x March 2014 y

Dan McErlean 12 Werona Street Sunnybank Qld 4109

Dear Old Boys

At our Sub Branch Christmas function on the 22 nd November 2013, forty Old Boys were welcomed to the gathering by Sub Branch President Bryan McSweeney. Barry Gordon , a student of the College from 1954 to 1956 entertained guests with the recitation of his poem titled, ‘Things Do Have to Change’ which he had written for the 1950 to 1959 Class Reunion held in on 2/11/2013. Then on Friday 6/12/2013 Old Boys living in the Sunshine Coast Region gathered for a luncheon at the Headland Golf Club in Buderim. Like their July function at the same venue, it was a popular event and thanks must go to the organisers of these gathering – the Murphy Brothers, Terry and Bernie and Redmond Byrne. It is intended to hold two luncheons again in Buderim this year, the first on Friday 4/7/2014.

Our next Brisbane meeting will be held at ‘The Public Service Club’, Level 1 Function Room, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane), Brisbane on Friday14th March 2014, from 12 noon through until about 2.00 pm; but feel free to drop in anytime from 11.00 am on, as your commitments dictate and join Old Boy mates in convivial fellowship. If travelling by train to the Central Railway Station, there is a free City Loop bus from Stop 8 opposite Central Station in Ann Street which allows you to alight at Stop 103 in the Government Precinct, just outside ‘The Public Service Club’ at 84 William Street. The bus services on this route are every 10-15 minutes.

Tentative dates have been booked for our Brisbane meetings in 2014, so please reserve them as ‘Claimer Dates’. As well as 14/3/14, the dates are 16/5/14, 25/7/14, 19/9/14 and 21/11/14. The usual Toowoomba June Luncheon this year will be Friday 20 th June 2014 at the Toowoomba North Bowls Club.

Our Special Thanks go to Old Boys, Terry Ford (1966 – 1971), Lance R Wilson (1949 - 1958), Brian L Scott (1950 – 1959), Mervyn J Paddison (1955 – 1963), Gregory Bowdler (1965 - 1972).

The organisers of the TBOBA Lawn Bowls Day are searching for players for the Brisbane team which will meet the Toowoomba lads in the annual Inter-City Game at the Stafford Lawn Bowls Club on Sunday 6th April 2014. Contacts are Laurie Blacka (3861 0828), Terry Gesch (3359 9228) and Eric Howe (4632 2191).

A reminder too that our Toowoomba (St Mary’s) Brothers Old Boys’ Association Annual General Meeting will be held on 31 st March 2014 in the Clive Berghofer Arena at the College. A good Roll Up of Old Boys, particularly those living in Toowoomba, is requested to show your support for our Association’s Executive led by Joe Guerrini . ‘Coming Events’ 14/3/14 - Brisbane TBOBA Sub Branch Meeting – 1 st Floor, Function Room, ‘The Public 11.00am – 2.00pm Service Club’, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane), Brisbane TBOBA Annual General Meeting – Clive Berghofer Arena – St Mary’s College, 31/3/14- 7.00pm Herries St, Toowoomba TBOBA Lawn Bowls Day at Stafford Lawn Bowls Club for Kevin Lee Memorial 6/4/14 - 9.00am Trophy. To nominate contact: Laurie Blacka (3861 0828), Terry Gesch (3359 9288) or Eric Howe (4632 2191). Annual TBOBA Luncheon at North Toowoomba Bowls Club – For reservations 20/6/14 – Noon please contact Eric How on 07 4632 2191 TBOBA Sunshine Coast Meeting at Headland Golf Club on Golf Links Rd, Buderim. 4/7/14 Contacts: Bernie Murphy (5478 0742), Terry Murphy (5456 4340), Redmond Byrne (5477 6705) A 1958 Scholarship Reunion is being planned for the 2 nd half of 2014 by Philip Long, TBA Barry Lancaster, John Stephens and Colin Zeller who would like to hear from former classmates. Contact [email protected] or mobile 0427 962 207

Bryan McSweeney Dan McErlean Dan Reilly 1 President Secretary Co-Ordinator (07) 3278 9682 (07) 3345 4404 (07) 3395 1813

