Elsie Dalziel
1907-1999
Elsie Dalziel, who died on September 5, was widow of Henry (Harry) Dalziel, a Victoria Cross winner from WWI. (Photos of both were included). Born at Glencoe on March 4, 1907, to Christiana Kanowski and Charlie Voll, Elsie spent her young years on the family farms at Glencoe and Kingsthorpe. She attended both Glencoe and Kingsthorpe schools, speaking only German when she began school. Elsie helped her mother with farm work upon leaving school. Afterwards, she began nursing at Mylo, where she met her future husband, whom she nursed in the hospital. It is said that she always had her head in a medical book at the time. Elsie and Harry married on December 15, 1935. As Harry was wounded in the head in WW1, Elsie spent the 34 years of their marriage, until his death on July 24, 1965, in caring for him. They raised their three children -- David, Ann (Salisbury) and Frank in Oxley, Brisbane. In Brisbane, Elsie spent 15 years working for Meals On Wheels, and was a member of Legacy and War Widows. Her interests included crochet and tatting, and she was an avid reader and gardener. Elsie survived more than her share of health problems, including cancer, a broken pelvis and a broken hip. She is remembered by her family -- Davis and Sandra, Ann (Salisbury) and John, Frank and Di, grandchildren Lisa and Neff, Nick, John, Aaron and Lisa, Stuart, Iain, Nathan, Megan, Dan, Jacky and Beth, her two little great-grandsons, Jordan and Bailey and her "sister" Matilda Deuble. Elsie was cremated on Thursday, September 9.
Printed in "The Chronicle," Toowoomba, September 1999
Kevin Alexander 'George' Dixon
1936-1999
A former gun shearer, publican and taxi driver known throughout southern and western Queensland has been farewelled by more than 150 friends and relatives at St Michael's Catholic Church Caboolture. Kevin Alexander "George" Dixon was born in Mitchell on February 3, 1936 and died in Brisbane on May 28, 1999, aged 63. George came to prominence as a shearers' representative for the Australian Labor Party where, armed with his fine debating skills, he won many privileges for shearers which still remain today. To his great credit, George's compassion and understanding of others' points of view was unique in his character. He was known for his honest judgment, warmth, gentleness and the love of his colleagues. George achieved such respect for his shearing ability that he never sought work, but was invited back each year by graziers in Queensland and NSW. He came from a family of well respected shearers with both his father Nicholas (Jim) and brother Jim in the industry. George and his wire, Marg, owned The Australian Hotel in Winton from 1973-83, which he bought with the winnings of a racing bet and while he was awaiting approval for a loan for the business. When he sold The Australian Hotel, George bought a Redcliffe taxi licence and served as a company director for five years. He resigned from the board on May 10, 1999, owing to ill health. He passed away just 18 days later. He was also an active gardener and golfer. George is survived by his wife, daughters Jillene, Debbie and Darlene, and brother Jim.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 18th August 1999.
