“In August, the world is complete,” said Dato’ Reverend Brother Vincent Corkery in his autobiography, “Life Ever Dawning”.
Coincidentally, the book was launched in August by Chairman of the Board of Governors of St Michael’s Institution (SMI), Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, who is an old boy of the school. A simple ceremony was held at SMI on Saturday, August 23 to mark the occasion. The book was initially launched at the St Michael’s Institution Klang Valley alumni annual dinner in Petaling Jaya in April this year.
Appointed as Director of SMI from 1971 to 1976 and again from 1986 until his retirement at the age of 60 in 1988, Brother Vincent is, in the words of Tan Sri Lee, “the pillar and cornerstone of SMI as well as the Ipoh community”, having spent 57 years of his life in Ipoh since arriving here on December 31, 1957. The 85-year-old has spent a total of 66 years in Malaysia.
Brother Vincent, who was overwhelmed by the turnout of guests at the event, likened it to a school reunion as it was attended mainly by former students and teachers of the school who came to pay tribute to a true icon of the school.
Reminiscing on his days as a struggling student, Major Dato’ Salehuddin Abd Muttalib, now an executive chairman of his own company, said, “I am greatly indebted to Brother Vincent for being there for me during my formative years. He organised private tuition for my classmates and I every night at the school library for two years.”
Giving total commitment to education, Brother Vincent, who started life as an Irish farm boy, said he made two great decisions in life: joining the La Sallian Order and leaving Ireland. “Life certainly wouldn’t be this challenging and enriching otherwise,” he remarked.
“Life Ever Dawning” is published by St Michael’s Institution Alumni Association Klang Valley. It is sold privately at RM30 per piece.
Readers interested in the book may contact Perak Academy at 05 241 3742 for details.
Emily