T.B.O.B.A. (Brisbane Sub-Branch) Meeting – 22/11/13

Present Apologies

Bryan McSweeney Doug Lee Fr Paul Chandler Peter McMahon (President) Vince Lester OAM Bro Kevin Dwyer John Noonan Laurie Atzeni (Hon) Fred Lincoln Frank Adamson Keith Pickels John Bagget Dick Lynch John Coyer Paul Reynolds Nat Chandler Dinny Madden Noel Cronin Reg Taylor Bernie Collins Mick Moloney Jack Davis (Hon) Glen Wiedman Leo Cruise Pat Mullins Allan Duncan Jim Wiedman Frank Deighton Terry Murphy Les Duncan John Drew Rod McDonald Brian Fagan Maurie Drew Dan McErlean Des Franklin Peter Drew Paul McErlean Terry Gesch Graham Ehler Kev McSweeney Bob Grundy Mick Felsman Shane McSweeny John Hutchinson Bob Frost Reg Oliver Tom Hutchinson Noel Frost John O’Neill John Keightley Barry Gagen Jack Parker Peter Kennedy Barry Gordon Graham Swenson Jim Long Rolly Griffin Kerry Taylor John Morris John Hagan Trevor Taylor Trevor Muller Merv Henson Gerry Williams Jim Mullins Darcy Howe Bernie Murphy

T.B.O.B.A. Meeting – Buderim 6/12/13

Present Apologies

Fr Tyrone Deere Martin O’Sullivan Merv Reg Boland Mick Moloney Noel Adcock Paddison John Cantwell Pat Mullins John Rod Anderson Darel Stirling John Crotty Noonan Redmond Byrne Celle Stirling Graeme Dornbusch Pat Roache Bernie Collins Jim Stokes Les Duncan Ron Roney Tim Fitzpatrick Carmel Stokes Bill Fechner Glen Thompson Bob Grundy Laurie Walsh Denis Kearney Adrienne Thompson Bernie Murphy Brad Wilson Pat Long Robert Trapp Terry Murphy Lance Wilson Tom Long Dr Keith Wilkinson Dan McErlean Brian Lyman

Annual Membership Fee ($10.00) for Calendar Year 2014 is now due / or Life Memberships are available (Fee $100.00) * * * Cheques as donations towards the Indoor Sports Complex should be made payable to ‘Br. Baptiste O’Sullivan Building Fund ’. They are fully Tax Deductible and will be receipted.

2

• One of our Old Boys, Fr James • Recently deceased have been Don Vallely, John Byrne , celebrated the 50 th Year of Murphy, Steve Murphy, Kevin O’Neill, Bernie his Priesthood on the Feast of Fitzpatrick , Pat McMahon, Gary Stahlhut (a Christ the King in November 2013. member of the band – Ronnie & the Ramblers), Kevin For the past 32 years (1982 – Patrick McErlean, Maurie Coman, John Merritt 2013), Father James has been the (husband of Elaine Dornbush) (RIP), Irene Crotty, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Maureen Garrett, wife of Stan (dec) and mother of Parish in Rockville/ Wilsonton, Michael . A number are also unwell, or recovering from Toowoomba. surgery: Kevin and Tim Coonan, Justin Kingsford, Trevor Muller, Kev Killoran, Pat Seymour, John Following his Ordination in 1964, Father was based in Keightley, Marie Keen and Annette Gilbert. They the following Parishes – St Theresa’s (Toowoomba) would appreciate being remembered in your prayers. 1964 – 1967, St Finbarr’s (Quilpie) 1967 – 1971 and St Mary’s (Warwick) 1972 – 1975. From 1975 – 1980 • Present at the 1950-1959 Class Reunion in Toowoomba he was a full time Military Chaplain at the Kapooka – on the 2 nd of November 2013 were Brian Carter, Tony Wagga Wagga, Enoggera and Townsville bases. Then Collins, Pat Costigan, John Englart, Barry Gordon, Fr James served in the Augathella Parish (1980) and St John Hackett, Errol Hohn, Pat Kane, Coor Thomas More’s (Toowoomba) 1981. He attended to a Kooyman, Justin Lunney, Bill Lynam, Michael number of Outside Ministries attached to the Sacred Murphy, Michael Quinlan, Martin O’Sullivan, Heart Parish – Chaplain to St Andrews Hospital Brian Scott, Fr Jeff Scully, Brian Sharp, Lionel (Toowoomba) 32 years, Chaplain to Baillie Henderson Stower, Graham Swenson and Robert Trapp. Hospital (Toowoomba) 20 years, Foundation Senior Police Chaplain for and inaugurate Police This group felt the Reunion was probably the best they Chaplaincy for 10 years, and a 20+ years, 1 day a week had organised, with classmates finding it easier to and other involvement at the Oakey Aviation Centre ‘meet and greet’, as they have been making the effort to and Cabarlah. see each other more regularly since their Reunions were revived in 2009. Nearly all the attendees were Fr James is the second son of the late Dick and present at the ‘meet and greet’ where wives and Moreen Joyce (Fitzpatrick) Byrne and brother of partners were welcomed. Apologise were received from Anne, Pat, Redmond, Denis and Mary Frances . He Fr Tyrone Deere , Brian Fox, Earl Taylor, Frank gained his Primary Education at St Mary’s College, Thygesen (Blackall) and Glen Wiedman attending Downlands after Scholarship. At Downlands (Bundaberg). Graham Ziser and John Mellon who Fr James was an Open Cross Country Winner and had passed away since the group’s last Reunion were represented Downlands 1 st XV for 3 years. Currently remembered. The next (1950/59) Class Reunion is he is enjoying a vacation in Ireland. planned for 2015.

