On Sunday 14 June, family and friends of Old Paradian John Caddy (1950) gathered at the Stolberg Hotel in Preston to celebrate John’s 90th birthday.

One of 12 children, John attended the “Old Bluestone Pile” alongside his brothers Vin (1948), Terry (1950) and Adrian (1956).

Following his years at Parade, John commenced a carpentry trade before deciding, at the age of 20, to pursue his passion for singing. He auditioned for a scholarship at the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music and was awarded two years of tuition.

In 1957, John joined the choir at St Patrick's Cathedral, where he sang for six Archbishops of Melbourne. He was also honoured to serve as a cantor at the official Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Melbourne in 1986.

John’s dedication to sacred and choral music was formally recognised in 2004 when he was awarded the Order of Australia on Australia Day for his service to choral music, particularly through his longstanding contribution to the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir.

Pictured with John is his family, including his four sons who also attended Parade College: Joe (1977), Gerard (1977), Peter (1983) and Julian (1986) as well as being pictured with his brother Adrian at the 90^th celebration.

The Old Paradians’ Association extends its warmest congratulations to John on this remarkable milestone and wishes him a very happy 90th birthday.