Mary Childe
The district lost an exceptional piano teacher and performer on Thursday with the death of Mary Childe. She died in Brisbane at the age of 88. Born in Brisbane in 1913, Mary Fairbairn Childe contracted polio as an 18-month-old baby, but this did not lessen her love of the piano.
As a young adult she travelled to London to study music and gained renown as a performer, playing for the BBC, and being broadcast by the ABC. But it is as a music teacher that Mary is possibly best remembered, her skills being passed on to her students, many of whom have gone on to achieve international acclaim. A teacher for 63 years, Mary was prominent within the Music Teachers Association of Queensland, the Toowoomba Eisteddfod movement and the Choral Society. She was also an examiner for the Australian Music Examination (AMEB) and maintained a close relationship with the USQ Music Department. Several years ago, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to music and the community. Typically, she said at the time: "It's an overwhelming experience to receive such a prestigious award. "I found in teaching I could make the most contribution because it is a more creative thing." Her funeral will be held at the Federation Chapel of Centenary Memorial Gardens, Wacol Station Road, Sumner, on Wednesday at lpm. Family, friends and former students are invited to attend.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 1st September 2001
With the recent passing of Beatrice "Bartie" Clarke (nee Cameron), the Biddeston district lost one of its oldest residents, and another link with its pioneering past. Bartie's grandparents, William Justin Beauchamp and Elizabeth Patricia Cameron, established their dairy farm "Aughamore" at Biddeston in the late 1890s after a life of some 40 years as graziers in North-West Queensland.
His son, Allan Ewen, later took over the farm, and became a well-known figure in the dairying industry. Bartie, along with her brothers, Jeph and Cecil, and sisters, Betty and Helen, grew up on this farm, where they shared in the hard work that dairying entails - especially during the war years, when her brothers were away with the Australian forces. Bartie's early education was provided by her mother. She went to the East State School for her Scholarship year, and then to Glennie, where she obtained an excellent pass in the 1929 Junior examination. She greatly enjoyed her time at Glennie, and made a number of lifelong friends. She maintained close links with the school, and became a life member of the Old Girls' Association.
In 1946, she met Godfrey (Geff) Clarke, recently discharged from the RAAF, in which he had served as a wireless-air-gunner, flying 105 combat missions against the Japanese in New Guinea. They married at St Thomas's Church in Biddeston on October 17, 1947. For a little over two years they leased a dairy farm on the outskirts of Oakey, and then bought a small farm at Rockmount. They returned to Biddeston in 1954 to take up a 230 acre portion of "Aughamore", from which they made a farm they called "Glade". They ran it as a dairy farm until shortly after the closure of the Biddeston Co-Op Cheese Factory in 1959, and then switched to raising vealers. During the dairying years, their children were born. All the children attended Biddeston State School.
Bartie took an active interest in local affairs and belonged to the CWA. She taught until her last days at the Sunday School, and was also superintendent for a time. She also served as organist, and for some years as church warden. In 1982 she took on the onerous task of secretarial duties for the very successful Biddeston Dairy Festival. One of her great and abiding interests was writing - something she pursued even more actively as her children grew up. She won many competitions for short stories, poetry, essays and articles and for many years wrote children's stories for the NSW School Magazine. Her book A Little Way Out of Town, was published in 1993. In 1976, with her friend Mary Brice, she founded the Range Writers' Group. Starting with six members, the group has grown and developed very successfully, and is now known throughout Australia.
One of Bartie's greatest gifts was her listening ability. To her, every writer and every manuscript was important. Her encouragement and advice has helped many a struggling writer. She is survived by her two sisters, five children, and eight grand-children.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 27 October 1998.
Community farewells outspoken advocate
Born: December 2, 1912
Died: August 31, 2002
It is unlikely that anyone who reads The Chronicle would not have heard of Mr CFS Corner. A devout advocate against corruption in politics and the police, he frequently expressed his views in the media and stood up, without fear, for his beliefs.
Little is known about Chas Corner's early life, because despite his outspokenness, he was an intensely private man. Charles Fenwick Shotton Corner was born in South Shields, England, the son of a butcher, and brother to at least three siblings. At the age of 12 he earned a scholarship to attend a grammar school, but his family was unable to send him due to the financial restraints of the Depression.
Chas worked with interior decorators, showing considerable skills in wood work, glazing, french polishing, wall-papering and painting, and later used these skills to make his own furniture. At 16 Chas migrated to Australia, living in a hostel until employed as a farm worker at Gatton in 1928.
For the following five years Chas did general farming duties, but also participated in bullock-riding competitions at local rodeos. Chas was a talented bullock-rider and had some wins, although the judges once disqualified him when he was the first to ride a bullock sitting backwards without falling off.
He also devoted himself to study, both in order to improve himself and to gain entry to the Queensland Police force, which he did in 1938 after working as a logger at Mt Mistake. Chas's first posting was to Mt Isa, where a large number of American soldiers were posted, and he also served as a detective in Brisbane, Innisfail, and Townsville. During his police service he encountered just about every sort of crime, including cattle rustling, fraud, and murder, and was widely recognised for his investigative skills and high standard of ethics. He was the Inspector and Superintendent of Traffic in Mt Isa, and eventually retired in December 1972 after serving as Inspector in Toowoomba.
Chas continued to fight against corruption in political and police circles even after his retirement, and was regarded by those who knew him as a good friend or a bad enemy who was afraid of nobody. Chas Corner died from cancer in Toowoomba aged 89, and is survived by a daughter Jan, son Len, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Published in “The Chronicle”.
Eric Cuckson
With the death of Mr Eric Cuckson on July 1, 1993, Dalby has lost a citizen whose contribution to the building industry in this town and district spanned 64 years. His dedication to his work was evident in all his undertakings. Even though in failing health, Mr Cuckson was still assisting his son, Noel, until just a few weeks before his death.
