John Thomas McCotter
10th March 1942 – 2nd June 2025 COHORT OF 1959
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of John McCotter, who passed into eternal life on 2nd. June 2025. John spent his early life growing up in Sherwood and eventually moved to Upper Mt. Gravatt, where he raised his family. John was married to Claire who predeceased him on 15th. November 2024. John was a Loving father to Amanda Tarrant (deceased) and Kerryn Jacobi. He was also a devoted grandfather to Madeleine Tarrant, Archie and Eloise Jacobi. After the loss of their daughter John and Claire spent a large amount of time caring for Amanda’s daughter Madeleine, who they loved dearly.
SCHOOL YEARS
John was educated at Marist College, Rosalie and was first enrolled in Year 4 in 1951, completing his Junior Certificate in 1957. John was a proud “Rosa” Old Boy and involved in many undertakings including supporting school teams in inter-school sport and being a member of many student’s activities and projects. INVESTORS CLUB A group of Old Boys from the 1950’s formed a lunch club in 1999. The genesis of the so-called “Investors Club” arose when Rosalie old boy, George Macionis retired in 1999. His wife suggested that he should contact some of friends and arrange a get together for a regular lunch. The club grew to six members and quickly rose to fourteen attendees in number and they met on the first Tuesday of each month. John was a regular member at the lunches and he will be sadly missed especially this week when the group celebrates their 310th. Lunch. At this lunch the ten attendees stood and observed a minute’s silence in memory of the loss of their good friend and fellow schoolmate.
MEMBER OF THE MARIST ROSALIE OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
When the Marist Rosalie Old Boys was resurrected in 2018 and a reunion was planned, John attended and has been present at almost every event since, including The Rosalie Rugby Tribute Games as well as various lunches, AGM’s and other events. John’s membership was paid in advance, up to and including the 2025-2026 year. He was indeed a very loyal and proud Old Boy of Marist Rosalie.
WORK YEARS
John left school after completing Junior (Year 10) and joined The Commonwealth Public Service at sixteen years of age and was appointed to The Australian Tax Office, where he worked for over forty years before retirement. His last role was in Corporate Services.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
John had two hobbies, the first was that he really enjoyed a round of golf. His second and main passion was model railroading, which he followed with keen interest. He was a very active member of The Union Pacific Model Railroad Club UPMRC). To his friends and other members at the club John was known as Jake.
The UPMRC Club President Jim Payne has kindly sent a wonderful tribute to his friend and fellow club member.
UPMRC TRIBUTE – JIM PAYNE
“One of Jake’s keen and lifelong interests was model railroading. He was a member of the Union Pacific Model Railroad Club (UPMRC) based in Holland Park. The club was formed in the 1970s when a group of like-minded young men decided to get together to model American railroading, and Jake joined them shortly after. The club was established in Moorooka and moved to the current location in the late 1980s, in the basement of the Holland Park Bowls Club. At this location the members built a large model that represents operations of a railroad through the Rocky Mountains. Jake was a steadfast and dependable member of the club. Jake held several of the management positions in the organization including serving as Secretary for a number of years. With his professional sense for accuracy and eye for detail, Jake was an expert on the club rules and by-laws and supported the management committee with his knowledge. Jake will be greatly missed by his colleagues at the UPMRC. Plans are being made to dedicate a model train in his memory.”
SERVICE DETAILS – John McCOTTER
Family and friends of John are invited to a funeral service at St. Bernard’s Catholic church, 4 Klumpp Road Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 at 10.30 am on Monday the 16th of June. Attendees are invited to come together following the service at The Southern Cross Sports Club, Corner. Klumpp road and Logan Roads, Upper Mt. Gravatt. R.I.P John McCotter.
Fr. Ashley Warbrooke
11th. February 1947 – 1st. June 2025 Cohort of 1964.
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of their friend and fellow College Old Boy, Ashley Warbrooke, who passed away peacefully into eternal life on 1st. June 2025 aged 78 years of age.
Tribute – Kent Warbrooke
Ashley was born in February 1947 in Brisbane and grew up in the suburb of Corinda. His early education was at St. Joseph’s, Corinda before moving to Marist College before completing his education at Senior Level in 1964, Rosalie where he joined his brother Kent who was two-year’s older than Ashley.
He was the school captain in 1964 and served as a Cadet Under Officer that same year.