Father John Dempsey
1916 - 2001
Father John Dempsey is best remembered throughout Toowoomba for his work as a teacher at Downlands College for many years, a job he carried out with determination, faith, and deep appreciation for education. When Father Dempsey died in November 1, it was the end of an extremely busy and fruitful 85 years, in which he had touched the lives of many people in his role as priest, teacher, and missionary. Father Dempsey never forgot anything, and had an amazing capacity for facts and detail. A direct descendant Of Cleopatra, he was always grateful to the Germans for their first zeppelin bombing raid over England in World War I. The bombs brought on a premature delivery, which ensured baby John Cornelius was born on 31 March 1916, instead of April Fool's Day. John's father received a war wound during these years, and was required to move to a warmer climate. The family moved to Queensland in 1921, and eventually settled in Brisbane, becoming closely involved in church affairs. Father Dempsey began his schooling at Terrace, remaining there nine years. He loved study and sport, and developed a determination to always try his hardest and come out on top -- a philosophy which shaped his whole life. After completing school John decided he wanted to become a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. He was ordained in Melbourne, and started teaching in preparation for work in New Guinea following the cessation of hostilities in the Pacific. Missionaries of the Sacred Heart had been working in Papua and New Guinea from 1884, and nothing had been heard from those missionaries during World War II. Father Dempsey job was to find out what had happened, assist any surviving missionaries, and begin missionary work again. In Rabaul Father Dempsey received his first major job as a priest -- educating the local people. This project involved the completion of studies for the priesthood for some individuals, training teachers to run primary schools and act as catechists, and establishing secondary schools for young local boys. There was some opposition to the latter project, with many believing these children were just not capable of achieving such a high level of education. Father Dempsey held a different view, and pleaded with the Bishop to let him trial the project. At the end of three months the Bishop visited the school, and declared that the boys were able to speak English better than he himself. While this guaranteed the survival of the school, it was perhaps a backhanded compliment, considering the Bishop was a Dutchman. Father Dempsey's school in Vuvu was the first of its kind for native boys in PNG, and it was run as a community within itself. Teachers were people of tribal authority, and the children were trained to be the leaders of the future, learning about government and civil leadership. When PNG attained self- government, both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition had been taught by Father Dempsey. He eventually took on the additional role of the Inspector of Schools, a huge task, as Rabaul Catholic schools had more students enrolled than any diocese in Australia except Sydney and Melbourne. In 1950 Father Dempsey moved to the Papuan part of the country, in Sideaia, to again set up a secondary school, a teacher training establishment, and the beginning of a seminary. He also became involved in negotiations regarding the future of schools in this country, part of a larger drive towards self-government and independence. Following a holiday in Australia in 1960, Father Dempsey was appointed to a teaching role at Chevalier for two years, before establishing his third school at Daramalan in Canberra. Father Dempsey displayed an exceptional ability to work with people in the parishes and the government, and to obtain assistance beyond all expectation. At one stage it is estimated he attended 32 committee meetings a month, and the people at Daramalan still talk about the tremendous impact he had upon the school. When he was aged almost 60, Father Dempsey was transferred to Downlands College in Toowoomba, where he taught until 1996. He is fondly remembered both for his skills as a barber, and for his tremendous artwork. At Daramalan he had painted large religious pictures to adorn the walls of the school, a pursuit he continued at Downlands, Father Dempsey also designed lead-lights, and painted numerous portraits and other items. Father Dempsey's earlier work in PNG brought forward a task to fill his time in retirement after teaching. A catechist, Peter ToRot, had been killed by the Japanese during the war in PNG for spreading the faith. The argument was put to the church that Peter ToRot be rated as a martyr, and be made a saint. Father Dempsey went to Rome to undertake the research necessary for this decision to be reached, and proved instrumental in achieving the beatification of Peter ToRot by the Pope. Father Dempsey was proud to be in Port Moresby to witness this event. Towards the end of his life Father Dempsey gained great enjoyment from his artwork and his garden, winning a prize each year in the Carnival of Flowers. While he never sought the limelight during his life time, Father Dempsey's achievments and faith impacted upon the lives of many.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba November 28, 2001
Bill DANN
Racing devotee remembered
Bill Dann leaves his mark, Darling Downs industry
By GLEN McCULLOUGH
Nobody can say for certain what lured Bill Dann to the Sport of Kings. But for whatever reason he chose to follow his calling, Darling Downs racing is richer for his decision. William Frederick Charles Dann died in Toowoomba earlier this month following a long illness, but not before leaving his mark on the industry and the sport he served as both a successful participant and long-time supporter. Born on December 6, 1929 at Maroubra in Sydney, Dann was the son of Welsh immigrant parents who had no background in thoroughbreds.
Bill soon became a Queenslander when his family moved, first to Goodna, before his father received a job transfer to Toowoomba. Significantly, the Danns settled in Holberton Street close to a spelling paddock frequented by champion Oakey galloper Bernborough. After leaving school with a good education, Bill chose racing as a career and became apprenticed to prominent Toowoomba trainer Hiram Philp. Dann's venture into the saddle proved a success, outriding his junior allowance before completing his apprenticeship. His career included a strong association with prolific winner Weetwood which was prepared by Bill's long-time mate Amby Atkins.
