By Esther Lauaki
A stalwart of the Laverton community has been remembered as much for his kindness as his bold personality.
John Rave, 89, was one of the first teachers at Laverton Secondary College and taught between 1970 and 1981.
Friends, family and previous students gathered in Williamstown last Wednesday to remember Mr Rave, who died earlier this month.
Damien Hynes, who taught alongside Mr Rave for six years, said he was “a man who had a presence, confidence, was fair, efficient and well organised”.
“I first met John in 1975 when I came to Laverton high school as a young humanities teacher,” Mr Hynes said.
“I was teaching in the same discipline as John and he was a great help to me personally.
“I recall being given year 8 history and John said to me, ‘No worries’ … and turned up with worksheets and evaluation sheets for the years’ course.
“That was John … he had a passion for his areas of teaching in history, geography, politics.
“He had a keen interest in photography and family history, translating a whole family history book and he was proud of his heritage.”
Former student Allan Calleja told
Star Weekly his year 7 teacher had left a lasting impresson on him.
“Laverton was very much a growing housing commission area and boomed during the ’60s,” Mr Calleja said.
“John Rave was a constant for everyone at a time when everything was changing.
“It was his first teaching post and I remember that he had a very thick Dutch accent and could put the fear in any student by raising an eyebrow.
“He was very stern but had the kindest heart at the same time.
“He kept an association with the high school for many years and he was a mentor to the teachers.
“He was loved, and very respected.”
