Mary Ann Hopper
Mrs Mary Ann Hopper, who died at Resthaven home for the aged at Brookfield on June 9, had achieved a century of living just three days before her death. She was born on June 6, 1892 at Stanthorpe to Henry and Matilda Knight, farmers of the pioneering era. She married Norman Charles Hopper in August, 12, 1913 and worked with him to pioneer their farm, "Range View", at Cooranga North in the Bell district. Mrs Hopper was well known for her work for the church and the QCWA, and during the war presided over the Comforts Fund. Widowed 50 years ago, she continued to run the farm assisted by younger members of the family, until her mother became ill. She moved to Redcliffe and cared for her mother until her death, then later lived with her daughter Eva Thomas in Brisbane before moving to Resthaven when her health failed. During the 1920s the first telephone exchange in country districts was opened in the Hopper home. It was attended by Mrs Hopper and family until it was moved to a post office opened at Cooranga North after 25 years of service.
Many friends and relatives attended her funeral at the Presbyterian Church, Bell, on June 12 which in itself was a tribute to her life and was appreciated by the family. Mourners spoke of her help to families in pioneering days when illness or other trouble came to them. Many were the family of pioneering parents who had experienced her kindness and help. Mary Ann Hopper was laid to rest in the Bell Cemetery, beside the grave of her husband Norman.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba June 25, 1992
Long innings ends for cricket administrator
Ted Hoare
Former Toowoomba cricket administrator Ted Hoare passed away in Brisbane on January 14 at the Greenslopes Private Hospital from heart failure. Ted was the public relations officer for the Toowoomba Cricket Association from 1959 until transferring to Brisbane in December 1968. During that time, he was an honorary weekly writer with a newspaper column "Talking Cricket with Ted Hoare". In 1962, Ted organised a visit of the MCC (England) to play a Queensland Country side in Toowoomba. This was the first time in this rugby league stronghold that crowds queued outside the local ground for entry to a cricket match.
Ted was recognised in 1968 for his contribution to cricket in the Toowoomba district with a life membership of the association prior to his transfer to Brisbane. In the years that followed, Ted was a foundation member in the formation of the Brisbane Junior Cricket Association and was later awarded life membership of Zone 4 of the Association for his contribution to junior cricket in Brisbane's south-eastern districts. In 1995, after representing the Queensland Country Association for more than a quarter of a century as the delegate to Queensland Cricket, Ted was awarded life membership of the Queensland Country Cricket Association. Ted's contributions to the community in later years included instigating the construction of two war memorials at Camp Hill, one celebrating the contribution of the men and women of Australia in all wars. The other comprised gardens and plantings representing 45 Australian merchant navy vessels lost in action in the Pacific theatre during World War II. More recently, Ted was a team manager and vice-president for the Carina Cobras Junior Basketball Club.
A little over a year ago Ted enlisted the aid of senior citizens to collect and dispatch thongs to East Timor... Ted is survived by his wife Junelyn, his children Peter and Helen, and step-son Gilbert.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 20 January 2001.
Ultimate tributes flow for 'grand old man of rodeo'
By Chris Leslight
Kevin Francis HARDWICK
Kevin Francis Hardwick was buried at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance yesterday as a riderless horse symbolised the death of the area's "grand old man of rodeo". The eulogy not only outlined his life and achievements, but gave an insight into a man who symbolised the hardened nature of men who worked on the land. There were stories of how he lost a finger unloading a truckload of brumbies, but didn't mention anything until the job was done. Another typical incident revolved around his work as head stockman at the Toowoomba abattoirs. As they shot a bullock, the bullet ricocheted off its head and lodged in Kevin's leg... no problem, off to hospital to have it removed and back on the job before the end of the day. He survived another attack when the horse he was riding was gored by a bull and nearly kicked him to death in its final throes... it was the only horse he lost on the job.
