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Leonard Joseph Graf was born on February 10th 1883 in Aachen,
Germany. From an early age he desired to become a priest, but
the Iron Duke, Otto von Bismark, had closed all the Roman
Catholic seminaries. He began studies for the priesthood at
Rockwell College’s Junior Seminary in Tipperary, Ireland at age
ten.
He learnt to speak English and placed first in Ireland’s School
Leaving Certificate Examinations. Afterwards, he taught at
Rockwell and attained an external bachelor of arts degree from
the Royal University of Ireland in 1903.
In 1906 he joined the staff of St. Mary’s College and was
ordained a priest four years later. Fr. Graf taught Latin, Greek
and Ancient History, but switched to Zoology and Botany after
qualifying in these subjects. He made these subjects come alive
by taking his students on field trips to El Tucuche, the Aripo
Savannas and Monos Island where he taught them about different
environments. Non-science students were welcomed on these trips
and they too benefited from his vast knowledge.
A patient and generous man, he often loaned students books from
his personal library to provide additional study references.
Former students recall the tremendous influence of “The Lion” in
shaping their lives, by giving counsel on career choices and
maintaining contact throughout their adulthood.
Fr. Graf was “the pillar of St. Mary’s”. He liaised with
Government on staffing and educational matters and was Dean of
Studies (1920-1957). He spearheaded many extra-curricular
activities including the choir, orchestra and annual plays. He
also edited the College’s 50th and 100th anniversary annals. He
retired from active teaching in 1966 having missed only 2 days
of school in 60 years.
Outside of teaching, he was an active member and President of
the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club and was elected
an honorary member in 1955. An amateur photographer, he took
photos and made short movies of the group’s botanical
excursions.
In 1969, he received one of the inaugural national awards from
the Trinidad and Tobago Government, the Chaconia Medal (Gold)
for “Long and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the
Sphere of Education”.
He passed away in 1970.
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