Leo Boniface Mannes CM
25 May 1911 – 26 June 2010

Bon was born in Victoria and spent the early part of his life around the Rochester and Bendigo area, close to vines, horses and a German/ Irish Catholicism, all of which left their mark on him in one way or another.

He was a little man, physically, small enough to be useful around racing stables and fast enough to play Aussie Rules for Assumption College, Kilmore, for three successive and successful years.

Music was in the family – his father had fiddled at country dances and Bon became a very talented violinist, who for many years joined his pianist sister, Gertrude, in classical duets. He first taught French with flair at Stannies in Bathurst, but his talents were best used during the many happy years he spent at Holy Cross Seminary in Mosgiel, NZ. He was first Spiritual Director and then Rector, the latter role undertaken with a degree of panache. He fancied himself as a man of some taste and was a remarkable mimic, specialising in Archbishop Liston! He was also a born snob (of the nicest kind). He did not have one single schoolteacher in his whole extended family- they were all First Class Educators!

Bon faithfully served in Bathurst (NSW), Bendigo (Vic), Malvern (Vic), Rostrevor Seminary (WA), Adelaide, Mosgiel (NZ), Marsfield (NSW) and Arncliffe (NSW).

A legend in his day, the sun set on Bon’s active life eight or nine years ago and his last years were spent with the Daughters of Charity at Marsfield, NSW, where he was cared for with great love.

Bon will be lovingly remembered for his basic goodness and humanity.