55 magazine.

Members of staff and the school choir attended his Requiem Mass. They sang the chant of the Mass which he had so often rehearsed with the comment that ‘someday you will sing that for me’. Representatives from St. Mary’s College and St. Anselm’s College attended to pay their final respects for this grand gentleman and loyal colleague. His Grace the Archbishop gave permission for a sung Requiem Mass to be offered in the School Hall for the repose of the soul of Mr. Boraston. Thus on 23rd October, 1954, Fr J. Beary, S.M.M. an Old Boy, sang the Requiem Mass.