General News
15 March, 2023
Vale: Brian Driscoll remembered
TRIBUTES have flowed in memory of Boorcan stalwart Brian Driscoll, who dedicated decades to giving back to the community he loved.
TRIBUTES have flowed in memory of Boorcan stalwart Brian Driscoll, who dedicated decades to giving back to the community he loved.
Mr Driscoll died after a short battle with illness on February 21, aged 93.
He was husband of Dawn and father and father-in-law to Amanda and John, Jo, Megan and Andrew, Peter and Jeannie and Lyndell.
Mr Driscoll was a grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 10.
Lyndell Driscoll remembered her father as an independent, strong-willed man who dedicated his life to family and community.
“We’re very bias, but we thought he was a great man,” she said.
“He always cared for his family, he loved his family and that was his priority, and whatever else came after that was for the community.
“He was always there.”
Lyndell said her father was involved in a wide range of community groups and charities, and sought opportunities to better the lives of those around him.
“Even from a younger age he was always trying to be involved and giving back where he could,” she said.
“It was very important to him, and giving back was one of the highlights of his life.
“After he retired, giving back to the community was pretty much how he ran.”
Mr Driscoll proudly served in the army under the Citizen Military Forces from August 10, 1948, and was discharged on December 7, 1984 with the rank of Warrant Officer Class One.
Mr Driscoll continued his support of the service through Legacy in the years to come, and was a member of RSL from 2007 including one term as vice-president.
Since 2013 he had actively supported men’s health initiative Movember, inspired by his son Peter’s participation.
After attending an army reunion in which 15 of the 48 men in attendance had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Mr Driscoll resolved to remain active in his fundraising.
He raised more than $12,000 over the years in support of Movember, and his repurposed milk cartons to collect funds still sit on the counter of shops throughout Terang, Camperdown, Cobden and surrounds today.
Mr Driscoll was also a member of the Boorcan CFA brigade from 1961 and served for more than 45 years, holding the roles of secretary and 2nd Lieutenant during his time.
“He’d have still been on the back of the truck this year if they’d let him,” Brian’s nephew Kieran said.
At the time of his death Mr Driscoll remained active in giving back, still participating in Movember and eagerly looking forward to participating in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.
In celebration of Legacy’s centenary a torch will be carried from France to Perth, spanning around 55,000 kilometres on a journey to all Legacy clubs in Australia.
Lyndell said Mr Driscoll had hoped to be involved in the walk to show his support.
“He was going to do that and wanted to walk with the relay somewhere between Colac and Warrnambool,” she said.
Around 150 members of the community paid their respects at Mr Driscoll’s funeral in Terang last month, which Lyndell said was a wonderful tribute.
“It blew us away,” she said.
“We were so proud of him, and to see the community and his army buddies form a guard of honour was a big effort.
“Some came from Melbourne and afar, so it was a very big honour that proved how appreciated he was.
“It meant so much to see.”