On the passing of Dr.

Bernard Tappin
It is with great sadness we heard today of the sudden passing of Dr. Bernard Tappin,
beloved past teacher, former Dean and Principal of Holy Cross College,
longstanding member of the Holy Cross College Board of Management, and iconic
figure in Catholic education.
Dr. Tappin began teaching at Holy Cross in 1975, and left
us as a Dean of Discipline to be promoted as Vice
Principal of Fatima College in 1991. He returned to us
in 2000 to serve six years as Principal before being
promoted again to School Supervisor III in 2006.
However, he never really left Holy Cross College,
returning very often to share in many school activities
and ceremonies, and serving for several years up to his
passing as an integral member of our Board of
Management. His affable, humourous nature,
boisterous public greetings and genuine heartfelt interest
in everyone with whom he interfaced, when combined with
his extensive memory of history, and awesome knowledge of our
Catholic educational milieu, made him one of the most informative, colourful and
instantly recognizable individuals in the history of our education system. His selfless
dedication to Holy Cross College as teacher, Dean, Principal, Board Member and
zealous supporter of anything and everything in Holy Cross up to his untimely
passing will never be forgotten, as evidenced by the outpouring of personal tributes
and testimonials from hundreds of past students, teachers and other educational
professionals whose lives he touched over the years. We are so glad that even the
youngest pupils of Holy Cross College were able to experience first-hand his witty
wisdom, immense school pride, and unbounded pleasure while narrating raucous
nostalgic anecdotes about his teaching and administrative days here as he happily
addressed our students just last term. Our school is forever grateful for his presence,
unwavering support and exemplary affection for Holy Cross College.
A true Gentleman of the Holy Cross, Dr. Bernard Tappin, rest in peace...