Besides family, his other loves revolved around horses, and his consuming passion was rodeo. He was one of the inaugural members of the St Vincent's Hospital Rodeo Committee and was still an active member when he died 44 years later. His ability as a horseman saw him become a pick-up man at rodeos, and when arthritis and a knee replacement saw him retire from the saddle in this role, he continued as a chief adviser and confidant for many on the circuit. Kevin is survived by his daughter Kathy, son Smiley and grandchildren Travis, Sally and Brandon. A photograph captioned thus "SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Horseman Kevin Quinn leads a riderless horse, symbolising the death of the area's "grand old man of rodeo", Kevin Hardwick, yesterday "accompanied this obituary.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 30 November 2000.
Stan Hinton, a well-known Wilsonton identity, passed away at St Andrew's Hospital on July 20 after a long battle with cancer. Stan was born in Toowoomba in 1922, the eldest of eight children, to Arthur Hinton and Florence (nee Roser). His early working life was on a farm in the Mt Tyson district, and working for Pobar and Kirkpatrick butcheries and KR Darling Downs. He married Kathleen (nee England) in 1944, and in early 1947 they purchased 15 acres of land in North Street, Wilsonton, where they established a small farm. He purchased a butcher shop at 286 Bridge Street in the mid-1950s where he worked until his retirement in 1980, handing the reins to his son Stan Jnr and daughter-in~law Fran.
Stan was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Toowoomba North, and a Brother of Masonic Lodge No. 121 and the Buffalo Lodge. He had a love of all sports, and his love of tennis prompted him to build a tennis court in 1963. Stan was a member of the Wilsonton Progress Association which fought the proposal of the Toowoomba City Council to extend the runway of the Wilsonton Airport eastwards. He was actively involved in the Wilsonton State School P & F Association for many years while and after his six children attended the school. In his retirement, Stan and Kath enjoyed several overseas trips and treks around Australia. Stan sold most of his Wilsonton land in 1969, which was subdivided into residential allotments and became the beginning of the Wilsonton residential development. A street has been named his honour. Stan is survived by his wife and his six children, Kay, Heather, Stan Jnr, Judy, Ken and Jeff, daughter-in-law Fran, three sons-in-law, Reg, Nev and Phil, and 11 grandchildren, Vicki, Glen, Derek, Luke, Tiffany, Marcus, Kym, Daniel, Jade, Joel and Paige.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 13 October 1998
WILLIAM HERBERT HUTTON
Respected Tmba jeweller was also 'bit of a larrikin'
By MERRYL MILLER
Watchmaker, jeweller
Born: November 11,1924
Died: November 18, 2001
William Hutton
To many people, Bill Hutton was "Billy Boy", "Bill on the Hill", or "Poppy Bill". To all who knew him, however, he was a highly respected community worker and businessman, a true gentleman who inspired many with his youthful attitude and love of a chat.
William Herbert Hutton was born in Greenmount, one of four children to William and Edna. The years growing up in this area rendered Bill permanently a country boy at heart, and instilled in him a sense of humour and adventure.
The family moved to Toowoomba when Bill was a teenager, and he called this city home for the rest of his life. He began a watchmaking apprenticeship on leaving school, and in his spare time enjoyed riding his motorcycle and being involved with the Philharmonic Society. On the day of his 16th birthday Bill enlisted in the RAAF, eventually qualifying as a flight rigger and fitter. The four years spent in the Air Force were special for him, and he maintained a lifelong involvement with the Toowoomba branch of the RAAF Association. Following the war years Bill returned to his civilian occupation as a watchmaker and jeweller, employed by Smith and Taylor. In 1950 he married Dulcie Bullock, with whom he shared 36 years. The couple had three children -- Dianne, Garry, and Debra. It was during the 1950s that Bill met fellow craftsman Ron Andrews, with whom he formed an enduring partnership. The pair were self-employed, but decided to purchase Heuers Jewellers together in 1966, a business they ran successfully for many years. Bill became a well-known and respected member of the community during this time, held in high regard by watchmaking peers and other associates. Fishing was a passion and he enjoyed regular trips away with friends trying to snare the big one. While he was undeniably a talented watchmaker, opinion regarding Bill's boat-making talents was not quite so favourable. A creation that raised a few eyebrows whenever it was launched was "The Unthinkable", two Humber Snipe bonnets welded together, with headlights attached for buoyancy. It may have looked strange, but this little boat was right at home with Bill at his favourite fishing spot on the creek at Boodua. In 1986, Bill's wife Dulcie died, and he became increasingly involved in community activities. He was a loyal member of the Masonic Lodge, and was active in Meals on Wheels, the Anglican Men's Society, and St Alban's Church. He also enjoyed indoor bowls and gardening, although the neighbours soon learned not to wander past Bill while he was out watering unless they had half an hour to chat.