Erie Cuckson was born at Sheffield, England, on May 15, 1905, the fifth of eight children. In 1910 his whole family migrated to Australia and settled in Toowoomba, where Eric attended Rangeville State School. On leaving school, his first job was as a shoe repair apprentice, but then his father invited him to join the building trade and became his instructor and mentor. These were the days when builders were required to draw up the plans and specifications for all their clients, and Eric continued to do this for the duration of his building career.
On June 15, 1929 he married Miss Marie Sheriff, and immediately following their marriage the young couple settled in Dalby, where they lived for 32 years at Drayton Street and for 32 years at 15 Geisel Street. Two daughters, Norma and Moya, and a son, Noel, all were born in Dalby. Mr Cuckson was a homeloving person and a devoted husband and father. Though of a retiring nature, he was always amiable and visitors could be assured of a warm welcome by the Cuckson household. Mr Cuckson very much enjoyed travel, and he and Mrs Cuckson visited all states of Australia as well as New Zealand and Fiji. At one time he was a member of the former Napiers Indoor Bowls Club.
During World War II Eric Cuckson was a homebased member of the Camouflage Unit and served at Tipton, Brymaroo, Amberley, Oakey, and the telephone exchange at Dalby. However, it was as a builder that he made his most notable contribution to the town and district. Some of the landmarks which he helped build were St John's Parish Hall, St Thomas's Presbyterian Church, the 4QS radio station, the Friendly Societies Dispensary, and the Spearfeldt Chambers (where Golders is now situated), so named by the owner, former bookmaker Mr Pat O'Donoghue, after one of his favourite horses. During 1946-1953, Eric Cuckson and Mr W.E. (Bill) Rayner formed a builders' partnership. Their first major construction was the homestead at "Dawnie" on the St Ruth Road for Mr Bob Brandt. This was later followed by the homestead at "Nyleta" for Mr George Elborn. Noel Cuckson joined his father in the building trade in 1951, and theirs was a productive and harmonious partnership for 42 years. Though Mr Cuckson officially retired at the age of 70, he enjoyed his work so much that he continued to assist Noel in whatever way he could, right to the time of his final, brief illness.
Eric Cuckson is survived by his wife Marie, daughter Mrs Norma Willis, son Noel, grand-daughter Mrs Joanne Rayner, and three great-grandchildren. Daughter Moya pre-deceased him in 1982. The Rev John Elliot officiated at the funeral service, which was held at St John's Anglican Church, Dalby.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 21st October 1993.
Malcolm COUGHLAN
1911 - 2000
Malcolm Coughlan was born in Singleton, NSW, in 1911, the youngest of five boys. He died at Murwillumbah Nursing Home on January 5, 2000, aged 88. His father, Benjamin Singleton Coughlan, was a great-greatgrandson of William Singleton, a convict who was deported to Australia for a five-year sentence in 1792. William was accompanied by his wife Hannah and son Benjamin, who was then four years old.
Benjamin was in a party that discovered the Hunter River north of Newcastle in 1819. In 1822 he settled in the area known as Patrick Plains. The town of Singleton was established some years later and named after him. Mr Coughlan's mother Minnie, nee Chapman, was a descendant of the Macfaddens who settled in Singleton in the early 1830s. Mr Coughlan was educated at various country schools in NSW and finally at Trinity Grammar School in Sydney. In 1927 he joined the Government Savings Bank of NSW, which amalgamated with the Commonwealth Bank in 1932. Throughout his banking career he served at 12 country branches in NSW, before becoming accountant at Perth in 1959, manager Fremantle in 1960 and manager Toowoomba in 1964. He retired from that position in 1976 and he and his wife Marie decided to live in Toowoomba, having in mind the beauty of the city, its climate and the fact that during their 12 years' stay they had made many friends and formed numerous connections. Mr Coughlan married Marie Tansey in 1939. They lived for eight years in Wollongong where their three daughters Genevieve, Patricia and Elizabeth were born.
Mrs Coughlan died in 1982 after a long illness. She was a member of many organisations, including being a founding member of the Darling Downs Women's Club, and will be long remembered for her willingness to take part in numerous charitable activities such as Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. Mr Coughlan was also keen on community work such as Red Cross, The Heart Foundation, Austcare and Freedom From Hunger. At one stage he was secretary and treasurer of the Toowoomba Rotary Club. He was particularly fond of music. As a singer he won the championships twice at the Wollongong Eisteddfod and also conducted a number of Anglican church choirs. He was a member of The Toowoomba Philharmonic Choir.
His main interest was the Toowoomba Bowls Club, where he was past president and life member. He was a member of the club's council from 1965 to 1998. In 1995 he received awards from the Premier of Queensland and the Toowoomba City Council for voluntary service to the community. His daughter Genevieve Coughlan resides at Banora Point; Patricia Macey and Elizabeth Hemsley live in Perth. There are four grandchildren: Benjamin, Jane, Andrew and Alexandra.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 18 July, 2000
Herbert McLaren CESARI
1926 - 1999
If success was measured in terms of love and respect given and generated, close knit family, friendships made and the results of hard labour, then Herbert McLaren Cesari was very successful. He was born the third child of six to Clara and Frank Cesari, dairy farmers, at Gympie on February 6, 1926. In August 1927, when Herb was a baby, the family left Gympie to settle at "Marlow", Cecil Plains, and continued dairying. As children they all helped in the dairy before going to school - a three-mile walk or horse ride. In 1941 Herb and his brother Syd went to Malboona Station at Longreach to be trained in station management -- they were 16 and 17. Syd later enlisted in the Army while Herb joined the Air Force stationed at Kingaroy. At the end of the war Herb worked for a period at Dunmore Forestry at Cecil Plains. In 1947 he purchased a truck and headed south for Victoria, arriving in Cann River in 1948 where he undertook contract work with the Victorian Country Roads Board. It was here that Herb met the woman he was to marry - Nancy Hodson. His father persuaded him to return home to the property in 1949, as Syd was working on his own in the transition of the farm from dairying to grain farming. The property needed to be completely cleared, fenced and sown, so Herb returned north alone to begin many years of a partnership in mixed farming with his brother Syd. In April 1950 he married Nancy in Cann River, and they returned to "Marlow" together, where Herb had built a home for them. In July the following year their first child, Dianne, was born, followed by four sons -- Ron, Chris, Ian and Brad, then their second daughter, Jo-Anne.