• Brisbane’s Catholic Archbishop, Mark Coleridge , has agreed to the establishment of its own version of a London religious landmark – the Brompton Oratory Catholic Church in Knightsbridge. They are communities of priests founded by Italian Saint Philip Neri in the 16 th Century and they counted Oxford th scholar John Henry Newman in their ranks in the 19 century. The location of the Brisbane Oratory is still being decided; but Frs Adrian Sharp (P.P. Annerley/ Group for Dinner (Left) Ekibin and Fr Paul Chandler who until 31/12/13 was Back row: John Hackett, Tony Collins, Michael Murphy, Martin Parish Priest at Banyo-Nundah are working together to O’Sullivan, Barry Gordon establish the Oratory Community of four or so priests Centre: Jeff Scully, Mick Quinlan, Lionel Stower, Coor Kooyman, by 2015 or 2016. Currently Fr Paul Chandler (College John Englart, Graham Swenson Front row: Brian Carter, Brian Sharp, Justin Lunney, Rob Trapp, Dux 1972) is completing his PhD in John Paul 11’s Pat Costigan, Pat Kane theology of the body.

• Twelve seminary students, two deacons and Monsignor Tony Randazzo, Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary Rector, have recently completed a visit to the Holy Land and Rome and on 23/12/13 were privileged to attend Pope Francis daily Mass, celebrated in the Holy Father’s private chapel at Casa Santa Marta. Deacon Martin Larsen (Yr 12–’94) was amongst those present.

While in Year 12 at St Mary’s College, Martin was Secretary of the Student Council and at the Annual Meet & Greet (Right) Prize Presentation, received the Speech and Drama Back row: Michael Murphy, Tony Collins, Pat Costigan, Justin Lunney, Award and the Fr Tom McCormack Memorial Award Mick Quinlan, Pat Kane, John Englart for Senior Religious Education. Front row: Brian Scott, Barry Gordon, Rob Trapp, Brian Carter, Martin O’Sullivan, Graham Swenson, Bill Lynam