Ashley was also an accomplished athlete, playing 1st XI cricket in 1963-64 and 1st XV rugby in 1962-63-64. He was part of the TAS Athletics teams and was in the TAS champions team of 1962, alongside legendry athletes from “Rosa” Harry Williams and Paul Maughan.
Ashley’s ambition was to become a priest and he needed his parent’s consent to enter the Seminary. Dad believed Ashley needed to experience life outside of school before committing to the priesthood. After a set period of time Ashley’s parents agreed, they would consent to his entry into Banyo Seminary.
After finishing school, Ashley worked for a year at the Commonwealth Government’s Customs House. After completing his 12 months at Customs House, Ashley announced that he still desired to become a priest and entered Banyo Seminary.
During the year, 1965, while waiting out the year before he could enter the seminary Ashley played Rugby under 19 with Wests Toowong and was part of a premiership winning team. His passion for golf was evident, although he never joined a club or gained a handicap. However, he was a very skilled golfer and had scored par for 9 holes several times.
One of my fondest memories of Ashley was when we went on a family trip to the Gold Coast. Ashley, always the adventurous one, convinced us to try surfing. Despite the initial struggles, he managed to stand up on the board and ride a wave, his face beaming with joy. It was a moment that truly captured his spirit – determined, joyful, and always up for a challenge.
Another memorable anecdote was during a family barbecue. Ashley, known for his sense of humour, decided to entertain us with his impersonations of famous personalities. His impersonation of our school principal, Brother Cloman had everyone in stitches. It was moments like these that showcased his ability to bring laughter and joy to those around him.
SEMINARIAN PERIOD
Fr. Ashley pursued his seminary studies at Pius XII Seminary, Banyo, Brisbane. Over the years the number of seminarians has decreased, leading to More space being allocated what is now The Australian Catholic University. He was ordained on 9th. August 1972.
PRIESTHOOD YEARS
Fr. Ashley’s first posting was to St. Catherine’s in Wishart, now Upper Mt. Gravatt, where he served for three years. Throughout his priesthood he has held various positions, including Darra Jubilee Parish with Dr. Dan Carol, St. Agatha’s in Clayfield, St Mary’s in Ipswich, St. Flannan’s in Zillmere and various positions relieving priest in a number of parishes. He also served as Priest Secretary to Archbishop Rush for five years.
Fr. Ashley also took a sabbatical for twelve months, visiting the Vatican and attending Mass, although not in the official capacity as priest. During this time, he spent three months in America and three months in Israel travelling with fellow Priest and buddy, Dr. Wrex Woolnough. After his sabbatical, Fr. Ashley had several minor postings before serving St. Peter’s in Rochdale from 1998 to 2014, then at Star of the Sea, Cleveland from 2014 to 2021.
WHEN IS RETIREMENT NOT RETIREMENT?
Fr. Ashley was very similar to Fr. Bob McGuire in Melbourne in that both these priests had one thing in common. Fr. Ashley said he was retired but not in full-time ministry. His philosophy was he will continue he would continue to fill in for other Priests across the Brisbane Archdiocese, when free, he will enjoy a round of golf with friends.
SERVICE DETAILS
Friends & relatives are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Ashley’s life. This will be held at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane on Thursday 12th. June at 10:00 a.m. “Requiescat in Pace”.
REMEMBERING FR ASHLEY WARBROOKE AT ROSALIE AND THROUGH THE YEARS
Frank Vidakovic 15/9/1964 – 7/5/2025 Class of 1982
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of Frank Vidakovic who passed into eternal life on 7th May 2025. Frank spent his early life growing up in Latona St, Paddington. Frank is survived by his son Josip and daughter Claudia.
School Years
Frank was educated at Marist College, Rosalie and was first enrolled in Year 4 in 1974. His brothers Nick and Tony were also educated at the school in the cohort of 1981 and 1984 respectively. Frank was a proud “Rosa” Old Boy and involved in many activities including being a member of the 1st XV Rugby which he played for twice and the Commonwealth Bank League Team of 1982.
Frank last represented “Rosa” in 2022 when he was invited as part of the 1982 1st. XV Rugby Team and was honoured at Marist Ashgrove on the main oval with the presentation of a medallion for his service to our school.
Work Years
Frank took up carpentry and work with his father Peter Vidakovic changing the dynamic of Paddington landscape we see today.
