It is sadness that we report the recent passing of the very distinguished Old Paradian, the Most Reverend Bishop Hilton Deakin (1950).

After several months of ill health, Bishop Hilton died peacefully at his home at Justin Villa in Balwyn on 28 September 2022, aged 89.

His time at Parade as President of St Vincent D Paul Conference saw the beginnings of his empathy for the rights of people that remained a constant in his life. A strong advocate for the rights of refugees and a dedication to the cause of human rights his saw Hilton devote his vocation to work with indigenous communities in Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and, in particular East Timor. His commitment to marginalised communities led him to be a strong and vocal advocate for East Timor and has worked closely with political leadership in that country to improve the lives of its citizens.

In 2004, Bishop Deakin was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for services to the international community, particularly through the Catholic Aid Agency Caritas Australia and to the people of East Timor.

Hilton Forest Deakin entered Corpus Christi College Seminary in 1951 after matriculating at Parade College. He was ordained a Priest in July 1958 by Archbishop Justin Simonds. He had a number of appointments- Moonee Ponds, St Patricks Cathedral, Box Hill, Glen Iris and Mount Eliza. In 1987, he was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese (a role currently undertaken by Old Paradian the Very Reverend Joe Caddy AM (1977)). In 1992 he was named the Bishop for Melbourne and in 1993 he was appointed an Auxiliary serving under three Archbishops.

(Reference: Tony De Bolfo Parade Thy Sons Volume 1)