Herb became affectionately known as "Riddle" to his children and their friends. Herb had a gift in his' knowledge of cattle and sheep. While he did the farm butchery there was always room for compassion and the inevitable rescues -- his children persuaded him not to sell a variety of pet sheep -- some 53 in total accrued over the years. There was the feral kitten brought home in his sock, spotted from the tractor struggling across the cultivation on a hot summer's day, and the cow he named Bubbles, rescued from a pen of beasts destined for the meatworks when she licked his arm through the railings -- an act which ensured she lived the life of Reilly thereafter. In 1966 the brothers Herb and Syd were managing "Marlow". In 1968 they purchased "Glenview", 800 acres adjacent to "Marlow" on the Condamine River, to expand their farming and grazing interests. "Werribee", a further 1200 acres behind "Marlow", was purchased in 1985. With Herb's failing health following a stroke in 1994, he began winding down his interests before moving into Cecil Plains township with Nancy in 1997. He led his life to the full -- a devoted family man and hard worker. He indulged his passions of stockwork, socialising and good food. He and Nancy made a formidable team in the kitchen, creating dishes with flair. Herb was a man among men -- generous to the hilt; a Good Shepherd -- concerned for others, especially children. His children will never forget how he brought Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny alive, right down to the manufactured paw prints, sleigh tracks and bell ringing. His heart was in the country and he loved walking barefoot in the rain. Herb ran his race in good spirit with fairness and a quiet wisdom in every stride. His family and friends salute a wonderful man and in celebrating his selfless life, thank God for a rare gift.
Printed in 'The Chronicle", Toowoomba 16 March 1999
Elsie Curlett - a life of challenge and change
Last week long-time Toowoomba resident Mrs Elsie Curlett (1900-1999) passed away at Epworth Nursing Home aged 99. Elsie, wife of the late John Curlett, a Gallipoli veteran, and mother of the late Mrs Patricia Paton, a Toowoomba businesswoman and interior decorator, will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, who also live in Toowoomba, Michael and Simon Paton, and her greatgrandson, Christopher. Mrs Curlett was born in Melbourne on April 4, 1900, the daughter of Mr Samual Pynor, a Children's Court magistrate and the Mayor of Essendon. After her mother's death Elsie took on the role of hostess alongside her father, entertaining the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) and the Governor General (Lord Forster) during the royal visit in 1920, and co-hosting the 1919 and 1920 Melbourne Cups.
John and Elsie Curlett married in 1921 and spent time in Sydney, where they witnessed the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. From there they moved to Cairns, Brisbane and Orange, before settling in Melbourne. John and Elsie Curlett followed their daughter's family to Toowoomba in 1971 for a second retirement, assisting Alan and Patricia at Picnic Point Restaurant and in the upbringing of their sons. Both Michael and Simon describe Mrs Curlett as having "a profound caring and genuine interest in anyone she met, being both extraordinarily positive and charismatic in her outlook. She always saw the good in others and reflected on the positive aspects of life". Vale Elsie Curlett, dearly loved and sadly missed.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 14 April 1999.
Colette Mary COOPER
A woman of remarkable love, loyalty, dignity and faith was how Colette Mary Cooper was described recently at her funeral service at St Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba. Delivering "Words of Love and Memory" during a Mass of Resurrection, her youngest daughter Trish described this core of Colette's being as unshakable and indisputable. Colette's other daughters, Jenny, Chris and Sue, their respective husbands, Michael, David and Rhett, Trish's husband, Colin, and her 11 grandchildren also took part in the service. Grand-daughter Stephanie Colette Peters read "Mumma", a poetic tribute she had written. Five priests, all friends of Colette, led by Father Brian Noonan, from Chinchilla, celebrated the Mass. Colette passed away on June 14 in the Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, following complications after heart surgery. She was born on December 5, 1939, the second of seven children of Ken and Kath White, who lived at Mount Tyson near Toowoomba during the early part of her life. Her deep and passionate Catholic faith had its beginnings when she boarded at Oakey Convent from the age of five and later at Lourdes Hill in Brisbane, where she played the harp. Colette spent 30 years as the devoted wife of farmer George Cooper at Felton East, near Pittsworth, and spent the last six years of her life in Toowoomba. Colette and George were renowned for their commitment to the Pittsworth community and their generous hospitality. Music was essential to her life -- playing it, listening to it, singing it. She shared this love of music with the people of Pittsworth for many years, particularly playing the organ at Mass, weddings and funerals, as well as teaching many children, including her own and her grandchildren.
During the past six years living alone in Toowoomba, Colette renewed interests in swimming, music, Irish history, gardening, cooking and entertaining, and fulfilled a desire to travel with a trip to Britain and Ireland. Colette was also described as a colourful character and a woman of intelligence with a broad knowledge and keen interest in politics, sport and the British royal family. Her funeral service was attended by several hundred and was a fitting tribute to her great loves -- her faith and music. A graveside service followed at Garden of Remembrance, Toowoomba. Colette is survived by her four daughters and sons-in-law, 11 grandchildren, husband, two sisters and three brothers.