3

• Again Barry Gordon provided a poem for the evening: Mostly we got married, a few Brothers and some Priests, Working hard and relaxing with a drink from ‘Things do have to Change’ (Written by Barry Gordon) Brewer’s yeast. Many things were different when we sent our kids to school, Society and rules had changed, When we started school in 48 we sang “God Save the and they had electronics as a tool. King”, A pint of milk cost 4 pence and Dad’s wage was 8 pounds 10. For the 10 years in the 50s, our Picture shows and drive-ins, have been replaced with connection was St Mary’s, Some saw the 10 yrs who knows what, Some politician and world leaders, through, while others time did vary. seemed to have lost the plot. We went to school and grew you, in what we call the good old days, But we We learned Geography and English, Arithmetic and understand that the world goes round, and that things History, Played footy cricket and Gymnastics, but Latin do have to change. was a mystery, They dropped big bombs in Woomera, to keep us safe they say, But our interest was in big • The 50 th Year Reunion for the 1955 - 1963 Class (held lunch, when they let us out to play. in the TP O’Brien Hall on Saturday 16/11/13) was extremely successful due to the presence of one of their Braces held our trousers up as we raced off to school, former teachers, Brother Brian Saward cfc (1958 – meat and bread was home delivered with ice to keep 62) and the excellent work undertaken over many years things cool, Once a week we’d tell the priest of our by Darryl and Dawn Brennan , keeping records and thoughts that were impure, Marilyn Monroe’s pin up planning Reunions. Follow up work contacting fellow pics fired those thoughts for sure. classmates in the months prior to the Reunion by Merv and Ann Paddison, Kevin Bowden, Robert We were building strong foundations for our vast and O’Callaghan, Peter Upton, Terry Hilder, Tom (Leo) varied lives. Elvis with his swivel hips, set world alight Kruger, Paul Canning & Dan McErlean also assisted with jives. TV came to our country and test patterns greatly. were the rage, To have one in your lounge, cost 10 weeks of Dads wage. Guests arrived between 4.00 pm and 4.30 pm and enjoyed drinks and nibbles until 5.15 pm when Old The King he died in 52 and Princess Lizzy took his Boys, wives and partners undertook an hour long tour place, When John Landy ran a mile it was a sizzling of the College, directed by Paul Canning, Sport pace. At school we were encouraged, to drink cows Coordinator, on behalf of the Principal, Michael milk every day, The Olympics came to Melbourne and Newman, who was unable to attend. All were most the world was here to play. impressed with the Refurbishment undertaken on the former Brothers’ House, now the Administration Block People came from overseas to work on the Snowy and memorabilia display (class and sporting photos, scheme, Ducktail hair does and rolled up collars were ties, pins and hat bands). the young, man’s dream. While we listened to the wireless and read our comic books, Chad sang “The Dinner at 6.30 pm commenced with Grace offered by Sheik from Scrubby Creek” and won them with his Fr Ray Crowley, followed with speeches by M.C. looks. Kevin Bowden, the Welcome, Bro Brian Saward on his recollections, Tom (Leo) Kruger on Sport during The first Toyota Landcruiser arrived here on our the 1955 – 1963 years and Peter Upton on the Cadets. shores, Society was a peaceful place, no need for new Fellowship followed Dessert with the highlight being drug laws, Saturday arvo at the pictures in the Empire the enthusiastic rendition of the War Cry. or the Strand, As we all rocked around the clock, with Bill Haley and his band. Minor surgery prevented Bob O’Callaghan coming over from Perth and one of the 1955 – 1963 who It cost 3 bob a gallon to put petrol in Dads car, The apologised for his non-attendance as he lives in Davas Carnival of Flowers was to become the city’s star, City, Philippines these days, was Ross Remeeus . Chicko rolls and Bandstand were introduced into our Since he left St Mary’s in 1963 he has only been back lives, and a whole new way of having fun when the on a few occasions, the last being in 1993 so he relies Hoola Hoop arrives. on the Old Boys Newsletter for doings these days.

Russian Sputniks were flying dogs in to our outer He recalled Pat McErlean , as a beefy chap belting a space, Bob Menzies kept on winning the Aussie base drum and as a formidable defender of wickets in political race. Sedgmen, Hoad and Rosewell were the gentlemen’s game of cricket. He was awaiting playing tennis with much flair, The government were details of classmates attending the Reunion function coping with the Vladimir Petrov affair. and a list of those departed, so he could remember them. And so from 50 to 59 we battled our way through, When we got to senior class, the numbers were but few, The new Victa motor mower arrived and was here to stay, But MacDonald’s and Kentucky were many years away.

4

Roll Call: grandchildren as well as Leo’s siblings, Fr Dudley, Kieran, Michael and Madonna, Denis and Colleen John Bothwell Kevin Bowden Brian Brady and Leo’s uncle Darcy Sexton. Darryl Brennan Nev Card Trevor Conley Fr Ray Crowley Jim Davidson Denis Deguara Graham Gordon Dennis Harwood Terry Hilder • Our Congratulations go to Leo and to John Keightley, Denis Hyland Alan Irwin John (Damian) Kelly John Bagget, Brian Benson, Frank Deighton, Tom (Leo) Kruger Ron Lawton Tom Mahon Br Fergus Gagen and John Wilson who celebrated Denis McClure Pat McErlean Owen O’Shea Birthdays over recent weeks. Merv Paddison Dennis Perrin Nev Rowatt Mike Rowland Geoff Sheedy Mike Skelly Pat Stewart Trevor Tuesley Peter Upton • Life Member John and Rita (Courtney) Pobar of Ray Vallely Peter Wilkes Colin Zeller Sunnybank are pleased to pass on the news that their nephew Damian Mednis , a fitness coach, is now part Apologies: of the Australian Ashes-winning support staff. He grew up in Ipswich and played rugby league for Brothers. Boyce Beckman Robert Beckwith Adrian Borger Since then he has been with teams achieving great Brendan Crotty Paul Dorfield Tony Edge Derek Finter Bob Jones Michael Lee success – Irish Club Munster winners of the European (Maine USA) Rugby Club Titles, Sheffield Shield, Ryobi Cup and Bob O’Callaghan Denis McGuin Peter McKinlay Big Bash titles, and now the Australian Cricket Team. (Perth) Sadly Damian’s father, Victor , passed away on the Fr Dudley Des Olsen Ross Remeeus 24 th August 2013 before the current Ashes series. McMahon (Philippines) Stan Sielaff Bob Thompson Kevin Watson Denis Whittle • Billy Oliver wrote from Kingaroy just after he and his wife, Roma, had enjoyed an October tour of Italy, Deceased: taking in the Vatican, Tuscany and many wonderful

