D’Arcy Wentworth an Old Tudorian who attended Tudor House from 1949–1952. He had passed away peacefully on 15 June 2026, aged 85.
Born in Sydney on 1 August 1940 to Bill and Barbara Wentworth, D’Arcy was the third of five children. At the age of eight, he commenced boarding at Tudor House, following a family tradition established by his father, uncles and older brother. During his years at Tudor House he excelled academically and in sport, graduating as Dux and captaining the 1st XV. The friendships and values formed during those formative years remained important to him throughout his life.
D’Arcy continued his education at The Armidale School, where he was both Dux and School Captain. He later studied Mining Engineering at the University of Sydney while residing at St Paul’s College, serving as Senior Student and receiving the University Medal. Following postgraduate studies at the Colorado School of Mines in the United States, he embarked on a distinguished career that took him across Australia and overseas, including South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Indonesia and Tanzania. He remained professionally active until the age of 78.
Respected as a mining engineer and leader, D’Arcy was equally known for his optimism, practical wisdom and willingness to tackle any challenge. He had a lifelong curiosity about the world, an enthusiasm for science and renewable energy, and a habit of approaching problems with the belief that, somehow, “she’ll be right”. Friends and family remember him as a man who encouraged others to have a go, backed the underdog and met setbacks with resilience rather than complaint.
In 1967, he married Patricia Nicholas, beginning a partnership that spanned almost 59 years. Together they raised three children, James, John and Sarah, additionally they were later blessed with ten grandchildren. Family gatherings, summer holidays at Pambula Beach, travel adventures across Australia and overseas and countless shared stories became central threads of his life.
D’Arcy’s infectious laugh, adventurous spirit and generous nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Whether building a fence, planning a new project, reading the latest scientific article or entertaining family with a well-timed joke, he embraced life with energy, curiosity and good humour.
He is survived by Patricia, his children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family and will be remembered with great affection by the many friends he made through Tudor House, school, university, work and community life.