Pat was one of three children born to parents Patrick and Stella Bunch of Randwick, they also had two daughters Gloria (deceased) and Janet. The family lived in Rainbow St Randwick.

Pat's primary and high school years were in and around the Randwick area, he attended Rainbow St Public School and then Randwick High school. On completion of his school years, he commenced his school teaching career at Sydney Teachers College in Balmain.

Being a 'Sydney-sider', his first teaching appointment was expected to be in the Sydney area. However, this was not to be and circumstances beyond his control changed this.

Aged 21, Pat was given a train ticket to Inverell to commence teaching on 27th January 1953 at Goonoowigall school via Inverell.

He had not heard of this place and had to refer to the atlas to find where this little place was.

After arrival in Inverell, Pat quickly settled into the community and lifestyle the regional country town offered. He involved himself in both the social and sporting scenes.

Always a keen sportsman, Pat was no slouch on the rugby oval, tennis court or cricket pitch. He was playing Rugby Union for Sydney Teachers College prior to leaving Sydney for Inverell.

Life in the Australia in the early 1950's was much simpler, before the days of Television, social and sporting events were the norm.

Pat enjoyed his life and many friendships were forged on the football fields, tennis courts and cricket pitches in the Inverell area and other local towns.

Pat needed a car to get around the town and local area and soon purchased a Morris Minor and proceeded to learn to drive, this was memorable for all.

Times are remembered of this little car running onto a cow laying on the road when returning from a footie game in Moree. Now with a cracked the radiator the car could not be driven, fortunately the footie bus was following behind to assist.

Or the time Pat had to drive the car over a mechanics pit, misjudged and the car tipped into the pit. The car was retrieved largely unscathed; however, Pat's pride suffered some damage.

Soon after arrival, Pat became the Inverell Maroon's hooker and enjoyed success in the 1953 Rugby League Premiership. Pat gained the title 'one punch Bunch' for his on-field efforts.

As well as playing league, Pat also obtained his referees licence in Inverell. Pat is pictured in the Maroons 1953 Premiership team photo, second row, fifth from the left in the lighter coloured jersey, his very good mate and teaching colleague Maurie Murphy is standing on the right.

It was on the tennis courts at the Inverell Tennis Club where Pat met his game, set and match. Here he was introduced to future wife Miss Nell Salmon.

Nell was from a family of very well skilled tennis players, soon Nell was in control and teaching Pat the finer points of the game of tennis. Pat and Nell 'were soon an item' and married on December 31, 1955 in Inverell.

A planned four-week honeymoon at Coolangatta had to be cut back to two weeks, this was due to Nell's employment at Hong Yuens.

She was key to the organisation and success of their annual 'summer sale', which was scheduled each year in mid-January, the sale again was a success as usual.

Pat enjoyed his driving and updated from the 'Morrie Minor' to a Peugeot, the make of vehicle he stuck with from then on. He proudly drove the Peugeot and was keen to boast the marvels and benefits of French motor vehicle engineering to any who would listen, even his nieces.

Pat taught at Goonoowiggal school for a number of years, many locals recall the carefree days of that period. Pat later transferred to Tingha Public School where he taught prior to leaving the area at the end of 1960 to return to Sydney.

From modest beginnings of starting at a one teacher school in a small country community, Pat had gained much experience from his eight years in the area and looked to return to Sydney to further his career.

Pat and Nell had purchased a home and were now living at Avalon on Sydney's northern beaches. The little house became the family home and son Martin was welcomed to the world in 1964.

Pat's dream and passion for sailing became a reality with the purchase of a the first of three sailing boats which plied the Pittwater on weekends and holidays.

Pat's education career focused on a sound future for the family and in the longer term, retirement. His promotions took him from Narrabeen to Collaroy and Auburn North.

At Auburn North, Pat's faced a challenging time as the demographic of both Australia's and Sydney population was continually changing with an influx of people from many different countries.

It was here the new headmaster had to devise a strategy to not only educate a very large school population, but to overcome cultural, language and social differences, Pat was very proud of his achievements here.

Pat and Nell enjoyed the social life living on the peninsula and the home was the scene for many social events. Sailing occupied leisure time, Inverell folk commented jokingly they hoped Pat could sail better than he drove.

Sailing, Pat did do well, with Nell as first mate and son Martin who is a very experienced and accomplished sailor and sailmaker.

Pat's teaching career ended with retirement in 1991, he and Nell also enjoyed travel overseas to England and Europe on a couple of occasions.

Always an articulate conversationalist, Pat will be fondly remembered as one firmly in command, an organised individual whom was well respected by all who knew him.

Pat is survived by wife Nell, son Martin, wife Jeanette and adored grandchildren Summer and Dane, and sister Janet and family.