Michael Hanna Gary Hohn Frank Joyce sights. ‘It was wonderful to receive Papal Blessings Eric Gilligan George Kahler Laurie Keleher from Pope Francis, Bill said, as the couple were only a Brian McDonald Alwyn Moohen Graham Olsen few metres from his motorcade. Bill finds it difficult to Brian Pullen Frank Purcell Gus Ramia come to any of our ‘get-togethers’, but he sent his Joe Voight Ray Wallace Peter Wilson Seasonal Greetings on to all Old Boys. He was sorry to Robert Ziemski Kevin Zinitat learn of the passing of one of his classmates, Don Vallely , and Andrew Purcell , brother of another of his classmates Bro Desmond Purcell . Bill remembered • Popular couple, John and Faith Coyer, have recently Andrew well as he played a full season of Rugby relocated from Kenmore to Dennis Road, Springwood. League with the Millmerran side Andrew captained in John attended St Mary’s College from 1940 to 1946 1955. and has been an active member of our Association since its Post War reformation in 1949. He commenced John Joseph Murphy (13/4/43 – 27/11/13) his Electrical Apprenticeship at Electric Shop, Russell Street, Toowoomba in 1947 and remained there until • John was born in Toowoomba on 13/4/43 to William moving to Burness Electrical for 2 years in 1966. and Kathleen Murphy (nee Kingsford) . John was the eldest of two siblings. His younger brother Peter John then joined the Staff at the University of Southern passed away in April 2011. Both boys were schooled Queensland for 25 years, firstly as the Engineering at Holy Name, St Saviour’s Convent and then St Assistant in the School of Engineering and then as the Mary’s Christian Brothers’ College. Operations Manager of that same school, before being appointed the University’s Safety Co-ordinator from John joined the Queensland Railway at the tender age 1990 – 1992. Then until 1996 he was employed by of 15, several years after the passing of his father. He Skill Share, providing Workplace Health and Safety began as a Porter, then Shunter, Guard, Fireman and his Education. John was also a part-time Instructor and career culminated in becoming a Driver. John worked later part of the Training Committee with St John’s mainly in Toowoomba but also in places like Warwick, Ambulance for 15 years. Millmerran, Inglewood, Thallon, Dirranbandi and for a

th lengthy period, in Bluff (). • On Saturday 26 October 2013, Jock Leo Edward Nolan (8½lbs) was born to Old Boy Matthew (Year 12 John married Jill Nielsen , after they met on the rail – 2006) and his wife Alana , and is a brother for motor on the way to Millmerran. They married in Ainsley and grandson to Noela and Life Member Jim January 1965 and St Patrick’s Cathedral and enjoyed a Nolan of Drayton. Matthew and Alana reside at long marriage. At times there were rough patches but Cutella on the outskirts of Toowoomba. they saw it through together. For instance when John worked at Bluff he only had one weekend off in every • On Sunday 17 th November 2013, Maureen McMahon 14 week period, which essentially meant he was home hosted 70 th Birthday celebrations at ‘Herries House’, three times per year. Nevertheless they were able to Toowoomba, for her husband Leo. Immediate family save and buy a comfortable family home and provide members present were Chris, Nick and Benita, for education for the two children, Patrick was born in Gerard and Clare, Leona and Dominic and the 1965 and is currently a Nursing Director at a major