Service Details
Family and friends of Frank are invited to a funeral service at the Sacred Heart Rosalie Church at 11:00am on Friday the 16th of May, followed by a burial at Nudgee Cemetery and a Wake at the Paddo Hotel.
R.I.P. Frank Vidakovic
Frank will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
James (Jim) Hooper aka Jim Diamond 14th. March 1938 – 2nd. May 2025 Cohort of 1955
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of their College Old Boy and friend, Jim Hooper, late of Rosalie, who passed into eternal life on 2nd May 2025.
Jim was the only child of Doug and Julia Hooper and grew up in Bass Street, Rosalie where he resided for most of his life before ill health forced him into alternative care and accommodation at Belasco Court, Indooroopilly. Jim was educated at Marist College, Rosalie where he excelled in sport representing the College in Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis and Boxing. Following school, he worked with the Main Roads Department but his interest and love for music was his passion, and he spent much of his time writing and playing music.
Jim was a complex man with simple tastes. He was not overly ambitious, but there was an especially important aspect to Jim’s personality; he knew what made him happy. Jim had extremely high morals and principles and his word was his bond.
Jim was extremely talented when it came to music, something many of us would envy. Jim loved to entertain people. It gave him great satisfaction to put a smile on the faces of people of any age. Whether it was dressing up as a clown and doing balloon artistry at birthday parties or singing at an aged care facility for residents he used the gift God gave him to bring joy into the world.
Jim was a remarkably interesting person and to listen to tales of his experiences and journeys to the USA including Nashville and other places were fascinating. He remained friends with many people from all walks of life and there were very few that were not in awe of his fine voice and entertainment skills. Even in his final days with us here on earth he was still singing to those where he resided at Belasco Court, Indooroopilly, even though his health was failing.
A facility like Belasco Court was never going to be Jim’s favourite place to live and see out his final days here on earth. He yearned to be in his house in Bass Street where he had a treasure trove of memorabilia and music paraphernalia.
None of us knows what is ahead of us!!
He liked to receive the Cerise and Blue Newsletter from the MROBA. As soon as he had finished reading it, he would be on the telephone expressing his compliments and appreciation to the Committee for keeping him in contact with his past. MROBA members who attended the 90th. Anniversary of our school, held at West Rugby Union Club enjoyed Jim’s entertainment at the event. He engaged the crowd who were in awe of his talent and ability to please the audience.
Jim’s final performance for our school was at an AGM lunch held at The Paddington Tavern a few years ago. He wrote a song extolling the virtues of “Rosa” over other schools like Ashgrove and some Christian Brothers Colleges.
Jim will always be in the memory of those Rosalie Old Boys who knew him I think those of us who frequent the Rosalie shops and restaurants will have in their imagination seeing Jim walking the neighbourhood streets as he did for so many years.
Jim appears on the Marist Rosalie website at www.rosalieoldboys.com.au in the notable alumni section of students who attended our school.
JIM HOOPER – THE ENTERTAINER
Jim always loved his music and following school formed a group which became known as Jim Diamond and the Lancers. Another member of the band was Brian Sibley, reputedly a very expert guitarist and he was also educated at Marist Rosalie.
The Lancers formed in 1961 as a four-piece band and they played at Brisbane clubs, pubs, dances, church functions and private events. They also played at Cloudland and Festival Hall as a lead up to some very important main attractions.
The Lancers were extremely versatile and could play a variety of styles from rock and pop to old time dance routines.
SERVICE DETAILS
Family and friends of Jim are invited to attend Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Given Terrace, Paddington, on Thursday, 15th May 2025, commencing at 10.00 a.m. R.I.P Jim Hooper.
Jim will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
In the above album we have Jim’s final performance for our school was at an AGM lunch held at The Paddington Tavern a few years ago and how Jim’s first school looked when he commenced school at “ROSA”.
Bevan John Muldoon 1938 – 2025 Cohort of 1956
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of their friend and College Old Boy, Bevan Muldoon, late of Indooroopilly, who passed away peacefully into eternal life on 11th. April 2025 aged 86 years of age. Bevan was a Beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and a dear friend to many.
Bevan grew up in Indooroopilly and was educated at Marist College, Rosalie.
He completed his senior year at the college in 1956, before going on to study law at The University of Queensland, eventually becoming a very proficient Barrister.
BEVAN MULDOON – MARIST ROSALIE DAYS
Bevan remained good friends with guys from his school and sadly after Bevan’s passing only three remain who completed senior level with him, George Sylkarski, Brendan O’Sullivan and Pat Mahoney.
