St Michaels University School - Black Red and Blue Yearbook (Victoria, British Columbia Canada)

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N i 1 i THE REV. G. H. SCAKRETT, BA. Assistant Master, University School 1920-1935 Headmaster, University School 1935-1948 The Ren. George iilierhert Starrett, On July 29th, 1948, University School suffered a' severe blow in the passing of the Rev. G. H. Scarrett who had served first as Assist- ant Master, and then as Headmaster, for 28 years. The late Headmaster was born in Leek, Staffordshire, England, and taught at Alexander School, Broadstairs, and Skelsmergh School, Margate before coming to Canada in 1911, where for three years he taught at Bobcaygeon, Ontario. During the Great Wai' he served with commissioned rank in the Prince Rupert Regiment, and some years later he took his Batchelor of Arts degree at Queens University, Kingston. In 1920 he came to University School from the Collegiate School in Victoria, and immediately became a vital force in the life of the institution he was to serve so well. While his main sphere of influence was the classroom, he took an active interest in all school activities, and the excellence of the School Cadet Band over the years is attributable to his boundless enthusiasm for this particular form of endeavour. In 1935 he was appointed Headmaster. University School was then at its lowest ebb: but for his unshakeable faith and indomitable courage it could never have survived the critical years which fol- lowed. 6

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A tl .elllilil Il 4 um I 1 I. XNNNX I 'IINK x lllmlm EDITORS M PAGE , lill . 1-35J'N'lil.iiiillI. I null'- lii - X X .... . .... . ....., . ..w. 1- ..... Ex -:fs 9 - q9 7 'X ' 7 N - i ' 'X -eg 1 'gg--I ' ea- -- , Q ' - , 1:-'.x.'LZfT: Avia?-. EDITORIAL On the 29th July, the Headmaster, while on his way to the printers with the proofs of this Magazine. collapsed and died. Of his qualities and his devotion to the School, two mem- bers of the Staff who knew him over a period of more than twenty years, have written eloquently and their joint tribute will be found within. Otherwise. apart from this brief edit- orial, the Magazine is as he had completed it and to those who have understanding, his personality will be found everywhere within its pages. With his passing, we can say with Tennyson: The old order cliangetlz, yeildiug place to new. And God fulfls Himself in many trays Lest one good custom should corrupt the world. It would be only fitting here to pay tribute also to two other loyal members of the Staff who served the School for many years: Miss Bowden and Major Howden have at last retired. Between them they have a record of more than fifty years service to the School. That they should enjoy a well earned rest is the sincere wish of us all. The Governors having honoured me on the 6th August with the appointment to the Headmastership, may I take this opportunity to offer a hearty welcome to Old Boys visiting the School. The strength of the School is measured not so much by numbers but by the quality of its products. The loyalty and devotion of the Old Boys is a measure of this quality and in them the spirit of the School continues long after they have left its walls and fields. It is to them, therefore, that I make this request. Take an active interest in School affairs, public- ize it among your friends and, best of all, visit it whenever you can. J. J. T. 5 X

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Outside the School one of his main interests was Scouting, and he was for some years Scout Commisioner. Always a keen churchman he was in 1936 ordained in the Re- formed Episcopal Church, and in 1945 his ordination in the ministry of the Church of England took place in Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. Such, then, is a brief outline of his origin and life. Of the man himself, of what he meant to the School and to those who knew him long and well, a volume might be written. Yet, in truth, no volume is needed, for his personality is stamped in letters of brass, not only on the grounds and buildings of the School, but also upon the very souls and characters of a thousand boys. A man of iron-clad determination, believing steadfastly and irrefutably in an unswerving line of Traditional Education, he never deviated a hair's breadth from his chosen course. lt is perhaps true to say that his outstanding characteristic, well-nigh unique in these days of appease- ment and compromise, was his utter constancy. Quod dixi, dixi. To those who worked with him this inflexible constancy was a rock to which they could cling with complete reliance in the frequent vortices of School life. Perhaps, at times, his unbending rigour hid from others the kinder side of the man: possibly he was glad that this was so. Of his valour in all things, of his unremitting toil, of his mag- nificent achievements, especially in the dark days of 1935, there is no possible doubt. No other man who has been connected with the School could have done what he did in the years of difficulty. His labours during his Headmastership were unceasingg never for a moment did he spare himself, it is beyond doubt that he gave his life to, and for, the School. Softness, weakness, half-measures were anathema to him. Only too often the unbending rigour of his prescription would blind both physician and patient to the honest, deeper longing for spiritual wel- fare that lay below his stern control: but those who took the medicine he gave lived to thank the giver and to know the cleansing powers that were his. Perhaps he was the last of an Old Regime: we may not look upon his like again. Others may take his place in the years that lie before the School. To fill his place is not within their power: his niche in the line of Headmasters is his own and very bravely and very fully has he filled it. If he is in any need of an epitaph other than the stones of the buildings and the lives of his boys, perhaps it might read HIC ET SEMPER LABORIS EXEMPLAR ET INTERPRES Q10 7