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Obituaries
Matthew Nicholson Paterson (Former staff)
16/07/1946 – 3/07/2021
Matt arrived to teach at St Kilda Road in 1999 and was appointed as Head Athletics Coach. He had trained with World and Olympic Champions and was fresh from an appointment as National Distance Coach in Norway being a great runner himself. Matt was someone who inspired you to always find more in training and racing and was generous. His time, knowledge and commitment to Wesley athletes was unmatched, his number one piece of advice being, ‘Nothing replaces sheer hard work.’ Matt’s other lesson was on the art of suffering, and never admitting or bowing to defeat.
Matt set his standards so high; apathy frustrated him to the core. Discipline in training was a non-negotiable requirement and lateness was not tolerated. He showed athletes how to train hard, how to suffer through the toughest training sessions and how to respect advice – even when it was brutally honest. While tough, he was also able to laugh and joke in sessions. He was proudly Scottish and his accent made people smile.
Matt made an impact on so many. He was a dedicated maths and science teacher and for many students he brought these two subjects alive. His classes were a memorable experience due to his academic knowledge and ability to relate this to real life events. His storytelling skills and humour would take students on a journey of varied experiences that left them understanding more about the world, engaged in the subject and seeking greater knowledge, unknowingly developing a love of learning.
Many past students have made mention of his impact on them during their formative years and its lasting legacy in their lives. The respect he showed them as individuals, and as a group, instilled self-belief and excellence, an ability to listen to other voices, how to be part of a wider community, and all with a healthy dose of humility and humour.
While Matt was a wonderful coach, he was also a wonderful husband too, and most happy when with his wife Sharon Erny (also a former staff member). Matt was also a loving father to Andrew, Lorraine, Fiona and Anders.
Of all the opportunities my Wesley College education gave me, the single person who had the greatest influence on my career and life was Matt Paterson… a lifelong friend, a teacher, a leader. Someone who was always there if you kept in contact, but someone who was never in awe of anyone. Matt was your level of excellence, your voice of honesty. Matt will be replaced by no one. Matt, it was my privilege to have met you, grown old with your friendship to have written this obituary. I am indebted to you forever and I will continue your legacy until the day, I too, take my last run.
Contributed by Emma Carney (OW1989), Australian two-time World Triathlon Champion and member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Emma spoke at Matt’s funeral.