Printed in "The Chronicle" Toowoomba, 17th July 2001
"A man as straight as he stood and walked"
William Joseph CRONIN
1913-1999
Bill was born on May 15, 1913, at 196 Herries Street, Toowoomba (then a maternity hospital). He had 86 years of fruitful life, serving his God and his community well. He loved deeply his family and the Australian bush. Bill was reared on a farm at Cabarlah, along with three sisters and three brothers. They all inherited strong physiques; strong religious faith in the Irish tradition; and poets' hearts. After schooling at St Mary's Christian Brothers College in Toowoomba, Bill's strong physique equipped him for his first job, felling pine on the Bunya Mountains. At 21, Bill joined the Queensland Police Service, and he served the force loyally and ably in communities around Queensland for 39 years. Service in Collinsville, Blair Athol, Kilkivan, Nanango, Bundaberg, and Brisbane saw lasting friendships form. The key to Bill's long and happy life was the faithful love he shared with Llllian from 1943 until his death; and he loved dearly his seven children, sons-in-law, 10 grandchildren and the family of Gai and Chau who came to Australia as refugees from Vietnam.
Bill was consistently regarded as one of nature's gentlemen. He won admiration as a policeman who behaved with the same courtesy towards people whether he was in uniform or out of uniform. Friends and colleagues valued Bill's sound judgement and sense of discretion. His tact stemmed from a fundamental respect for people regardless of their circumstances. Colleagues have expressed admiration of Bill's capabilities as a teacher. That skill derived from his ability to see an issue from another's viewpoint, his belief that skills and knowledge are for sharing, and his abhorrence of abuse of power or use of "insider" knowledge for personal advantage.
Officers who served under Bill knew him to be a man of the highest integrity, who led his subordinates accordingly. He practised from his heart what the Fitzgerald Reforms confirmed as doctrine. A younger officer summed Bill up as "a man as straight as he stood and walked". Bill was awarded the Queen's Police Medal. Running parallel to Bill's police career was his life-long love of the land. In 1966 Bill bought his holding at Glencoe, and it was his spiritual well spring until his death. Bill's love of history and admiration for valour are epitomised in his journey, aged 80, to the Burke and Wills Dig Tree out beyond Innamincka -- rough camping with his son John on the banks of Cooper Creek. Bill had long been drawn by the bravery and desperation implicit in the simple, hewn message "Dig"; and the pathos of the split party tragically missing each other by minutes. His thirst for social justice was evident over the decades in his Catholic parish, diocesan and community work: the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Fatima Home for Children (now the Mercy Family Centre) and police-community liaison. As Bill was a modest man, many would not have known of his accomplishments. He had an aptitude for sports including sprint, football, cricket and pole vault. One of the family's favourite photos shows Bill skiing for the first time -- at around the age of 70. An interested conversationalist and a reliable source of a clean joke, Bill could acquit himself well in all circles.
As a father and grandfather Bill modelled the values he sought to impart, being mild-natured; patient and self-disciplined; truthful forgiving and encouraging. Bill had an effect on people, by his deeds and by his unfailing courtesy to all he knew. He showed, by example, how an ordinary man achieves an extraordinary effect- far beyond the simplicity of his actions. In his last years Bill missed the company of his brothers, sisters and friends who predeceased him. Life without vigour and independence became his cross. Sunset on July 23, 1999, saw the end of a classic winter's day; and the end of a great life. Bill was graced with a passing as peaceful as a fading sunset.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 24th August 1999.
Mr Charles Cocks
A Nonagenarian Veteran
Shortly after midnight, and in the first hour of yesterday, there passed peacefully away at his residence on the summit of Barrymount (popularly known as Tick Hill), Mr Charles Cocks, one of the very oldest inhabitants of Toowoomba. Mr Cocks, always a vigorous and influential personality, had attained the remarkable age of 91 years and five months. Born at Hampton, near London, Mr Cocks, with his young wife and two children, left England for Australia in November 1854. They reached Moreton Bay on April 15 of the ensuing year 1855. After engaging in the timber trade around Brisbane and Ipswich, during a couple of years, Mr Cocks came up the range to Toowoomba as long ago as 59 years. Subsequently he established a small sawmill in the vicinity of Glengallan, where he carried on for about 18 months, afterwards returning to Toowoomba, and beginning the businesses so long and so familiarly known as Cocks's sawmill and Cocks's flourmill, near by where the Toowoomba Foundry's now extensive premises are today.
In 1884 Mrs Cocks died and some little time later Mr Cocks retired from active business, disposing of the sawmill to Messrs Filshie, Broadfoot and Company who have since carried on and extended the connection. Mr Cocks also took up areas of land in the Crows Nest district. Pinelands being one of his properties there. He took some interest in all public affairs and was at one time a member of the Toowoomba Town Council. His constitution, like his will, was of iron, and he seldom ailed anything. In fact, until within 14 days of his decease, Mr Cocks was comparatively hale and hearty. He was down town about a fortnight ago, and able to transact business in the city.
Mr Cocks was well known in Southport and district, where he had property. Mr Cocks's son (Mr H.J.Cocks, of Brisbane) has been in Toowoomba for several days. The surviving daughters are Mrs John Palethorpe, Mrs Joseph G. Palethorpe and Miss Cocks, all of Toowoomba. Miss Cocks had been with her father for a number of years. The late Mrs G.H. Knowles, of Ipswich also was a daughter of the late Mr Cocks. There are 13 garndsons and granddaughters. These include such well-known Queenslanders as Messrs E.E. Stanley and Fred Palethorpe, Rev. C.T. Palethorpe, Mr Knowles (of the federal Public Service, Melbourne) and the wives of representative men in the community. The funeral of the late Mr Cocks is announced for 10 o'clock this morning. Messrs T.S. Burstow are directing the cortege. Printed in "The Chronicle" , Toowoomba 2nd June 1916, page 5.
Mr Neville Cooke, the longest-serving teacher at Toowoomba East School, passed away on February 23, following a long battle with cancer. Mr Cooke will be greatly missed, not only by the staff and pupils of the school, but also within the broader Toowoomba community as was evidenced by the number of people who paid their final tribute to him at his funeral held on February 26. Mr Cooke was born on the Darling Downs and received his primary school education at Jondaryan School prior to enrolling at Toowoomba Grammar School in the early 1950s. Following his teacher training, he was appointed to the staff of Toowoomba East Primary School at the start of the 1958 school year. In May 1960 he was appointed to a one-teacher school, Ellengowan (located near Clifton) where he taught until the end of 1962. In January 1963 he recommenced teaching at Toowoomba East School where he taught until his death.
