DOWLING, Mitchell James (1997-2018)
'Mitch' Dowling as 'Judah' in
the Geelong College production of 'Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'.
Mitchell Dowling, known as 'Mitch', became a student in Year 7 at the Geelong College Preparatory School on 1 February 2010 and left in December 2015. A member of Morrison House, he was a participant in a wide variety of cultural and sporting activities at College earning many merit and house awards. He was one of a Year 9 group of student filmmakers in 2012 that earned first prize in a Victorian statewide competition. In his final school year, 2015, he was awarded the
Psychology Prize.
'Mitch' particularly enjoyed theatre and music and among his many varied and memorable roles were those of a 'Zebra' in 'Seusical' in 2012; 'Robin Starveling' a 'Mechanical in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in 2013; 'Judah' in the College production, 'Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat' in 2014; and of 'Officer Barrell' in the Year 12 social and political satire 'Urinetown' performed in 2015.
'Mitch' died, age 20, on 18 July 2018.
The Rev. Tim Andrews, a former staff member of Geelong College, spoke of 'Mitch' at his memorial service:
'Mitch Dowling was a wonderful young man. A radiant, bubbly, exuberant, witty, entertaining and cheeky twenty-year-old with boundless energy, and enthusiasm to match. Everyone who met Mitch walked away remembering him. He had a way of lighting up a space and an occasion; a way of bringing love, warmth and colour into the lives of those around him. Many people over this past week have reflected and commented to his family and close friends about his ability to make others feel loved and special. There is no doubt that his life has positively impacted our lives - individually and collectively – and that is precisely why we are all here today; because of the very special impact this one precious life has had on us all; and, because tragically this one precious life has ended far too quickly.
In suggesting that we Celebrate Mitch’s Life I am simply encouraging us all to keep doing exactly what I am sure you are already doing; because it is a wise and healthy pathway for us all – to be part of an outpouring of memories and a telling of stories; to see and hear countless acknowledgements of his broad smile, and his can-do attitude. To watch those videos full of song and dance, and to look again at those photos of Mitchell James Dowling once again doing something silly or funny. This is important because it is like the painting of a picture, or the weaving of a tapestry, where the bringing together of the smaller components serves to ultimately create the one beautiful compilation.' Sources: 'Student Talent is No Scam' GNews 5 Dec 2012; Geelong Advertiser 21 July 2018; Funeral Service 26 July 2018, St Bernard's Catholic Church, Belmont; Ad Astra December 2018 p57. OGC 2015.