Peter Howard

Associate Professor Doctor Peter Howard, DipTeach (Wm Balmain CAE), Teacher's Certificate, BA ( Macq), GradDipEd (Goulb CAE), MEd(UWS), MEd (Hons) (UWS), PHD (UWS), MACE. Peter was the beloved first child of Frank and Anne (Fergusson) Howard, loving husband of Michele (Clark), son-in-law of John and Joan Clark, brother and brother-in-law of Frances & Dean, Stephen & Tony and Christine, David & Simone; nephew of numerous passed Howard & Fergusson Aunts and Uncles; Howard cousin to Reg, Judy, Warren & Lorraine, Marie, Jean & Tom, Adrian, Lyle & Des, Michael ,Gerard & Patrick, Paul, John & David, Gabrielle, Thomas, Morna & Carmel and their spouses and Fergusson cousin to Donald, Russell & Margaret and their spouses; Uncle to Mitchell & Reece; Godfather to Mitchell, Rebecca, Emily & Torie, and a good friend to many more people. Peter was born in Moree in North West New South Wales , his Mother's home town, grew up in Armidale, Stanmore and then mostly Lakemba, a suburb in South West Sydney and went to Christian Brothers College Lewisham where he made lifelong friends such as Chris Harrison, Ray Modini, Brian Lucas and Chris Rumore. Peter studied at William Balmain Teachers' College from 1970 to 1972 and first taught at Parramatta West Public School. Peter met Michele Kathryn Clark at Oatlands Public School and they married in January 1984. They moved to Michele's unit in Parramatta and then bought a historic cottage in North Rocks which they later lovingly & painstakingly renovated and expanded. In their all too short time together, Michele and Peter enjoyed travelling overseas to China, Malaysia, Indonesia and elsewhere, going to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, watching the Australian Ballet, shopping for antiques and always looking of a good bargain. Sadly, Michele passed away in June 1990; but now finally reunited with Peter. In his professional life , there was Peter's academic success and qualifications, his vast experience as a teacher, school executive, educational consultant and respected academic, his 33 years at the Australian Catholic University, especially his time as the National Leader of the ACU Clemente Australia program, his pioneering work with Australia's Indigenous community, his close relationship and work with people from the Phillipines, Indonesia , China and Tonga, his involvement with the St Vincent de Paul organisation and lastly as a Trustee of the Sisters of Charity Mary Aikenhead Ministries. Peter was always passionate about helping, caring and supporting the most marginalised, those experiencing homelessness, disadvantaged & social isolation and was a big believer in giving people a chance, the transformative power of love, education and people working together for others. Peter gave strength to people by sitting with them, walking beside them and believing in them. As one of Peter's friends, James Motulalo, wrote - "Peter was an Angel on Earth who was authentic, selfless and always thought of others first." Peter also loved sports as a player, coach and fan following his favourite rugby union. cricket and rugby league teams. Peter even came to love gardening later in life, successfully following in his Mother's footsteps. Above all was Peter's love of Michele, family, teaching, his students and all his friends including in addition to those already mentioned, Mark & Anne, Ann, Jude & Dan, Darryl, Lyne & Torie, Laura & Emily, Xin Jess, Catherine, Darwin, Rhett & their families in the Phillipines, Martin & Denise, Klaus & Lizzie, Paul & Rhonda, Joe & Julie, Jennifer, Bob, Sue & Will, the Sawyer family, the Bradley family, the Johnston family, Angela & Joyce AND so many more who loved and respected Peter. REST IN PEACE PETER - REUNITED WITH MICHELE.