George recounts some memories of Bevan from their school days.
Bevan was a good student, hard-working and quiet, never pushing to be seen as first. Always an equal in a team of equals.
He had a great, but well-hidden sense of humour, and would amuse us with his hypermobile joints, particularly his thumbs which he could painlessly put in impossible, (for others), positions.
He had the ability to mimic some of the Marist Brothers, particularly Brother Stanislaus.
He was also the instigator, or inventor of the character “Murgatroyd”, which we all used to draw on our exercise books.
BEVAN MULDOON – THE FRIEND
When George Sylkarski caused an impossible car accident by running the office car up the back of another car in the Main Street of Beenleigh in broad daylight Bevin defended his friend in court. “You can’t possibly get hurt and you’ll find it very interesting”. George was acquitted and remembers the trial to this day almost with gratitude and pleasure.
Much later Bevan became George’s first daughter’s Godfather.
In Rosalie folklore there were several Rosalie boys who after joining the Police force were trying to lock someone up. On the other side there was barrister Bevan, a Rosalie boy, trying for the opposite. Feedback is Bevan earned genuine respect from everybody involved.
Bevan was a very charitable person and was seriously involved with St Vincent de Paul Society from whom he received a 55-year service medallion.
To us remaining survivors of the Rosalie 1956 Senior class of 12, the service medallion is formal recognition of what we all remember him as intelligent, hardworking, humble, compassionate and still retaining a sense of humour.
BEVAN MULDOON – THE BARRISTER
Following his service in the Australian Army, Bevan Muldoon was admitted to the Roll of Barristers on 18th. December 1963 and joined the Bar Association in January 1964. During his 40-year career at the Bar, Mr Muldoon was a valued member of the Association.
SERVICE DETAILS
Family and friends of Bevan are invited to attend Funeral Mass in St Stephens Cathedral, 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, on Saturday, 10th May 2025, commencing at 11.30 a.m., followed by burial at Centenary Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St Vincent de Paul Society St Stephens Conference are appreciated.
For livestreaming, please visit kmsmith.com.au
R.I.P Bevan Muldoon Bevan will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
John Quinn 24th February 1939 – 3rd February 2025 Class of 1956
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of their friend and College Old Boy, John Quinn who passed into eternal life on 3rd. February 2025.
John spent his early life growing up in Ross Street, Petrie Terrace then Charteris Street, Paddington. John and Caroline raised their family firstly in Everton Park followed by Gordon Park. Caroline predeceased John in 2019. John is survived by his son John (Junior), daughter Kirbie and their partners and Grandchildren.
School Years
John was educated at Marist College, Rosalie and was first enrolled in Year 4 in 1948. His brother Terry was also educated at the school and was a cohort of the 1962 year. John was a proud “Rosa” Old Boy and involved in many activities from school plays, to being a choir member and playing sport.
John was elated that he was honoured at The Marist Sport’s Day where he was presented a medallion for being a member of The Rosalie “Mighty Midgets” Rugby League Team who were joint premiers. John was educated in the original wooden primary school in Fernberg Road and from 1949 in the new modern brick building that is still standing today. John finished his education at “Rosa 1956. Most likely John’s would have had three College Principals while at the school. First would have been Br. Gilbertus Burgess followed by Br. Regis Daly and finally the legendary Br. Cyprian Dowd who was serving his second term as Head of college.
Work Years
After completing his education at “Rosa” John went to work in the Weather Bureau, later renamed to the Bureau of Meteorology.
During that time, John made a life changing decision that this position did not have a great future for a man raising a family, so he decided to do further study and eventually graduated from University in Accounting, gaining CPA status.
John then joined the Brisbane City Council and attained the important position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In that position John became a senior executive in the council, managing their finances. He was responsible for their financial health. This was a high-ranking financial position reporting directly to the Lord Mayor. John served under several Mayors throughout his 43-year career.
Service Details
Family and friends of John are invited to attend the celebration of John’s life at the following venue: –
Venue: Nudgee Cemetery St. Vincent’s Road NUDGEE
Date: Wednesday 12th February 2025
Time: 10.00am
R.I.P. John Quinn
Richard Rosenstengel: 25th February 1926 – 30th January 2025
Class Cohort Circa. 1947
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of their most senior Old Boy and friend, Richard Rosenstengel who passed into eternal life on 30th. January 2025.
