The passing of Doug Page on 24th March 2020, brought an end to a 'life well lived' by a man who has left an extraordinary legacy for so many.

Doug was a devoted husband to Jan and an inspirational father to sons Craig and Michael and he held a special place in the hearts of an adoring extended family. In extending sincere condolences to his family, it is my privilege to be given an opportunity to offer some words more broadly about a man who I first met in 1973. Thanks also to Doug’s son Craig for allowing me to share a few of the memories that the family offered at Doug’s funeral that was regretfully restricted to attendance by only 10 people. Hundreds would ordinarily have come together to honour a fantastic man and I trust that this article may enable many more people to reflect on the life of Douglas (Doug) Page.

When Mr Page became the PE teacher at Marist Brothers (now Trinity Catholic College) Lismore in April 1973, I was in First Form (now known as Year 7). I remember being at home sick the day that Doug started at school and I have vivid memories of several mates coming to visit me to “warn” me that “this horrible teacher” Mr Page had arrived and was already causing much distress

I think the word was fear as he seemingly began to impose his no-nonsense expectations upon students. Anecdotally, the evidence would conclude that many thousands of students at both Marist Brothers/Trinity or Woodlawn, over much of the next five decades would have similar first memories about Mr Page. Doug was exceptionally clear with students about the standards of behaviour that he would “demand” and his way was to “tell it straight”. There was nothing soft, gentle nor endearing in his approach.

I come from a generation where discipline was more rigorous than it is these days and a respect for elders was engrained into school culture. Even by those standards, Mr Page was the epitome of setting the benchmark for instilling sound values in young developing minds. As I approach age 60, I herald with much appreciation Doug’s honesty that could otherwise be described as being, “tough love”. This would eventually be worn proudly as a badge of honour by those who were fortunate enough to listen, learn and try to emulate a master mentor in Doug Page.

I am certain that every school colleague who worked with Doug during his distinguished teaching career, would validate his passion, his dry and always subtle wit and his capacity to “scare the bejesus” out of students. Brian Battese worked with Doug at Woodlawn, recalling that Doug started his employment at Woodlawn when Brian was himself arriving at the school as a rookie teacher. Like Doug had done a few decades prior, Brian had returned to this region after completing a successful stint during a First Grade rugby league career in Sydney. Brian affectionately describes Doug as “my hero” and such sentiment resonates with much sincerity from a man who was amongst the most fearsome rugby league forwards who has played the game as he speaks with much fondness about a man who was equally as tough and imposing in stature. Such is the emotional regard that Doug ignited for all who had the pleasure to know him.

Woodlawn College has a proud rugby league history, with numerous students and even teachers such as Brian, Doug, Simon Andrews and Bernie McDonald amongst others, who had each forged credentials in rugby league either locally or in Sydney. Brian is prompted to disclose a funny story about when former Woodlawn principal Glenn Roff summonsed Simon Andrews to the office one day to “impress” upon Simon that his unruly on-field antics were tarnishing the school’s sound reputation. Andrews subsequently quipped that it was Doug Page who had shown him how to “get square” on the field .… a claim that Doug of course denied in public, but took some delight in celebrating with much mirth privately. Doug always maintained an unwavering commitment to his students and each year, he would provide specific support to Year 12 (HSC) students who were working on their major woodwork jobs. During his time at Woodlawn, Doug was known to stay back well after school hours during the week and most of each Saturday for several months leading up to final assessments for the graduating classes. Like so many teachers who go “above and beyond” Doug will be remembered as being a leading light for many former students during a time when guidance and help was needed.

