Edward Joseph O'Sullivan

Edward Joseph O’Sullivan was born to Thomas and Ellen O’Sullivan on the 25th May 1940 at Lynhurst Hospital in Ipswich. Ted, as he became known, was the youngest child and is survived by his two older brothers, Michael and Gerard O’Sullivan and their older sister Agnes Hale. His life began with a challenge as he was born 3 months premature. In 1940, this meant he spent the first 6 months of his life in a crib in front of a wood stove that was continually stoked 24/7 by his father, while his mother sponge bathed him in olive oil daily. In 1941, his father Tom – an Engine Driver for the Railways – was transferred to Emerald. The Second World War was raging at the time and Tom spent much time away from the family driving troop trains, supply trains and hospital trains from the east to the west of Australia. This left Ted’s mother Ellen to look after the 4 children in Emerald. Agnes recounted to me recently that they had a wonderful childhood in Emerald, climbing trees, feeding chooks, collecting eggs and racing billy carts down the streets – as vehicles were few and far between in those days. In 1945, after the war, the family moved back to Ipswich. They lived in O’Sullivan Street in what would be referred to today as an old Queenslander. No electricity, hot water or phone originally and the toilet was an outhouse in the back yard. They would look forward to their weekly hot bath on a Saturday. The house is now more than 100 years old and still standing today. Tragedy struck Ted’s family in 1948 when his mother, Ellen, died aged 42. Ted was just eight years old at the time. Ellen’s mother and sister, Madge, stepped in to help Tom raise the 4 children. Madge deserves a special mention as the only Grandmother my generation can remember. Ted completed his education at St Mary’s Christian Brothers College, now known as St Edmond’s College in Ipswich. Ted completed his junior certificate in 1956. During his school years, he played representative cricket, rugby league and athletics. His great love of rugby league was born at St Mary’s when he played in the undefeated premiers in the Ipswich school boys league in 1953. Holidays for the family would often be at their relations – the Sherlocks’s farm. Ted and his brothers and sister would milk cows and ride horses, often chased by Dinny – the family’s beloved fox terrier. In 1957, Ted began his career in the public service with the Queensland Housing Commission. In the same year, he met a beautiful young 16 year old girl named Jacqueline Doyle, who would later become his wife. Dad played Rugby League for Brothers Ipswich and remembers fondly one Ipswich newspaper headline “Three Ipswich Brothers – Michael, Gerard and Ted – played A Grade together”. He recounted his proudest achievement in Rugby League was being chosen to play for Queensland against New South Wales in 1958 in the Public Service League. They played two games at the Sydney Cricket Ground losing the first game 12-0 and drawing the second 12 all. Then in 1959, he was balloted by birthday draw to complete National Service duties in the Army –something Dad often reminded us about was his tough days in Nato. After completing his National Service duties, he returned to the public service where he stayed for the remainder of his career. Ted and Jacqui dated for 4 years before Ted decided to ask Jacqui to marry him. He first asked Bill Doyle for Jacqui’s hand in marriage. Bill responded with “what are your prospects?”. Ted replied that he “was a clerk progressing well” and Bill gave him his blessing. So Ted and Jacqui became engaged to be married in 1962. They married on the 7th December 1963 at Mary Immaculate Church and held their reception in Wanganui Gardens. It was a 2 hour reception and the beer ran out. Dad was very surprised as he ordered three five gallon kegs and when he enquired as to why the beer ran out, it was explained to him that they only served 2 kegs as Thelma Doyle cancelled the 3rd one. They honeymooned in a house in Eden Street, Surfers Paradise, for 2 weeks. 26 years later, their first grandchild was born and christened Eden Jamie (EJ) O’Sullivan after her Grandfather. They purchased their home at 14 Beckford Street, Moorooka, for 2800 pounds in 1963. Ted lived there for 50 years. Ted and Jacqui loved to socialise, entertain and dance. They often hosted parties and particularly enjoyed card games late into the evening. Ted was always the life of the party. Ted and Jacqui were blessed with 4 children – Neil Edward in October 1964, Linda Ellen in April 1966, John Joseph in February 1968 and finally, Gayle Jacqueline in December 1971. Our lives were filled with happy times. We took after our Mother and Father and pursed many academic and sporting activities always supported by both Mum and Dad in everything we chose to do. Family holidays at Tugun each year with a surf every morning followed by hot bread and little chocolate milks for morning tea. I can remember very clearly John and I fishing with Dad on the beach – almost always catching a feed of fish for dinner in those days. After retiring as a rugby league player, Ted began a very successful coaching career over more than two decades – having coached both John and I on junior teams as well as under age Brisbane sides which saw him coach players who went on to represent Queensland and Australia. Ted’s charity work was also tireless running car clubs in the 70’s and 80’s that generated thousands of dollars in revenue for the local school every year – a significant sum in those days. As a father, his endearing qualities were his great generosity, sense of humour and love of life. Nothing was ever too much for Dad to take on and I believe he instilled those qualities in his 4 children. He worked two jobs to ensure that we all received high quality private school educations and we are the people we are today because of his influence. He retired from the public service at age 56 – which was 17 years ago. In his retirement he made a tour of Australia with Jacqui that I know they both enjoyed immensely. I do however believe that the most joy I have ever seen Dad experience in his life was through his grandchildren. In total, Ted had nine grandchildren – Eden, Abigail, Jessica, James, Daniel, Jack, Georgia, Karmadee and Taylor. He loved every one of them very much and was truly interested and engaged in all of their activities and successes. He never missed an opportunity to attend their school events like “Grandparents Day”, musical and sporting activities. He was always there to cheer them on and congratulate them. Jacqui took ill 8 years ago and Ted was there for her night and day to care for her and support her until her passing on the 20th December 2008. Ted was born a country boy and became an athlete, a rugby league player and coach, a public servant, a friend, a husband, a lover, a father, a charity worker, a carer and a Grandfather. Ted O’Sullivan died on the 4th December 2013, peacefully in his sleep. Ted believed that life is what you make it. I believe he did a great job with his.