His length of service at the school, over 37 years, may be a record in the State. In that period of time, Mr Cooke directly educated in excess of 1400 pupils, had indirect contact with thousands more and taught parents of many children enrolled in the school. His meticulous attention to detail in all areas of his teaching and life, his individual relationship with his pupils, his high reputation for performance and his genuine love of teaching are personal attributes which will remain indelibly imprinted in the minds of all who knew him. Mr Cooke's involvement in the school community and the broader community will be greatly missed. For several decades he organised primary school tennis fixtures in Toowoomba and accompanied Darling Downs teams to State championships. He had a similar involvement with Valleys Rugby League Club both as a player in the late 1950s and early 1960s and for the last 12 years as team manager. Mr Cooke was a member of the last Toowoomba Grammar School premiership winning side in the GPS competition in 1956. To Neville's wife, Lorna, and daughter Tracey, the school extends their deepest sympathies and condolences upon their loss.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba on 23rd June 1998
Lilian CURNUCK
Born - September 4, 1916
Died - February 26, 2002
Lilian Curnuck had a tough life. Driven by her love of the church and her family, she persevered through hardships many others would have found unbearable.
Born in Adelaide, Lilian Annie Elizabeth was the second of five children to Samuel and Vera (nee Rodgers) Curnuck. When she was a young girl, her father worked for Sir Sydney Kidman, Australia's cattle king and largest landholder, and home was nothing more than a tent and a tarpaulin. She rode horses or camels to school, but home responsibilities ended her education at age 14.
When she was 16, Lilian lost her mother and took on the role of raising her younger siblings, including a 10 week-old baby, while her father and older brother worked. She became close to Harold Curnuck and the pair married in May, 1935.
Settling into farming life in South Australia, Harold and Lilian had 10 children in 21 years. Lilian raised her children in the Seventh Day Adventist faith, battling health problems, being actively involved in the running of the farms and bottling her own fruit. Lilian would offer a home to other families in need. It was not uncommon for her to be feeding a household of 23 people for more than a year. She was involved with her children's school and church activities, and organised Sabbath School and church services in her home. Despite problems in her marriage, Lilian continued to work hard with her husband. They ran four properties in South Australia before settling in Murray Bridge and purchasing several shop holdings. Lilian helped with the buying and administration of these businesses, and managed to build up a small stud herd as a sideline. In 1963, Lilian and Harold separated, and she moved her family to New South Wales. Living at times on less than $10 per week, supplemented by what she could earn through cleaning or party plan selling, Lilian inspired her children with her work ethic, faith and determination. Lilian always shared what she did have with those in need, helping family and friends without complaint. When her youngest child married in 1975, Lilian was on her own, and spent much of her time travelling to spend time near her children and grandchildren. In the early 1980s, she settled in Bundaberg, frequently visiting her daughter in Toowoomba. Lilian loved literature and wrote many poems, which she compiled in a book. Her children have fond memories of plays she would stage in their home with the script coming from Lilian's memory, and the roles carefully memorised and rehearsed. Just before she turned 80, Lilian suffered a stroke, requiring full-time care by her family in Toowoomba. She enjoyed having the Bible read to her, along with stories of pioneering missionaries. Lilian died in Toowoomba aged 85. She is survived by eight of her 10 children, 43 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Published in “The Chronicle.” Toowoomba, March 16, 2002.
RUTH CRACKNELL
Tributes flow for "Dame Ruth"
SYDNEY: Friends and colleagues of Ruth Cracknell yesterday paid tribute to her strength, kindness and sense of humour. Cracknell died from a respiratory illness in a Sydney nursing home overnight Monday, aged 76.
Australia's acting community yesterday remembered a woman who was down-to-earth but powerful; a great actor who was also downright funny. The creator of Mother and Son, which imbedded Ruth Cracknell in the minds of millions of Australians, described her as Australia's greatest comedian.
Geoffrey Atherden, writer of the long-running comedy hit, said Cracknell had a great gift for comedy that few others possessed. "I think we've lost someone who gave us a huge amount of joy," he told ABC radio. "I think she was probably our greatest comedian. "She just had that touch to be able to not only know where comedy is but to be able to bring it out and that really is a gift." Mother and Son co-star Garry McDonald said the actor's death was a release from suffering. McDonald, who played Cracknell's on-screen son Arthur, said he had known for a long time her death was inevitable. "It's a kind of blessed relief because it was dreadfully, dreadfully hard for her, it was a very difficult death," he told the John Laws radio show. "She was such a strong and fabulous woman... and to see her go like that was absolutely heartbreaking."
McDonald said he had learnt a lot about comedy from working with Cracknell and said the secret of her professional success was love. "She absolutely adored the business, she adored the spoken word and she also, of course, adored literature," he said. Henri Szeps, who played Robbie, Cracknell's "other" son on the show, said her death had left a gap that could never be filled. Szeps said while his former costar Gary McDonald had seen Cracknell in the week leading up to her death, he had not. "Gary saw her once and it was just heartbreaking because she's such a strong image, she's such a strong woman, she's indestructible, 'Dame Ruth'," he told ABC radio, referring to one of her many nicknames. "She's gone and it's just left this enormous gap. There's nobody like her." He said Cracknell would be remembered for her down-to-earth approach to her work and her brilliance on the stage and screen.
The senile but ever-loveable Maggie Beare forged an intensely comic relationship with her middleaged son Arthur, played by Garry McDonald, when he moved back home to care for her after his divorce. With support from Henri Szeps as Arthur' s too clever brother Robert and Judy Morris as his wife, Mother and Son was one of the most popular shows of the 1980s.