5

mental health facility and daughter Colleen is a senior sisters, Mary, Irene Dorothy and Julie-Ann . Don’s clinician in the local Alcohol and Drugs Treatment Unit father came from Lanarkshire, Scotland and settled at and she also does considerable work as a tutor/marker Gladfield, Queensland in Australia. The family lived at for the University of Southern Queensland. Stanthorpe for a number of years and later moved to Toowoomba. Don was baptized in St Mary’s Church, John had several pastimes/hobbies which he continued Warwick by Reverend Michael Potter on the 19/5/34. to pursue in his spare time. He loved fishing and was a member of the Fraser Island Friendly Fishing Club Don attended school in from its inception back in the 1980s. He also loved a Stanthorpe and continued at punt on the horses and dogs and at one stage, part- St. Saviour’s Primary School owned a greyhound with his son. after moving to Toowoomba. He later attended St. Mary’s John had to retire in 1999 owing to ill health and College in Toowoomba until required major surgery, but recovered and was able to Junior Level. Don was an enjoy a happy and content retirement with the odd trip exceptional athlete winning to the Gold Coast and enjoying bowls. He became trophies for swimming, boxing, heavily involved in work at the North Toowoomba athletics and football. Bowls Club where he was a member for 20 years joining the Management Committee and regularly Some of his achievements were: serving behind the bar. • College Under 14, 15 and 16 years Swimming A long serving member of our Toowoomba Brothers’ Champion with other successes at the Metropolitan Old Boys’ Association, from the 1951 – 1960 Class, he Catholic Swimming Association Carnivals: was of great assistance to Eric Howe , organising our functions and Old Boys Inter-City Lawn Bowls 1947 - Winner Under 14 Breaststroke 25 M competition. 1948 - 3rd place Under 15 Freestyle 50 M - 3rd place Under 15 Breaststroke 50 M In terms of family, he always loved to be involved 1949 - 3rd place Under 16 Freestyle 50 M whenever possible in what the children were doing and many happy family holidays were held annually at • Member of College Athletic Team in 1947 and Hervey Bay. The arrival of grandson, Jackson , was College Athletic Champion Under (16) in 1948 and probably the highlight of John’s life. He enjoyed Open in 1949 watching him play soccer, swimming and attending • College Boxing Champion Under 9 stone (1948) school performances, etc. John had two step children, and Under 9 stone 7lb (1949) Kaitlyn and Lachlan with whom he loved spending • Rugby – Member of the 1947 Under 7 stone 7lb time with and being involved in their school activities. Premiers captained by (Fr) Pat Hall, and an Grandfathers’ day at St Mary’s was a special event on outstanding Centre with good speed and ability to the calendar. penetrate in 1948 and 1949 First XV sides • Cricket – Member of First Eleven in 1949 2012 was a year when John and Jill spread their wings, so to speak and in February that year they accompanied After leaving school he joined the Railway where he Patrick on a trip to Thailand. They enjoyed that worked for forty years. During this time he met Elaine immensely and as Patrick was involved in the Volker at a Railway Ball in Toowoomba in 1954. organisation and administration of a World They were married on the 21 January 1956. Don and Championship Pigeon race in Thailand each year, they Elaine had four children, Trevor, Karen, Debbie and eagerly accepted another trip back when invited in Morris who all married and produced eight December 2012. grandchildren Kate, David, Daniel, Chris, Benjamin, Michael, Kelly and Juanita and four great grand- They were all set to enjoy their third sojourn on th children, Karliah, Finton, Tiernan and Ellie. November 27 last year when John sadly passed away on the way to the airport. At the age of 55, Don became very sick and was diagnosed with meningitis causing him to resign from He was laid to rest at the Toowoomba Garden of the Railways. But Don’s condition deteriorated over the Remembrance following a service conducted by Father years and he was treated by many specialists, none of Ray Crowley at Our Lady of Lourdes in Newtown. them could give him a specific diagnosis. Between that The church overflowed and it was estimated about 350 time and up until passing on 22 November 2013, Don persons attended to farewell John. He will be sadly continued to have serious health problems. From 1987 missed in many quarters. until February 2010, Don was cared for at home by Elaine at which point he was moved to Lourdes Donald James Vallely (22/3/33 – 22/11/13) Nursing Home in Middle Ridge.

