George Rilatt
31 March 1844 - 14 June 1924
George Rilatt (13‑33‑12)
Born in 1844 in Lincolnshire, England, Rilatt came to Queensland aged twenty. He was the dedicated janitor of Brisbane Boys' Grammar School for 51 years from 1872 until his death in 1924, aged 80.
He selected the present site of Brisbane Grammar, built in 1880. As well as performing typical janitor's duties, he ran the tuckshop from the front of his own cottage, conducted the orchestra, attended to the school's banking and was involoved ni many aspects of school life.
The Old Boys' Association paid tribute to Rilatt's contribution to the school by erecting a memorial bell in the school grounds in his honour and a memorial headstone which was dedicated in November 1931.
... And though the music he so loved around him Came stealing with no earth note in the strain, He would be happiest if the new life found him Among "his boys" again.
George Rilatt - The Brisbane Courier, 16 June 1924. Lightened.
Headstone
Inscription
George Rilatt
Born 31st March 1844
Died 14th June 1924
For 51 years Janitor
Brisbane Grammar School
Erected by
Old Boys of the School
In memory of
Loyal and devoted service