But to remember Cracknell for just one television program which ran from 1983-93 would do her a great injustice. Her acting career in film, television and theatre spanned more than 50 years. She had four honorary doctorates and Australia's National Trust recently named her on its list of 100 Living National Treasures. Born at Maitland in the NSW Hunter region on July 6, 1925, Ruth Winifred Cracknell discovered a love of the limelight in her first amateur stage production when she was just two years old. Moving to Sydney with her family as a young child, Cracknell was educated at North Sydney Girls High Schbol and was a high-ranking student. At the age of 20 she joined a Shakespearean company in Sydney and began a professional radio career: seven years later she took her talent to England to work for the BBC. The death of her brother-in-law in a plane crash in Singapore in 1954 compelled Cracknell to reunite with her family in Australia. The tragedy also re-united her with her future husband, Eric Phillips: the two had met while sailing to England in 1952, but the sparks did not fly. Phillips, an electrical engineer, also returned to Australia in 1954 and his ship docked next to Cracknell's in Sydney. He noticed her name on the neighbouring boat's passenger list and left her a note; the following year, he was doing the lighting for a production of The Duenna at the Phillip Street Theatre, in which Cracknell was starring. They were married in 1957, brought up three children -- Anna, Jonathan and Jane -- and were together for 42 years.
During a holiday in Venice in 1998, Phillips took ill and died back in Australia three months later, which Cracknell paid tribute to in her memoir Journey From Venice.
Despite being deeply affected by the death, Cracknell returned to the stage, making her last appearance in the Sydney Theatre Company production Salt.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 15th May 2002.
Nev a pioneer in timber and building industries
Born: September 10, 1928
Died: March 17, 2002
Queensland timber company proprietor Nev Collins will be remembered as an industry pioneer, who was passionate about his business and the communities it served. A shrewd businessman, he championed the sector's sustainable growth and maximised the economic returns to the remote and rural towns where the timber was harvested. Born on his parents' farm at Muldo, Neville Keith was the second eldest of seven children of Alfred and Beatrice (nee Reinke) Collins. Nev attended local schools until the age of 13, when he started travelling to Oakey with his father to cut firewood for the Air Force. Displaying an enterprising streak from a young age, Nev was only 17 when he purchased his first business with his father and brother, the Oakey Sawmill. After five years, he sold the mill, and moved to Toowoomba, where he started in the building industry.
His first foray into this business was quite humble -- a service station on the corner of Long and Ruthven streets -- but soon grew to the point where in the 60s and 70s, he was building houses for the Queensland Housing Commission all over the State. At any given time during these years, NK Industries would have 150 houses under construction, with a completion rate of one house every 21/2 days. Often during the early days, the business would sail fairly close to the wind, but no matter how difficult things became, employee wages were always paid on time and in full. Life was busy for Nev as the business grew and prospered, but he always found the time for his wife Valma (nee Chant), who he married in 1951, and his two children, Judith and Donald.
In the late 1980s, Nev (now better known as NK) decided to retire from the building game, and concentrate on supplying timber to the building industry. This decision heralded the expansion of his sawmilling interests, initially at Kogan, Kumbarilla, and Condamine, with Nev upgrading existing mills, purchasing forestry licenses, and building new mills. Based in Toowoomba, NK Collins eventually grew to operate mills in Augathella, Dulacca, Surat, Roma, Mungallala, Mitchell, and Tambo, all of which, excepting Dulacca, process cypress pine, a native timber grown extensively in south-west Queensland. Cypress pine has natural resistance to termites, and is highly sought after on the Australian and international markets. Nev was advised that profits would be greater if his interests were centralised, and that the small mills throughout Queensland should be replaced by a large one in Toowoomba. Realising the impact of such a decision on employment in many of these small centres, Nev acted against this recommendation, maintaining support for these communities. When the Tambo mill was opened in 2001, it created more than 20 new jobs, and increased the town's population by 60 members.
Nev Collins worked hard for his place as a respected leader in the timber industry, and his business will remain a legacy to his innovation and passion. "The Fearless Leader" as he was known to his staff, was aged 73 when he died on his property "Anduramba", north of Crows Nest. He is survived by his wife Val, his two children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 30th March 2002.
POW saved by 'Weary' Dunlop
Born: January 10, 1918
Died: May 1, 2002
Charles Collins' experiences in World War II would be envied by nobody. A prisoner in the notorious Changi prison, and forced to work on the infamous Burma Railroad, Charles was lucky to return alive to Australia, his life having being saved by war-time hero, "Weary" Dunlop. One of seven children to Albert and Lily (nee Aitken) Collins, Charles Neil was raised on the family property "Bullecourt", in western Queensland. Known fondly as "Charlie" or "Bruiser" to family and friends, Charles had a happy childhood, unencumbered by a great deal of formal education. In 1934, following the death of his father, Charles and his family sold the property and moved to Charleville to live.
Charles enlisted in the Australian Infantry Forces in March 1941, and was posted immediately to Singapore. Following the fall of Singapore early in 1942, Charles was taken prisoner by the Japanese, and imprisoned in Changi. He rarely spoke of the horrors and atrocities he suffered or witnessed during these years, even though he was involved in building the Burma Railroad, acknowledged as one of the most brutal experiences for prisoners of war. Fellow prisoners who were with Charles at this time recount his narrow escape from death at the hands of a Japanese soldier. Following an altercation with the guard, who apparently did not take kindly to the expression on his face, Charles was beaten over the head with a shovel. While unconscious, he was stabbed with a bayonet, and left on the ground for dead.
Later that night, his friends risked severe punishment to retrieve the body of their mate, and give him a decent burial. To their surprise, they heard a moan, and carried him back to the huts to see what help they could give him. Luckily for Charles, renowned war-time surgeon Edward "Weary" Dunlop was in camp at that time, and was able to save his life.