It was Bill's youthfulness and sense of adventure that will be remembered by many. While others his age may have been settling quietly into retirement, he was out gliding, riding roller-coasters, and hot-air ballooning. He registered his disappointment when the Tiger Moth in which he was taking a joyride on his 70th birthday didn't do a loop the loop.
Bill Hutton died suddenly in Toowoomba shortly after his 77th birthday. He is survived by his three children, their partners, four grandchildren, and his companion and best friend Beryl.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba January 31st 2002.
JACK AND MADELINE HOGAN
Devoted couple founded business
Businesspeople Born: Jack -- April 26, 1914 Madeline -- November 13, 1921
Died: Jack -- January 1,2002 Madeline -- January 6, 2002
By MERRYL MILLER
Jack and Madeline Hogan were the founders of one of the oldest businesses in the Toowoomba Central Business District, Hogan's Family Jewellers. They were also a devoted couple, who were inseparable during their 58-year marriage, and died within days of each other early this year in Toowoomba. Both Madeline Teresa Higgins and John Bernard Hogan (Jack) were natives of New South Wales, with Madeline growing up in Tumut, and Jack in Gundagai. Jack was one of six children to Arthur and Ethel Hogan (nee Paine), and was educated at St Stanislaus School in Gundagai, and St Joseph's College in Sydney. He was a keen and talented sportsman, and during his time at St Joseph's, played in the school's First XI cricket team.
Jack was also one of the founding members of the St Michael's Golf Club in Sydney, and took great enjoyment in his later years following the fortunes of the Brisbane Broncos football team.
Madeline was one of three children to Edward (Ted) and Muriel Higgins (nee Snowden), and attended school at Blowering in the Tumut Valley, and St Joseph's Convent in Goulburn. Madeline (affectionately known as Poppy) was working in the jewellery department of the David Jones store in Sydney when she was introduced by mutual friends to Jack, who was at that stage working at the Toohey's Brewery. The pair married in July 1943, and had six children, Patricia, Pamela, Michael, Peter, Paul, and Jane. Following their marriage, Jack and Madeline set up business in retail and jewellery, opening their first store in Gundagai in 1946. They moved to Leeton after purchasing a jewellery store there, and further expanded their business with another store in Griffith. Wanting to improve the opportunities for themselves and their children, Jack and Madeline decided to investigate business opportunities in the north, showing a particular interest in Toowoomba after a sales representative impressed them with tales of the city's beauty. By chance, there was a jeweller's shop for sale in Ruthven Street which the couple was able to purchase, establishing Hogans Family Jewellers in 1952.
The current premises of the store is in Margaret store, the relocation taking place in 1973. To the day he died, Jack thanked God for bringing he and his family to Toowoomba. Their family and their business were always the priorities in the life of Jack and Madeline, but they also enjoyed sport, both as viewers and participants. Very private people, many of Jack and Madeline's valued customers became close friends, and they established a loyal clientele across Toowoomba. The pair were also successful in instilling a strong work ethic in all of their children, all six of whom have spent time working in the family business, some choosing to continue in the family tradition. Following retirement in the early 1990s, Jack enjoyed spending time in the garden, and keeping up with his share portfolio. Madeline continued to work part time in the store until two years ago, and maintained a keen interest in real estate both before and after her retirement. Jack and Madeline were aged 87 and 80 respectively when they died early this year. The couple are survived by their six children, 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, March 5th 2002.
