Mr Edward 'Woody' Hawthorne (Fr 2011)
1992 – 2022

The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Mr Edward 'Woody' Hawthorne, who sadly passed away from lung cancer in August 2022, at the age of 30.

Woody attended St Andrew’s College from 2011-2013 after graduating from The Scots College where he was said to be "one of the best pipers in the Scots A Band". He undertook a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in finance and mechatronics at the University of Sydney, from which he graduated in 2017.

Woody had prior connections to Andrew’s through his great uncle, Derek Cassidy (Fr 1950) (whose bagpipes he brought to College), but quickly forged his own path. He was a member of the Rawson Athletics teams in 2011, 2012 and 2013, as well as a keen TIP player. He was also Co-Secretary of the Paintball Sub Committee and the University and Schools Dinner Sub Committee in 2012.

He was the 2012 and 2013 recipient of the Gillespie Prize, which was “awarded to a student who shows outstanding ability in Information Technology”. The holder of this Prize was also required to assist "the College administration in ensuring that student IT needs are satisfied, particularly as they relate to the College network and printing facility".

Woody had an interest in photography at school that continued during his College years. He co-edited the College Annual Report and Magazine in 2012, and contributed a number of the photos for it. He also took photos of events for College in 2011, and there is a folder in the College server of photos attributed to him.

After College and university, he went on to found two companies, before eventually becoming a Control Systems and Simulation Engineer for SailGP. He was also a Volunteer Lifesaver with Surf Lifesaving NSW. 

Woody is survived by his partner Claire and his parents Sally and Rod. The Hawthorne family is held strongly in our thoughts and our dearest sympathy is extended to all who knew him.

Woody’s funeral will be held at The Scots College at 11am next Friday 9th September 2022. 

2012 Rawson Athletics Team above & below - Edward is in the centre of the front row in both.