Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
O'Keefe, Francis

Teacher and pastor; born Bendigo, Victoria, 21 February 1877; died Melbourne, 21 July 1968, aged 91.

Frank O'Keefe came from a farm near Bendigo and was educated, first, by the Holy Ghost Fathers, and then at Xavier College, Kew. He worked on his family farm for a short time, but because of a slight chest trouble he was ordered a long sea voyage by his doctor and so set out for Ireland, joining the Society at Tullamore, Ireland, 7 September 1898. He spent two years as a junior at the same place, and then moved to Stonyhurst, England, for philosophy, 1902-05. He stayed seven years in regency in Australia, two years at St Patrick's College, and five years at Xavier College, teaching and doing work as a division prefect. Theology studies at Milltown Park followed, 1911-1915, and tertianship at Tullamore, 1915-16.

He returned to Xavier College, Melbourne, 1916-23, as a teacher, first division prefect, and editor of the Xaverian. He worked for a few years in the parishes of Richmond, 1923-25, Sevenhill, 1933-34, Toowong, 1935-38, Sevenhill, 1941, where he was superior, and Norwood, 1942-49.

But the rest of his years were spent at his beloved Xavier College. He was usually editor of the school magazine, and from 1929-31 was in charge of building the college chapel, and especially engaged in fund raising. For 20 years he was a well-respected sports master, not always the most efficient, but executing his tasks with great love and energy. He gave a fine example of sportsmanship and chivalry to the boys. He never had an unkind word for any other school or team. He was always the Christian gentleman.

Old Boys of his era remember him with affection and appreciation as he helped Xavier College become better known among the APS schools for its football and cricket achievements. His triumphs in cricket and football in 1910 were long remembered as the beginning of Xavier College's sporting success. In all, he coached the First XVIII to four premierships. School spirit rose as a result. O'Keefe was also responsible for obtaining a block of land next to the Victoria Street Bridge, which later formed the Xavier Boat Club, as well as for the honour boards and the portraits of the presidents of the Old Boys, the three ovals, and the book of college songs. He was also the driving force in fostering the idea of a College Chapel soon after the First World War as a memorial to Old Boys who had died in the war. His fund-raising efforts were eventually rewarded. In his later years he was spiritual father to the community and custodian of Xavier College traditions, especially its school songs.

He is remembered vividly for taking boys to visit poor families in Richmond, and for the warmth with which he was welcomed and shared their lives with them. He counselled many students, helping them in their vocation in life, and was a warm friend to many. His absent-mindedness added to his charm. He challenged the boys to self-discipline and self-sacrifice; he demanded much of them. His students spoke about the personal influence for good that he had on them. Others recall his positive influence as debating master and how he led by example. He related well to young people, showing them courtesy, respect and interest.

He was a most charitable priest, a true gentleman. He was a man who never seemed to rest. His energy was quite extraordinary, and his self sacrifice made a deep impression on the students. Work became such a habit that he had to be ordered to attend the annual villa. Even then he worked every day, and longed to return to the college. Presumably, superiors were so concerned with his hard labours that they wanted to give him a quieter existence in the parishes, but they had little success. O'Keefe's living to such a great age indicates that continual activity does not necessarily shorten one's life.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)