Sunbury stalwart Bernard ‘Bernie’ O’Farrell
died on March 17 at age 88, leaving behind a
legacy of community service in town.
A proud Sunbury resident for more than 50 years, Bernie’s local involvement included serving as a president and councillor with the Shire of Bulla and as a president of the Sunbury Residents Association – a group he was a member of for more than 40 years.
Daughter Sue-Ann Surkitt said Bernie was married to his wife Veronica for almost 66 years and was a “devoted” father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, with four daughters and three sons.
“Dad was just a community-based person who always wanted the best for the wider community. He was a family man – our family is his most important treasure and he was loved by us and the community,” Ms Surkitt said.
“He loved the ‘city living, country style’ mantra of the old Shire of Bulla and strived for years through action to ensure that sense of country was never lost from the town he loved … he listened to everyone and was happy to take on the difficult to make life better for everyone,” she said.
“He loved his sport and was still actively involved with Sunbury Masters football club right up until the end – he was still training with the boys into his eighties … just a genuine [and] good person who put others before himself.”
Proud of his Irish heritage, Ms Surkitt said that Bernie “fittingly passed on St Patrick’s Day.”
In a Facebook post by the Sunbury Lions Football Netball Club, a spokesperson said those involved in the club for many years “would know the name and familiar face of Bernie O’Farrell and the O’Farrell family.”
A funeral service will be held at St Anne’s Catholic Church, Sunbury from 11am on Wednesday, March 26.
Oscar Parry