• Don was born at the Welford Hospital in Warwick on Don lived at Lourdes Nursing Home from the the 22 March 1933. He was the third child of Daniel 8 February 2010 until the time of his death. At Lourdes, Joseph Vallely and Francis Vallely (nee Hildred). he was visited by many members of the clergy, pastoral Don had three brothers, John, Peter and Ray and four carers and in particular by Pastor Michael

6

Braunberger and Father Pat Hall who spent many Life of Stephen Michael Murphy. Celebrants were hours with Don and family. The family has been very Frs Rod and John Mackinlay and John Quinlan. appreciative of their ongoing interest and care. Kevin William O’Neill In later years Don turned his interest from sporting (27/6/31 – 12/12/13) pursuits to reading, scrabble and playing cards. He was an avid reader of short western novels and showed his • A Life Member, Kevin was the competitive nature in scrabble games. In some ways youngest child of William Don’s health problems dealt him ‘a hand like a foot’ his Joseph (Jos) and Rose May favourite saying playing cards, but he played on with (McGovern) O’Neill and lived the hand he had been dealt, to the very best of his all his life at 135 Campbell St, ability. His love of family was a part of him until his Toowoomba, except for the last final day and could aptly be described as first class. 18 months or so when he was a resident of Lourdes Home. Don was clearly loved by all who knew him and he will be sadly missed, as was evidenced by the large Kevin attended Holy Name numbers who attended his funeral following his death Convent and then St Mary’s College until his at Lourdes Home on 22/11/2013. Scholarship year when he boarded at Downlands after the death on 1/6/45 of his father, Jos, who had a well Stephen Michael Murphy (22/11/28 – 7/12/13) established Plumbing Business in Russell St. He then took the opportunity to join the Builders, J M Kelly Pty • Stephen who passed to Eternal Ltd as an apprentice carpenter and continued to work Life on Saturday 7/12/13, was for that firm until knee problems saw him start his own born to Michael and Ann business, as a carrier. (Fitzgerald) Murphy of Clifton on 22/11/28. His siblings, 6 boys Kev had a Community focus and was active in and 2 girls, were Frank (DFC), Toastmasters, encouraging youth to improve their Ted, Moyra (Nolan), Patricia, speaking abilities. He was a member of the Lions Club Paul, Terry and Leo . Steve’s and was proud of the Lion Park established at Hodgson Primary Education was gained at Vale, and even though he was a bachelor was always the Ryford State School before he one of the first to volunteer when necessary tasks like was enrolled at St Joseph’s the fence around the Holy Name Church and School College, Nudgee to complete his had to be replaced and funds were tight, or to offer secondary studies. He gained a assistance for a Fete, Brothers’ Ball or an event at State Public Appointment to the Downlands. Public Works Department and after service in Brisbane and then Toowoomba, was appointed a Classified A fondly regarded brother, cousin and uncle of the Officer in the Department’s Brisbane Accounts Branch. O’Neill and McGovern families and friend to many, he In November 1956 he married Valmai Joan Dixon, passed to Eternal Life at Lourdes Home on 12/12/13 sister of Ray and Elaine (both dec) and Denise , and was buried after a Mass of Thanksgiving Annette and Kevin . They built a new home in Mount concelebrated by Frs Crowley, Matthew, Hall, Gravatt, a growing suburb. Keegan, Cronin and Dorfield at his Holy Name Parish Church on 8/12/13. A Guard of Honour of Shortly after he returned to Toowoomba as the Order former St Mary’s and Downlands students was formed, Clerk, rising to be District Clerk for the Public Works as Kevin’s body was carried from the Church. Toowoomba Region. Joan and Steve erected a family home at 6 Wombyra St, Newtown and were Blessed Kevin is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, with 6 children – Ray, Brenden, Tony, Michael, Paul Claire and Pat Seymour , their son and daughter-in- and Nicola (Carey). Stephen and Joan were actively law, John and Maree Seymour, his nephews and involved in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and with the nieces – Joseph, Patricia, Ann, Michael and Bernard St Mary’s and St Ursula’s school committees, taking up (sons and daughters of his brother and sister-in-law Life Membership of our Old Boy’s Association. Until Joseph and June (Carroll) O’Neill (both deceased). recently Steve had enjoyed Lawn Bowls and his work Kev’s step sister and brother, Sister Noelle and Vince with the St Vincent de Paul Society. also pre-deceased him.

