dignan served as a modern history teacher in sydney, australia at sydney grammar school. he was also a senior coach at the sydney grammar school boatshed and the school year 10 second eight. in previous years he had much success with younger crews, coaching three different year 10 second eights to victory at head of the river, including the 2004 and the 2008 year 10 second eights. dignan also acted as the commanding officer of the 306 squadron australian air force cadets from 1999 to 2005. dignan died of pancreatic cancer on 20 june 2013 at the age of 58, with his last place of residence at drummoyne.