DR. KEVIN ALBERT BARHAM
MBBS (Melb), FRCS, FRACS, FRCOG, FRACOG
05.09.1932 -19-01-2024

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Dr. Kevin Albert Barham, a most loyal Old Paradian, an eminent doctor and a much-valued friend. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife, Pamela, daughter Edwina and grandchildren Marcus, Luke and Grace.

In his professional life, Kevin was a caring, highly qualified doctor, teacher and mentor during a lifetime of devoted service at the Mercy Maternity Hospital in Melbourne.

Kevin was at Parade from 1947-1950. During his time at the College, he had an outstanding scholarship record. In 1950 he was Dux of the College, Head Prefect and Captain of the School. Writing about the College prefects, the Headmaster, Bro. J.L. Carey, noted they had functioned admirably. Whilst the dignity and efficiency with which they had discharged their duties was most impressive. Bro. Carey complimented them all and in a very special way, and praised the College Captain, Kevin Barham for the lead the prefects had given the College in all things that are good. In so doing the prefects led by Kevin Barham, maintained the traditions of the College, Tenete Traditiones.

It is salutary to note that during Kevin’s senior years at the College, a number of very special young men had joined the priesthood. In their own way, these vocations reflected the religious tone of the College. One became a Bishop, one a Vicar General, one a Parish Priest and four joined the Society of Jesus. Of the four Jesuits, Fr. Peter Jones. SJ became a lifetime missionary and educator in India, dying there a blessed and holy man. Fr. Tom Ohara, SJ became an international expert on Ignatian theology and Director of Jesuit retreat centres.

Indeed, Kevin was also a special man, He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He was also a Fellow of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG) and a Foundation Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRACOG). Kevin’s career was predominantly that of an obstetrician and gynaecologist providing excellent care to women and expectant mothers in Melbourne. He became a senior obstetrician-gynaecologist at the Mercy Hospital where he had many demands, requirements and opportunities to utilise his skills. He worked productively with other surgical colleagues, and he had Papers published in Australian, British and American scientific journals.

Fortunately, I was honoured to have Kevin as a friend and advisor, enthusiastic teacher and mentor during my medical student days at Melbourne University. It always felt like I was standing on the shoulders of another Old Paradian who had walked this way.

I am deeply grateful for his friendship and collegiality over 70 years, dating back to our happy school days at Parade. My wife, Elaine and I, are deeply saddened at his passing. Kevin truly was ‘a man for others!’

Requiescat in Pace.

by Kevin Albert Rickard (Parade 1953)