MARY ANN HUEY
Passed peacefully to rest within 26 hours of her father, Mr. James Green, Mary Ann, widow of the late D.J. Huey, of Geham. The deceased lady was born in Drayton on December 16, 1867, and was married to Mr. Huey in 1895. For the last two years she had been suffering from paralysis, which she bore with Christian fortitude until released by Death's kindly hand from pain and suffering. She is survived by one son (William), and one daughter (Lillian), who mourn the loss of a loving and devoted mother. A large concourse of mourners followed the mortal remains to their last sad resting place. The Rev. Flood (Crow's Nest) officiated at the graveside." Above Obituary supplied to me by descendant, James Huey, email: james@silverwoodcorp.com See also Green.
DOROTHY (JEAN) HARDEN
Jean a busy community worker
Born: October 12, 1918
Died: March 3, 2002
Jean Harden was never happier than when she was busy. An extraordinarily active woman in community endeavours, Jean would always give anything a go, and could pretty much turn her hand to anything she tried. Born in Proserpine, Dorothy May (Jean) Griffin grew up in Ayr, and attended the local high school there. At the age of 14, she left home, moving to Brisbane to study at the Teachers Training College. Jean loved Brisbane, but was moved back north with her first appointment at the age of 16 to North Eaton School outside Mackay. North Eaton was a two-teacher school servicing the children of farmers and sugar-mill workers, and as the only single professional woman in the district, Jean was required to live in the single men's hostel at the sugar mill.
During her time at North Eaton, Jean met and married John (Jack) Harden, a sugar chemist at the mill, in 1940. Despite her obvious innovation and hard work as a teacher, Jean was dismissed by the Education Department upon her marriage according to the policy of that time.
She began to devote much of her time to community activities, and was particularly interested in the local tennis club. In the late 1940s, John took up the position of chief chemist at the sugar mill in Bauple, and due to a shortage of staff, Jean began working and training as a sugar chemist in the same mill. Jean also joined the CWA in Bauple, and remained a continuous active member for the next 55 years.
A move to Mourilyan in 1949, where Jack held a position with the Cane Pest Board, allowed Jean to accept an invitation from the Education Department to take up teaching again. Jean taught the infant grades at Mourilyan from the mid-1950s, and served for a brief period at East Innisfail, before moving to Toowoomba in 1976. In Toowoomba, Jean taught until her retirement, aged 60, at Rangeville State School, again in the infant grades, with a period acting as infant headmaster at the East State School. She was an energetic and enthusiastic teacher, with a flair for drama and a love of language and literature. Jean revelled in the challenge of developing and helping young people, and is remembered fondly by many of those she taught throughout her years as an educator. Following retirement, Jean became increasingly active in community endeavours. Always passionate about presentation, and the number of "ums" uttered in a sentence, it was only natural she would be drawn to the Toastmasters Club, of which she was a member of two local groups. Serving for a time as Area One Governor, Jean took on responsibility for seven clubs, participating in all the conferences and meetings in the region. She was acknowledged as an outstanding toastmaster, and was awarded the title of Distinguished Toast Master. Jean also helped others to develop their public speaking skills through speechcraft and rural leadership courses. Jean continued an active membership with the CWA, taking on executive posi -tions, including president, in the Middle Ridge branch. She was the drama mistress for the Toowoomba Music and Drama Group for many years, and international officer for the Darling Downs district. At State level, Jean was a member of the Floral Arts Committee and Music and Drama Group, and attended many conferences and meetings. Her plum puddings and fruit cakes were famous, and she won prizes on local and regional levels for her home cooking.