Richard spent his time growing up in Amarina Avenue, Ashgrove and from 1969 resided in West Chermside where he lived with his wife Patricia and raised his two boys, Andrew and Brendan. Richard’s wife Patricia predeceased him in 2014. Richard is survived by his sons Andrew and Brendan, their wives and his four grandchildren. Richard never forgot his Marist roots and his boys were educated at Marcellin College, Enoggera (now Mt. Maria) and one of his grandsons will soon be commencing at Marist College, Ashgrove.
Work Years
After completing his education at “Rosa” Richard went to work in his at his uncle’s furniture manufacturing business in New Farm before joining THE CBA where he stayed for forty years. His uncle was the famous Ed Rosenstengel, who made high-class quality furniture much of it from silky oak. Rosensentengel Furniture is still much sought after and can be quite an expensive collectable. Displayed below is a photograph of the staff working at the furniture factory which might include Richard as a very young man.
School Years
Richard was educated in the original wooden primary school in Fernberg Road (pictured below). Richard finished his education in his later primary years, approximately 1938; This would have been the era following the Great Depression where global unemployment reached the heights of 25% of the work force.
Most likely Richard’s Principal at Rosalie would have been either Brother Osmund Rice, the founding Principal of the college, or the Legendry Br. Cyprian Dowd who served two terms at Rosalie and one at Marist Ashgrove.
Work Years
After completing his education at “Rosa” Richard went to work in his at his uncle’s furniture manufacturing business in New Farm before joining THE CBA where he stayed for forty years. His uncle was the famous Ed Rosenstengel, who made high-class quality furniture much of it from silky oak. Rosensentengel Furniture is still much sought after and can be quite an expensive collectable. Displayed below is a photograph of the staff working at the furniture factory which might include Richard as a very young man.
To view the quality of Rosenstengel Furniture click here.
Marist Rosalie Old Boys
In 2023 Tom Quain an Old boy of Marist College Ashgrove invited Richard to attend a Marist Vintage lunch at the college at Ashgrove.
Richard was quite the celebrity. It was established at that time he was the oldest surviving Marist Old Boy from any Marist School in Queensland.
He was sadly missed from the lunch at the 2024 event and will be in the future. We invited Richard to attend but unfortunately, he did not feel up to it on the day.
Service Details
Family and friends of Richard are invited to attend the celebration of Richard’s life at the following venue: –
Church: St. Gerard Majella 146 Maundrell Terrace WEST CHERMSIDE
Date: Friday 7th. February 2025 Time: 10.30am
R.I.P.
Richard Rosenstengel
Barry Charles Brown: 19 May 1940 - 12 September 2024
Barry Charles Brown of the Senior Year of 1958 left us on 12th September 2024. The funeral was held on Wednesday 25th September.
The Order of Service is attached herewith. It was attended by myself, Brian Hallam and
Michael Victor A.M. from Brownie’s class.
He had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Brownie was a good student and obtained a Fellowship following Senior choosing Dentistry.
Following graduation, the government put him and another fellow who became a great friend, in two railway carriages, one a dental surgery, the other accommodation for the lads. This was an innovation serving to blood the nouveau dentists and to provide dental health to people in outback towns not served by a dentist. It was particularly valuable for bush kids. Later
Brownie became interested in orthodontics and did a Master’s degree in orthodontics which was a new field at the time.
He and his dentist wife Marilyn established practices in Sydney and Albury where they worked exceedingly hard for several years before returning to Brisbane to live in Payne Road at The Gap. They produced four children just one of whom became a dentist. The youngest, Vanessa, first did engineering becoming a coastal engineer working in the shifting sands field and then changed her course and did a PhD in orthodontics. Hec Macdonald was also a coastal engineer.
Academically, Brownie was Dux, but he was an even better sportsman. Peter Dawson was in the year below us, but Brownie was an all-rounder similarly endowed with the ability to excel at anything. He played in the 1st XV and 1st XI for three years making the TAS teams for at least two years in each. He won the 50m freestyle event at the TAS Swimming Carnival at the Valley pool in 1958. He swam all his life. He was a “Wahoo” of the Wahoo Swimming Club. A Wahoo is a striped mackerel that can swim at 80 km/hour. He played B grade tennis only because he was too nice a bloke to challenge for a spot in the As which he surely would have obtained.