At the end of World War II, Charles was discharged from the AIF, and returned to Australia. He settled in Charleville to be close to family, although his mother had died during his time in Changi Prison. Living with older brother Mick, Charles worked as a station hand until his retirement in his mid-60s. Charles was fortunate that his war-time experiences left him few physical scars, but he, along with many other veterans, carried injuries that ran more deeply. Keeping in touch with others who had shared in war service was important to Charles, as was maintaining the tradition of Anzac Day ceremonies. He also attended a Prisoner of War reunion held in Sydney in 1981.
Charles spent his retirement travelling and spending time with his many relatives. Although he never married, he had a close relationship with nieces and nephews, and spent much of his time living in Toowoomba during these years. In 1989, ill health required that Charles move to the Charleville Nursing Home, and it was here that he died, aged 84, earlier this month. He is survived by his brother Alex, and sister Ruby; and is remembered by his many friends and relatives as a man who enjoyed a good joke, a yarn, and a couple of quiet ones to remember times past.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 16th May 2002
Anne in a league of her own
Born: January 4, 1923
Died: April 4, 2002
Nobody in AFL circles in Toowoomba would have dared challenge Anne Child for her role of game timekeeper. Siren sounder and first lady of both the Coolaroo and Darling Downs teams for more than 28 years, Anne was renowned within the sport both for her commitment and up-front approach to life. Born in Toowoomba, Annie Macfarlane Kenyon (always called Anne) was the eldest of four children to Arthur and Christina (nee Drummond). She attended primary school at the East Toowoomba State School, before completing one year at The Glennie School. Anne then studied at the Technical College in Margaret Street.
Anne worked and trained as an assistant in a photographic business, doing colour "touch-ups", before meeting and marrying Sidney Everard Child in 1942. Sidney was stationed with the Air Force in Toowoomba when he and Anne met, and following their marriage, they relocated to Bayside Hampton in Melbourne. Victoria was home to the Childs and their five children, Anne, Christopher, Peter, Stephen, and Joanne, until Sidney's death in 1966. When youngest son Stephen moved to Toowoomba to escape the rat race, Anne was quick to follow in 1971. This move brought her close to relatives and children who had settled here and in Brisbane. Stephen began playing for the Coolaroo AFL Club in 1971, a club which had been formed in the early 1970s as the first club in the Darling Downs Australian Football League. All three of Anne's sons played for this team in its early years, the Child family becoming one of the driving forces of the navy blues from the inception.
Chris Child was coach of the team in the 1973-74 seasons, and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the club's first premiership win in 1975, while brother Peter coached the reserve side, and sister Joanne was a familiar face around the grounds for many years as she helped her mother. Anne became involved in the sport after watching her sons play, and became official club timekeeper in 1971. Her accuracy and reliability led her to be offered the role of official DDAFL timekeeper at representative level for many years. While jealously guarding her siren, Anne also took on responsibility as club secretary, club delegate to DDAFL meetings, and was elected to head the Roos' administration as president in the club's anniversary year of 1994. Her services to the club and league were acknowledged with life membership to Coolaroo in 1979, and the DDAFL in 1980.
Football and her children were Anne's life, and she remained actively involved in both until retiring to Brisbane in the late 1990s to live near her daughters. Anne Child was aged 79 when she died in Brisbane. She is survived by eight of her nine grandchildren, and all five of her children.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 6th July, 2002.
Young cowboy lived and breathed rodeo
Born: August 5, 1983
Died: May 16, 2002
James William Cross lived for weekends. For this 18-year-old there was nothing better in the world than the rodeo, surrounded by the horses, bulls, and friends he loved so much.
James grew up in Wellcamp, the youngest child of Margaret and George, and brother to Tricia, Sharon, Lisa, Michelle and Sue.
He attended Drayton Preschool and Darling Heights and Wellcamp State Primary schools, before going on to Harristown State High School. From an early age James displayed an obvious talent for horse riding, winning his first pony club ribbon as a two-year-old. At high school he chose dressage for sport, honing his balance and style for a future career in rodeo. School holidays were always fun for James, spending them on the properties of friends learning to drive tractors, fencing, mustering, and droving.
When he turned 12 James began competing in campdrafts, excelling in juvenile drafts. He also got a taste of competing and showing cattle when his parents bought him his first Murray Grey Stud cow and calf for his 12th birthday. At the age of 15 James happily put away his school books forever and headed to the Emerald Pastoral College to study horse management. After a year James put his knowledge to good use, working on properties in Central Queensland and Chinchilla, and a stint with the AA Company in the Northern Territory. When not working, James helped his father at his thoroughbred training complex at Wellcamp. James' final job was at Washpool Lodge, where he worked with racehorses, assisting with breaking and pre-training thoroughbreds. He really felt he had found his niche in this role.
Weekends were spent at rodeos whenever possible. His love of rodeo had begun when he was eight, having his first paddy ride, then progressing to steer and junior bulls. By the time he was 18 James had achieved great success in this field, travelling all over Queensland and Northern New South Wales to compete. His dream was to become a champion bull rider, and his most recent win at the Killarney Show in the Open Bull ride category indicated he was well on the way to fulfilling that dream. This young cowboy, who lived and breathed rodeo, had many friends who shared his passion. Known on the circuit as "Crossy", James is remembered as a young man who lived life to the full and had as much fun as he could along the way. When he died in a car accident outside Boonah in May, his mates held their own memorial for him at the Gympie Rodeo.
The bull James had drawn to ride was renamed "Southern Cross".
Published in “The Chronicle”, 25th July, 2002.
