Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Leonard, Hugh Barry

Educator; born Geelong, Victoria, 28 February 1928; died Melbourne, 1 March 2008, aged 80.

His former students at St Ignatius' College, Riverview, remembered Barry Leonard fondly when he was First Division Prefect and Sportsmaster, 1964-67, 1970-77. His earlier students called him 'Leo', the latter, 'Springer', because he was always in the right place at the right time. Students were amazed at his ability to catch them doing the wrong thing. They respected the way he treated them in a mature and respectful manner, gently guiding them to take pride in themselves.

He was also sportsmaster, coach of the Second XV, First XI, master in charge of athletics, and coached the relay teams. In all these roles, Leonard influenced his students with his quiet leadership, efficiency, and obvious skill in all those areas. He revitalised athletics at Riverview, winning the GPS competition with the senior team five times between 1964-73, and with the junior team three times between 1964-67. The Inter-house Track and Field Championship Trophy was named in honour of him. In the intervening years, Leonard was a frequent honoured guest at annual meetings of Old Boys at Riverview, gatherings he enjoyed attending.

Leonard had been one of the first students enrolled on day one at Xavier College, Kostka Hall in 1937. Here he was recognised as an outstanding sportsman, being captain of the cricket and Australian Rules teams in 1941 and 1942, and kicked the most goals (26) in the 1941 season.

He entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, 2 February 1948. After a few years of studies he went to Kostka Hall, 1952-53, teaching and prefecting the boys. He finished philosophy and then spent two years regency at Xavier College, 1956-57, where he was Second Division Prefect and taught religion and Latin. However, he was particularly remembered during these years for his work with the athletic team, together with Paul Keenan, Peter Brennan and Peter Quin. Xavier College won the APS championship for the first time in fifty-two years in 1957, and then began to dominate the public school athletics for the next twenty years.

When he left Riverview, Leonard was exhausted and unwell. He was sent to Kostka hall for a few years, where he offered spiritual guidance to the boys and helped with liturgies. He took this work seriously and continued when able at Kostka and Burke Hall until 2002. Teachers appreciated his sincerity and students his interest in them. During these years he also ran a programme for parents, setting up a library of tapes incorporating the talks of the American Jesuit, John Powell. These tapes were distributed among the parents who would post them on to one another.

During his latter years, Leonard was deeply affected by his devotion to Our Lady in Medjugorie. His visits there with likeminded pilgrims nurtured his devotion to Mary. He also found comfort and strength in prayer group meetings that had Charismatic overtones.

At other times he was appointed minister at the provincial residence, 1980-81, and at Campion College, 1982-83. He lived a Xavier College, 1984-2002, as spiritual director to the boys on the three campuses of the college, as well as having ‘care’ of senior Jesuits. It was during this time that he received a bequest from the will of the late Jock Plunkett, a long time teacher and sports coach at he college. It was a sign of his affection for Leonard that he was the specific beneficiary in the sum of $20,000 from Plunkett’s estate.

In 2003 he finally retired to Campion House to care for his health and prayed for the Church and Society. In the years of his inability to work continuously for any length of time, Leonard never complained. He was a model of patience and perseverance, accepted his sickness, and showed gratitude for any kindness given to him.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)