FOUNDING Hilliard State School principal Bernard “Bernie” O’Brien has died aged 73, remembered as a warm, thoughtful educator who made people feel they belonged.
Mr O’Brien led the school from 1991 until his retirement in 2008, earning deep respect for his kindness, humanity and progressive values.
He died from cancer on October 15 in Stanthorpe, where he and wife Elise had moved nine years ago.
Before taking on the founding principal’s role at Hilliard, Mr O’Brien completed country service with the Education Department and was principal of Dunwich State Primary School.
Daughter Ianthe Russell, of Wynnum, said her father was a person who would help anyone in need.
“He was funny, thoughtful, warm, progressive. He was just a good person,” Ms Russell said.
“You always felt welcome if he was in the room – like you belonged.”
She said he was a man without pretension, who loved a laugh and could spin a tall tale.
“Dad wasn’t into frills. He was a real person – simple and classy, a man who could tell tall stories and have a laugh and a great time,” she said.
“He was also into the rights of people – Aboriginal rights and women’s rights.”
The family’s commitment to education and community extended beyond Mr O’Brien’s work.
Mrs O’Brien worked as a vice principal at Birkdale and teacher at Thornlands and Victoria Point State primary schools while the couple lived in the Redlands.
“Wherever they lived, they were active with and for the community,” Ms Russell said.
“While they lived at Straddie, they did Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club. Dad had less time as a founding principal, but they attended St Anthony’s church and Mum was involved in Mates Theatre company.”
Mr O’Brien was the third of 13 children and is survived by all 12 siblings, his wife Elise, children Ianthe Russell and Wynnum poet Damen O’Brien, and three grandsons.
His funeral will be held at the International Club, Stanthorpe, at 2pm on Thursday, October 22.