Jean's achievements throughout her life time were many, and she was awarded many prizes and trophies for her endeavours. Some of the more significant of these include the Australia Day award for citizenship (Toowoomba) in 1992, and a life member award from the Retired Teachers Association, of which she was a long-time active and enthusiastic member.
She spent the last period in her life at the Yukana Retirement Village, where she was able to catch up with some of her reading after a very busy life. Jean, who died last month aged 83, is survived by her son John, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 18th April 2002
Darcy dedicated to Toowoomba racing
Born: April 16, 1918
Died: August 19, 2002
Darcy Hogan was known across the Darling Downs for his role as a high-profile businessman, and as prominent member of the Toowoomba Turf Club. He was a gregarious man with a great sense of fun, but always intelligent and honourable in his dealings with all people he met. Born in Inglewood, Darcy was the eldest of five boys to John and Ada Hogan (nee Corbett). For 11 years, the family moved around the State with John's work with the police force, and Darcy attended schools in Inglewood, Mt Garnet, Brisbane, and Toowoomba.
In 1929, the family settled in Newtown, and Darcy attended Newtown State School and St Mary's Christian Brothers College. His father maintained a 400-acre property at Kingsthorpe for his work as a horse and cattle dealer (which he bought after ill health required him to leave the police force), and after his scholarship year Darcy left school to help his father break in horses. Darcy met his future bride Eileen in 1945, and the pair had two children, Mary and Peter during their years together. Initially renting a house in Anzac Avenue, the couple built their family home in 1953 next door to Darcy's parents. Darcy always showed a lot of initiative and will to succeed, and in order to pursue his dreams, attended night school to attain a qualification in book-keeping.
In one subject he achieved the highest grade, and when studying Christian doctrine, attained the highest mark in Queensland and a gold medal in recognition of his efforts. Business success came for Darcy after a number of years spent working for MLC Insurance Company, and then as an insurance inspector for SGIO. He decided to establish an investment company for land development which proved very successful, including the development of Smithfield estate, and the purchase of the premises which is now known as the Mercure Hotel Burke and Wills. For more than 50 years, Darcy was an outspoken and prominent member of the Toowoomba Turf Club. He also became a trustee of the Clifford Park Racecourse, a role in which he always upheld the best interests of racing. As his health declined over the years, one of Darcy's regrets was that he was unable to attend the races as often as he would have liked. The most fulfilling stage of Darcy's life began with the arrival of his first grandchild in 1975, and his priorities changed from business to grandchildren. Darcy was interested in the development and education of all nine of his grandchildren, and was keen to nurture their minds and give them encouragement and support. Darcy Hogan was a gentleman who enjoyed matching his mental wits against a worthy opponent, playing cards, watching the news, and learning about health and wellbeing issues. He died in Brisbane aged 84 and is survived by his two children and eight of his nine grandchildren. Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 21st September, 2002
Connie HUGHES
Stalwart mother took on task of rearing 17 children
Born: June 11, 1913
Died: November 29, 2002
Raising 17 children is no mean feat, and one which Connie Hughes did almost single-handedly and always with good grace and humour. Born at Emmiville, a small mining town just south of the Queensland border, Constance Lillian Myra Burr was the second of 13 children to Leslie and Adelaide. Connie's father was a butcher, and she attended school, gaining particular enjoyment from playing hockey at Emmiville and Inverell, depending on where her dad was working at the time. Eventually she started work as a domestic at the McCooks Hotel in Jennings (now known as Wallangarra), but refused to serve as a barmaid, being unable to stand the smell of alcohol or tobacco. Men competed for Connie's affections -- even getting into fights on occasion -- but ultimately Thomas (George) Hughes won her hand, and the couple were married in Tenterfield in 1931. George and Connie moved into a house outside Wallangarra after their marriage, and began work on the daunting task of raising 17 children: Veinie, Tex, George, Evelyn, Burt, Bob, Bill, Wilma, Barbara, Marlene, Joyce, Chickie, Richard, Colin, Ivan, Consie and Karen (with no adoptions and no twins).