"Bill and Amby were very close." Amby's brother Jim said this week. "He also rode for, he was a great fellow. "Bill did his apprenticeship with Jimmy Denman, and they became great mates as well." Dann tasted moderate success as a senior jockey before increasing weight forced him from competitive riding. His association with racing did not end however, and a career highpoint followed when he accompanied Basha Felika to Melbourne for his 1951 Caulfield Cup victory. Bill maintained Basha Felika also should have won the Melbourne Cup for trainer Jack Coonan two weeks later instead of finishing an unlucky fourth. But in hindsight Bill would have been happy just to have arrived in Melbourne for the Cups that year in one piece. Dann's son John, a current successful Toowoomba trainer, this week related the story. "The plane trip to Melbourne by all accounts was the first time a horse was flown interstate from Queensland," John said. "And as dad stepped on to the plane he was given a gun and told if the horse played up he was to shoot it on the spot."
"You could imagine the things that must have gone through his mind and what could have gone wrong, but thankfully everything went okay." Bill eventually became a pay clerk at Toowoomba' Baillie Henderson Hospital, but his involvement in racing never ended. "He continued to be a keen race-goer and did penciling for bookies including a stint he had with Neville Stewart when he dabbled in bookmaking many years ago," John said. Bill continued his hands-on involvement with John's horses up until his passing on February 5. Bill is survived by children Ronald, Deborah, Shauna, Bronwyn, Helen, John, Mark, Paul, Peter and 12 grandchildren.
"His love of horses always remained, and he adored Harvey's Report which John had a lot of success with a few years ago," Helen said. "We were all born in Glenvale Road, and all the boys have been involved with racing to some degree as owners, breeding or training," Mark said. Toowoomba trainer Richie Stephenson remembers his 40-year friendship with Dann struck when Bill travelled during his holidays with contractor Charlie Green to shearing sheds where Stephenson worked around the Surat area. "Then when I shifted to Toowootuba in 1969 I had a truck driving job at Baillie Henderson, and had a lot of dealings with Bill with horses. "He was a great fellow and had a genuine love of racing.
"I don't know too many people that wouldn't have a good word for Bill." Dann was honoured by the Toowoomba Turf Club two weeks ago when jockeys riding at Clifford Park wore black armbands in memory of him. Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, Februarv 23, 2002
BARBARA DONOHUE
Telephone, teapot tools of the trade
Worked with handicapped adults, farmer
Born: May 29, 1921
Died: January 3, 2002
Barbara Donohue led two distinct lives -- one as the hardworkng wife and mother of a farming family; the other as an advocate for the rights of handicapped adults.
In both of these roles she was successful and highly regarded by many members of the community. Born in Rockmount, near Helidon, Mary Barbara was the sixth and youngest child of Maurice and Ellen Dwyer (nee Gorman). Rockmount was not an easy place to farm, its inaccessability and dense cover reputedly favoured by bushranger Captain Thunderbolt in his day. Despite the harsh conditions however, Barbara grew up in supportive environment, the lack of electricity, telephone and available water more than compensated for by the closeness of a large extended family. Devout Catholics, life for the Dwyer family revolved around the church and the fellowship it provided. Whenever possible, they would attend Sunday Mass, either walking the 17 miles or traveling by sulky or horseback. Barbara was educated at home and at local state schools, before attending the Helidon Convent, and attained quite a reputation as a local beauty as she rode side-saddle on her horse Cowboy. The years of the Great Depression made a great impact upon Barbara as a child, and she never forgot those years when swagmen knocked on doors seeking a meal. A resultant legacy was the tremendous hospitality Barbara always extended to those she met, and the joy she took in cooking for her family and friends. Barbara moved to Brisbane after the second world war to work as a dressmaker and later a shop assistant, becoming involved during these years with the Legion of Mary. She also had the dubious fortune of living only two doors from the XXXX brewery at Milton, although she never did acquire a taste for the amber ale. Barbara met Jim Donohue in Brisbane about 1947, and the couple married in Helidon in April 1950. In a life that held much hard work and few holidays, Barbara frequently spoke fondly to her eight children of her honeymoon in the Whitsundays. The family worked the farm at Umbiram, near Southbrook, with Barbara kept busy