Music man a real battler
Born: May 20, 1947
Died: July 15, 2002
There wasn't much in the way of music that Denis Connelly couldn't lay his hands on. Known locally as the man who could find old records, obscure sheet music, or rare recordings, his store “Down Memory Lane” became an icon of sorts for music lovers. Born in Katoomba, NSW, Denis was the only child of Ruby and Herbert Connelly. He attended local schools both there and in Melbourne, and as a teenager he earned a reputation for his snappy dressing during the rock'n'roll era. Denis's love of music, cars, trucks, markets and people shaped his life, and this tall man was rarely forgotten by the many people he encountered during his lifetime. For many years he worked as a truck driver and in the earthmoving business in many parts of Queensland, Western Australia, and King Island, and he is remembered as something of a hell-raiser. Following the birth of his son Shane in 1979, Denis toned down his lifestyle, but still enjoyed dancing and country-and-western music. He was very unlucky in love throughout his life, with several failed relationships and the death of Shane's mother Gail. Denis raised his son alone, battling significant health problems including a kidney transplant, arthritis, diabetes, and a heart attack. Nothing slowed him down however, or dimmed his energy for life or his insatiable curiosity. Furiously independent, Denis went into business for himself, starting at the markets as a seller of bric-a-brac and music. His knowledge of music, and ability to acquire rare pieces soon required a bigger premises, and he opened “Down Memory Lane” in Alderley Street. Although the shop ultimately had four different locations, Denis enjoyed success, and more importantly to him, regular clientele who appreciated his efforts and talent. One of the pleasures he gained from his business success was the ability to donate money and music to radio station 4DDB. As he got older, Denis' girth started to match his mirth, and he earned the nickname "Buddha" from his son. It was a fitting title, as Denis enjoyed imparting his opinions and knowledge with sage-like superiority. Denis Connelly died in Bundaberg aged 55, and is survived by his son Shane.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, 17th August 2002.
Jim a larger than life character
Born: December 7, 1921
Died: February 21, 2003
Jim Coburn was well-known in the Toowoomba community, an Irishman whose life was celebrated with a wake at the Irish Club the likes of which is rarely seen. He was a larger-than-life character who loved his family, food, drink, conversation and friendship. Born in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland, James Augustine Coburn was one of six children to Elizabeth and James senior, a member of the fledgling Irish Republican Parliament, the Dahl Erin. James grew up in a country in which civil strife was part and parcel of daily existence, and this shaped his outlook on life to a great degree.
Becoming a boarder at the Marist College following the death of his mother, James was a talented sportsman, playing Gaelic football with the Young Islanders. He was also a good singer and enjoyed taking part in pantomimes and musicals in the town. James completed his National Service in the Irish Air Force during the war. He then served his time as a carpenter and joiner and became a builder in Dundalk. During this time, his love for a colleen by the name of Mary DeVoy was blossoming. She was the epitome of everything fabulous to James -- raven-haired, dark-eyed, beautiful, champion of all Ireland in Celtic Dance, and hard to get. They had been good friends since he was 14 and Mary 12, and after a suitably protracted courtship they married in September 1949. Some time later, James felt the wanderlust and went to the other side of the earth to scout out prospects. He worked on Australian Government projects in Port Moresby, Lae, and Manus Island in New Guinea and later he constructed houses and shearing sheds in Taroom, Hungerford, and Bourke. During this time his dad died in Ireland and he called for Mary to settle in Australia, the family eventually making Brisbane their home.
James worked on the docks of AUSN near Customs House refitting the big grain ships. He often brought home some lonely Irishman or fellow workmate for dinner. At the same time, James was avidly anti-communist and fought many a real and verbal battle on the docks in defence of his church and his politics. James eventually took up work as a rep for building companies and earned great respect for his integrity, engaging manner, his intellect and work ethic. James also had a long association with Easts Rugby Club due to one of his son's footballing talents. Following retirement, James and Mary settled in Toowoomba and he took on a new role – as the man behind the bar at the Irish Club. It is a job he loved doing for 13 years, meeting many people and making many good friends. It was cancer that claimed his life aged 81, but right up until the end he enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his grandchildren and making those around him laugh. He is survived by his wife Mary, siblings Alice, George, Maureen, Tom and Paddy, children Niall, Brendan and James, and six grand-children.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba March 14th, 2003.
DAVID CURTIS
David a passionate champion for justice
By Nicola McDougall
nicolam@thechronicle.com.au
WHETHER he was advocating on behalf of people with disabilities, or throwing his support behind the proposal for an Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre, David Curtis was always passionate. He was passionate about reconciliation, about social justice, and about unity. David wore this heart on his sleeve, and the social justice community of Toowoomba is the better for it.
David grew up in country Albury before being sent to Melbourne’s Scotch College at 11, an experience he labelled “like a foreign country - all far too English for me”. He completed a law degree and began working at a Collins Street law firm before his divorce in the 1970s and a desire for sell-discovery saw him leave Australia for Vanuatu. It was there, he said, that he acquired a “thirst for indigenous culture”. Back in Australia four years later, David met an Aboriginal elder who would leave a lasting impression on him. Friend Stephen Hagan said the development of David’s consciousness and fascination with indigenous culture was linked to this meeting.
“David was first ‘connected’ to Australian Aboriginal spirituality when involved in the management of Mount House Station in the Kimberley,” he said. “He was appalled at the attitudes to, and treatment of, Aborigines. “It was his impression that the lot of the first Australians at that time and place was comparable to the worst images of the treatment of Afro-Americans in the deep south of America,” Stephen said. “He was fortunate to meet truly ‘one of nature’s gentlemen’ - a traditional owner of the Mount House lands and a senior elder - Mr Don Bradman. Don Bradman of the Kimberley first raised his awareness of the beauty and the mysteries of the indigenous spiritual connection to Mother Earth.”
During David’s years on the Darling Downs he worked as a solicitor for the Goolburri Land Council, welfare officer at USQ and a regional disability advocate at Lifeline and the Toowoomba Community Legal Service. David lamented to this writer just before his death that he was sick of saying the same thing. People were listening, David, and your passing leaves a gaping hole in the social justice fabric of this community. More than 500 people attended David’s funeral service at St Anthony’s Church, Toowoomba, yesterday.
Published in “The Toowoomba Chronicle” 7th February, 2004.
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