Like all individuals who inspire and who espouse a desire to make the world a better place, Doug had an influence in many fields of activity. A fine cricketer, a tough but skilful rugby league forward, who could also kick goals (toe poke style) with great effect, Doug was truly a talented all-rounder. As a small 12 year old boy, I enjoyed the opportunity to be a sand boy who earned 50 cents for three games many Sundays at Oakes Oval, progressing to ball boy, who would earn $1 per day, when Doug, as captain coach of Marist Brothers, took the brethren to the 1973 grand final against Lower Clarence. What memories, as Doug lead a team of mainly young lads, including the first “round the corner” kicker in this region, John Archibald, tough as teak forwards Jack Maloney and Kevin Byrne, versatile Tommy Sivewright and a talented Barry Leeson. Marist Brothers' Old Boys Rugby League Life Member (and unofficial historian) Barry Harmon confirms that Doug “squared the ledger” against most of the best players in Group 1 in 1973, but talk of “reinforced bandages” in place each game, for the purpose of protecting damaged thumbs, will remain part of unconfirmed Rams folklore.

Memories shared by the family allow me to roll back the years and reveal a few precious parts of Doug’s life before he arrived in Lismore almost 50 years ago

Doug grew up in Newcastle, finished high school in 1958 and later graduated from Newcastle Teachers College. Doug secured a teaching position at Bankstown Boys High School in Sydney, during which time he played first grade rugby league for the Western Suburbs Magpies alongside some fairly handy players like Noel Kelly, Arthur Summons and Peter Dimond. Doug’s sporting ability was further confirmed by having the talent to join a very select group of rugby league players to play first grade cricket in Sydney as well.

Doug Page with his wife Jan.

Doug met the love of his life Jan Baker during that time, and they decided to explore the world together. Doug got a position at an American Community School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the senior sports and track coach. Doug and Jan would however soon move to England where Doug was the Master and Head Swimming Coach at St John's School, Surrey. During that time, eldest son Craig was born, with younger son Michael being born when Doug and Jan returned to Australia. The family moved to Lismore, although Doug was teaching initially in Grafton and rode his motorbike down and back each day. He then got a position closer to home at Marist Brothers High School Lismore in April 1973 and Doug would remain at Trinity for many years. While acceptable methods of disciplining students would become less punitive as the years progressed, Mr Page retained his reputation as an “enforcer” and many students referred to him as “The Terminator”. Despite the onerous descriptive, the records show that the life of every student who met Doug Page has been enhanced as a consequence of his positive influence.

Doug Page (left) tries to stop a try while playing for Western Suburbs Magpies.

Doug eventually moved to Woodlawn where he would complete his teaching career. Doug and Jan lived for a time at one of the school houses when Doug was in charge of the boarders. When the boarding side of the school was discontinued Doug and Jan moved back into Lismore and took in 6 of the overseas and Australian boarders to allow them to complete their studies, such was the unassuming generosity of Doug and Jan. During his time at Marist Brothers/Trinity and later at Woodlawn, Doug had many responsibilities and through these roles, he would typically prove to be one of the most respected teachers for most students and a loyal friend and consummate professional by every work colleague. By the time Doug’s career had finished he had taught PE, metalwork, woodwork, maths, tech drawing, plus a variety of other subjects and had been a passionate rugby league coach (even tolerating fairly ordinary wanna be players like me). More than any of these roles, Doug was a caring, genuine and honourable person, teacher, friend, supporter, confidante and mentor.

Doug and Jan regretfully only had a few years of travel and retirement before Doug’s health started to decline. The family were saddened to see this once stoic man being frustrated and suffer as his health deteriorated. Memories of a wonderful family man, a person who was always there for his wife Jan and his sons, Craig and Michael, will always be treasured.

Doug is survived by his wife Jan, sons Craig and Michael and grandchildren Ivy, Olivia, Mathew and Amara. He will be missed very much by all, no more deeply than his wonderful family who Craig says so beautifully, “Dad, you will always be in our hearts and in our thoughts”.

Vale Doug Page

19/2/1942 to 24/3/2020

*Steve Mackney is General Manager of Football Far North Coast

Read Western Suburbs Rugby League Past Players' Association tribute to one of their own