Brownie and school captain Mark Lynch both told Brother Cyprian that his Latin course was not for them, under any circumstances whatsoever. Cyp later demoted him from Cadet Under Officer to Private after he and Bernie Kelly were caught smoking in the dunny next to the Q-store. Didn’t worry Brownie. Brownie played A grade rugby for University and at one stage obtained a Qld Red jersey and toured NZ with that side. He resisted well-meant advice from myself that he was a better cricketer than he was a rugger player and should change his sport to the gentleman’s game.
There were too many dental students in the UQ rugger side at the time and he wanted to knock about with them. So, my advice went begging. Even so, Ashgrove’s Bernie Knapp sent this to me on 6th May 2017; it’s an extract from Ashgrove’s magazine “Blue and Gold” of 1958. I think Brownie made his debut on 27th. April 1963 for the Qld. Rugby Team.
Bernie Knapp wrote the following which was printed in Ashgrove’s Blue and Gold as mentioned above.
“Look what I found in the 1958 “Blue and Gold” Report of First XI Cricket…I was surprised to note that Ash were Premiers! Interesting team members included Paff, Barros, Ken Craven and Knapp. There is a most generous reference to a particular game that should interest you and Barry. The last game of the first round proved to be a thriller. Rosalie batted first and were saved by a fine 43 by O’Sullivan. In a bright innings, they made 92. Ashgrove started well but later collapsed under Brown’s accurate bowling. With two runs needed to win, Paul Coote hit a four and went out two balls later with the final score at 96. Please pass this on to BB. See you both soon. Let me know when you both are available“. Bernie
Rest in peace Barry!
Grahame Thomas Purtell - Class of 1963
It is with heavy heart that the Marist Brothers Rosalie Old Boys, advise of the sad passing of a greatly admired and well-liked Old Boy Grahame Purtell – (originally of Bardon) on Thursday 8 August 2024.
Grahame had suffered from the effects of skin cancer. Grahame is survived by his loving wife Pam and their children and grandchildren, and younger brother Brian.
Grahame graduated from Marist Brothers College – Rosalie in the Senior Class of 1963.
He was a fine sportsman who represented the College in the first XV in 1963, playing in the position of Hooker.
Grahame was also a fine Rugby League player with Wests Club. His father Tom Purtell was a long time President of Wests Rugby League Club and the redeveloped Club grounds at Lorward Avenue, Barden, Purtell Park, were named in honour of Tom Purtell.
After graduating from “Rosalie” Grahame joined the Health Department of the Queensland Government. He enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of the Public Service and his intelligence, calm approach and communication skills saw Grahame widely respected and praised from many sectors of Queensland society.
Among Grahame’s greatest friends throughout life were fellow “Old Boys Bardon residents Vic Boudette and Bill Harvey who gave him the nickname of “puddle”.
A life well lived!
Dr. John Gerard Flynn
Late of Algester.
Former MLA Toowoomba North.
Passed away, 27th February 2024. Aged 70 years.
It is with deep sadness The Marist Brother’s Rosalie Old Boys’ Association advise of the passing of fellow Old Boy and friend, John Flynn, late of Algester who passed into eternal life on 27th. February 2024.
John, beloved husband of Kelyn. Adored father and father- in-law to Tom & Hamimah, Julia and Daniel. Poppy to Imran. Loved Brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Pat (d); Michael (d) & Winnie, Darren, Graeme & Jennifer, and families. Brother-in-law and uncle to Marie, Mia, and family.
Early Life
John was born in Brisbane, the son of John Joseph Flynn, a postman, and Kathleen Josephine, née De Hayr. He attended convent school at Rosalie and then Marist Brothers College Rosalie finishing at the College in 1970, before studying at the University of Queensland from 1971 to 1982, receiving a Bachelor of Science (Honours, 1975) and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Honours). He married Kelyn Ann Blanch, a teacher, on 5 January 1975. From 1976 to 1977 he was a biochemistry tutor at the university, and from 1978 to 1982 a part-time analytical biochemist at Royal Brisbane Hospital. In 1983 he was appointed medical officer at the Royal Brisbane and Royal Children’s Hospitals, before becoming a private general practitioner in Toowoomba in 1985.
Service Details
Family and friends of John are invited to attend Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 359 Given Terrace, Paddington, on Thursday, 14th March 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Flying Doctors Service are appreciated.
R.I.P.
JOHN FLYNN