A keen Rugby League supporter, he had played for Clifton and had been at Nudgee with future Internationals Denis Flannery and Des McGovern, and the couple watched the careers of their sons with the The obituaries for former Life Member All Whites Club where Steve was always highly Maurie Coman, Kevin Patrick regarded by their team mates. He will be Loving McErlean and Pat McMahon will be Remember by Joan, Family and Friends. Our Lady of published in our May 2014 Newsletter. Lourdes Parish Church was full to capacity for the Concelebrated Requiem Mass offered to Celebrate the

7

Bernard Della Fitzpatrick • Following on from his success at the Engineers (22/1/22 – 10/1/14) Australia Queensland awards, Brisbane Branch President Bryan McSweeney went on to win the • Life Member No. 135, Bernie national award in Canberra. Bryan was awarded the Fitzpatrick, was the first of National Engineering Associate of the Year award at three children born to William the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards held in and Beatrice Fitzpatrick in the Great Hall at Parliament House on Wednesday 20th Toowoomba. His birthday was November. on 22/1/1922, Patty’s on 25/11/24 and Marie on 4/5/28. The award is presented annually to an Associate For most of his childhood years member of Engineers Australia, who has demonstrated he lived in Toowoomba, but competence and significant achievement in community the family had brief moves to affairs, a demonstrated understanding of the role and Oakey, Cloncurry and Townsville. Bernie attended the purpose of the engineering profession with society, and Holy Name Convent and then St Mary’s College. He proficiency in the use of communication skills. Pre- loved sport – tennis, rugby league, rugby union and dinner drinks were held in the Marble Foyer which is cricket, playing with Country Queensland teams as a an absolutely stunning entrance to the Great Hall. young adult. Bryan was presented with his award by Dr Marlene Kanga, Engineers Australia 2013 President. Further to At the tender age of 18 years he enlisted in the Air the Engineers Australia awards, the Department of Force in WW2 serving around Papua New Guinea and Transport and Main Roads awarded Bryan a TMR the Islands through the Solomons and Coral Sea. Australia Day Achievement Awards medal in the 'Achievement at a high level' category. Given a medical discharge after 8 years, Bernie embarked on a number of differing paths. Firstly he The 2014 Australia Day Medal completed his Railways apprenticeship as a fitter and acknowledges Bryan's achievements turner, then he spent time in hotels in Toowoomba and throughout his career - including his South Brisbane, learning aspects that make you a role as Road Design Occupation successful publican and a few years on his sister’s dairy Group Leader, two previous TMR farm. Excellence Awards for his active involvement and support in He returned to Brisbane, working for a number of recruiting young engineering cadets Commonwealth Public Service Departments – from regional and remote Repatriation, the Public Service Board, Civil Aviation Queensland, and most recently and Customs and married Valerie Lee in St Stephen’s being awarded the Engineers Cathedral on 30 th March 1964. The couple were Australia, Queensland Division Blessed with 4 children Andrew, Lisa Mary, David 'Engineering Associate of the Year' and Loretta Ellen. and then the national Engineers Australia Engineering Associate of Bernie was famous for his colourful one liners, a good the Year. fiscal manager and handy guy, given his trade experience and he loved to tinker in the back shed. The family enjoyed French and backyard cricket and mini • College Old Boy (Year 12 – 2000) Johnathan golf, as well as impromptu weekends away and were Thurston , has become the third Rugby League player given the best private school education Bernie and Val to win the coveted Golden Boot Award for a second could provide on a single household income. time. Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer were previous recipients. While Johnathan’s Club, Cowboys, were His knee was a constant source of pain from a war unsuccessful in their 2013 Premiership bid, few could injury and he decided to retire on 30 th April 1981, argue about his Player of the Year gong following his allowing the couple to enjoy mini holidays to four man of the match awards during the 2013 World Caloundra, Sydney and Melbourne. On 24/11/2009 Cup matches when Australia reclaimed their spot as Bernie was found to have Stage 4 Lymphoma. The ‘Top Dogs’ of Rugby League. chemotherapy drugs hastened the dementia gene and he had to spend the last 11 months of his life in St Johnathan, who is the only player to feature in every Martin’s Aged Care Facility in Boondall, where he died game of Queensland’s eight straight Origin series wins, on 10/1/14. has now won two Golden Boot Awards (2011 and 2013) and two Dally M Medals (2005 and 2007). Bernie was laid to rest at the Albany Creek Crematorium on 17/1/14 after a ‘Celebration of his Life’ by Fr Peter Luton . He is survived by Valerie, Andrew, Lisa, David and Julie, Loretta and Adam as well as 5 grandchildren, sister-in-law Marie ( Mrs Pat O’Driscoll), Anne (Mrs Kevin Lee), Doug and Rose (RIP) Lee, Cliff and Patricia Lee.

8