It can only be imagined what cooking, cleaning and sewing for 17 children would be like. Fortunately, Connie seemed to possess the gift of being able to make "something out of nothing". The children knew not to go near her when the old treadle sewing machine was working at a rapid rate, and the youngest children were always under strict instructions not to kneel while wearing their handed-down (many times) clothes for fear the patches would finally give way. Needless to say, there were never any left-overs to argue about. Connie always said that she had been born among the tin scratchings in Emmiville, and had been "scratching ever since". She didn't take her first holiday until the age of 42, and when she finally laid eyes on the sea, she fell in love with it and did not want to come home. In 1984 George died, and for the first time in her life, Connie didn't have someone to look after. Finally having some spare time on her hands, Connie became an avid reader, keeping up to date with world affairs, and religiously ensuring birthday cards were sent to her many offspring.
Her 80th birthday was a very special affair, with her family organising a reunion in Stanthorpe, which was, not surprisingly, very well attended. The last few months of Connie's life were spent in Toowoomba, where she was cared for by her children. Constance Hughes was aged 89 when she died. She is survived by her 17 children, three of her sisters and one brother, 36 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grand-children.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba 2 January 2003.
A gentle man with a sense of humour
Born: February 6, 1960
Died: April 8, 2003
For those fortunate enough to have met Paul Hannant, it is his smile, gentle demeanour and marvellous sense of humour that remain so strong a memory. They were features he maintained right up until his untimely death last month at age 43, following a short, but hard-fought five-week battle with a particularly aggressive cancer.
Born on February 6, 1960, Paul Anthony Hannant was the third child of Noel and Joan Hannant, of Toowoomba. Paulo, as he was affectionately known to his family, was preceded by brothers Laurie and Peter and followed by sisters Anne-Maree and Kate. He made his mark early in life, featuring on a large billboard near Toowoomba railway station after being chosen as "Johnson's Beautiful Baby of the Year" in a nationwide photographic competition in 1960. His early education was at Our Lady Help of Christians, Harlaxton, up to the age of 10, during which time his talents on the rugby league field began to shine. A front-row forward in those days, Paul was the first junior player to make two tours of New Zealand with the Darling Downs team in 1969 and 1970.
Because three players on one tour shared the name "Paul", tour leader Kev Hamilton dubbed him "Bull" -- a nickname which remained with him the rest of his life. A foundation member of All Whites Junior Rugby League Club in 1970, Paul played most of his football with the Saints, debuting in First Grade as a winger in 1979. His exceptional goal-kicking skills are still recalled around Toowoomba's rugby league circles. He was also a life-long devoted fan of Sydney-based rugby league club St George, and a large "Dragons" banner draped his casket at his funeral in a packed St Patrick's Cathedral on April 12. At the graveside, his casket was lowered to the accompanying tune of Oh When The Saints Go Marching In, the traditional club song of All Whites and St George. On completing Year 10 at St Mary's College, Paul went to work for what is now Dairy Farmers in Toowoomba, a company with which he remained for the subsequent 27 years. In recent years he also enjoyed working the bar at Toowoomba Turf Club's Clifford Park complex, a section of which is to be renamed in his honour. On July 30, 1988, Paul met Donna Moore, whom he married in St Patrick's Cathedral on December 2, !989. Paul and Donna had two children -- Mitchell, born April 1991, and Caysie, born July 1995. Immensely proud and very protective of his family, Paul's major concern in his final weeks was for his family and friends and how they were coping with what he was going through. Never once complaining about the hand he had been dealt, Paul disguised his pain to shield those around him, who he would welcome into his hospital room with a broad smile and a bright "How ya goin'?" It's a greeting he no doubt reserved for St Peter at the Pearly Gates. Paul is survived by his wife Donna, son Mitchell, daughter Caysie, his parents and in-laws, two brothers, two sisters and their families, and a wealth of friends.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, May 24, 2003.
Obituaries Index
Toowoomba Dead Persons Society