raising children, helping out with the milking, and feeding the farm labourers. It wasn't until she was in her mid-30s that Barbara learned to drive, practicing her gear changes with the kids perched in the back seat and an impatient husband beside her -- testing the limits of their normally harmonious marriage! In 1981, Jim and Barbara retired to Toowoomba, but sadly Jim died only a few months later. Not content to pursue bowls and bingo, Barbara began the next phase of her life as an advocate for the rights of handicapped adults. She firmly believed in the important role handicapped people could play in the community, and fought to have their skills accepted and respected. Barbara had a special interest in the spiritual development of this group, and helped them to develop their abilities and gain independence. She became a leader with the Phillos organisation, a group which pioneered the SPRED program in Australia with the support of Bishop Edward Kelly. Barbara's great achievements in this work would not have been possible without the use of her two most effective tools of trade, the telephone and the teapot. She rallied friends and acquaintances to help her lobby for independent living for handicapped adults, and having achieved this, went on to assist in the administration of these homes. Her tenacity and tremendous communication skills were instrumental in this success. It was while working as a relief parent at one of these homes, that Barbara suffered a major stroke in 1996. While many thought she would not survive, Barbara's fighting spirit proved them all wrong, although she was left unable to speak, and partially paralysed. Eventually she was admitted to Lourdes Nursing Home, a facility which she and Jim had supported since its inception through the Friends of Lourdes group. Barbara maintained her dignity and pride during her final years, although the situation was undoubtedly frustrating for her. Her strength of character was evident in the way in which she battled - and succeeded -- in speaking one word. That word was "water"; a word which possibly best represented her lifelong experiences on the land, and the most necessary ingredient in that most loved of beverages, tea. Barbara died in Toowoomba, aged 80. She is survived by her eight children, and 17 grandchildren. Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, February 9th, 2002.
Working with needy hallmark of Kev’s life
Born: July 13, 1912
Died: December 22, 2002
Kev Daly was well known in Toowoomba for his work as a grocer and newsagent, his community work for the needy and his involvement with the church and other groups.
Born in Toowoomba, Michael Kevin Daly was the seventh child of John and Mary (nee Gleeson). He attended various country schools across the Darling Downs before becoming a boarder at the Gatton Convent. Kev finished his formal education at the age of 14 at St Mary’s Christian Brothers College in Toowoomba. Much of his early working days were spent with his older brothers doing a variety of jobs across the Darling Downs including cheese making, fencing, blasting prickly pear, clearing land and dam building. He was a hard worker during the Depression, but still found the time to ride his horse to the local country dances.
Kev then headed off in a ship to the New Guinea Highlands to work in a gold mine until World War II broke out, after which he returned to Toowoomba to make bullets at the Foundry. It was while in Toowoomba he met Paula Connole, the daughter of a grocer, at St Patrick’s Tennis Club, and the pair were married on New Year’s Eve 1943. Kev was given the opportunity by his uncles to take over the local store and post office at Peranga, and his career in the grocery trade began. He often said it was harder being a grocer in Toowoomba than anywhere else because Toowoomba always had the cheapest groceries, but enjoyed success in the trade until the larger supermarkets came to town.
After he sold his Blue Ribbon grocery business, Kev bought a Gold Cross Newsagency near the railway. During his time in business and raising his young family, Kev also enjoyed playing golf, dabbling in property and remodelling old properties for sale.
Following retirement, Kev enjoyed playing lawn bowls at the North Toowoomba club, monthly Probus meetings and bus trips. Most of his spare time, however, was spent doing work for the St Vincent de Paul Society, with one of his proudest achievements converting 280 doors into tables for the needy.
Kev Daly was 90 when he died at Lourdes Nursing Home in Toowoomba. He is survived by his wife Paula, five children – Annette, Patricia, Monica, Michael, and Mary Louise – 16 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and his sister, Greta Mahoney.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba May 20th, 2003.
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