Brendan
Brendan entered the world with gusto on 17 March 1940.
Born of tough stock, his mum was left to raise a three month old and two teenagers as his father embarked for the second world war. He loved his dad but described it as a traumatic experience meeting him for the first time at the age of six. Two generations difference would not stop them being best mates later in life.
He is a true Gippslander having been born in Yarram and lived mostly in the broader Gippsland region since, including Welshpool, Woodside and Warragul. For those unfamiliar with south-east Victoria, think lush green, dairy and rolling plains which extend from the southernmost tip of Wilson’s Promontory National Park to the business district of Sale.
He moved to Sale because he parents wanted him to have a Catholic education. Prior to the move, he recalls being punched in the face at the age of 12 while sitting on the school bus. Why? Because when asked his religion, he responded he was a Catholic. As someone who has friends of all walks of life in terms of age, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and disability, I find that extraordinary and think in the same circumstances, even the coronavirus would be getting off the bus.
How fitting he was born on St Patricks Day. A quick Google search reveals that St Patrick was a man of prayer, an exile, a refugee, a justice seeker and a creative teacher. Like Paddy, Brendan’s done it all. At age 15 1/2 he left school and started an apprenticeship as an electrician. At 21 he packed up his belongings, headed west and saw this great nation for himself, working in Geraldton and on the Mt Isa Railway. He later worked as Esso’s first tradesman, which he describes as the best thing he did, comfortably supporting a family on $69 a week in 1969.
Life hasn’t always been kind to Brendan. Losing loved ones no matter how close is devastating, traumatic. Losing a child, part of you, I cannot fathom. You’d think anyone would be within their rights to question the plans of the man upstairs but this man’s faith, while tested, remains unwavering. Be assured Brian, their spirits linger.
But the Master has grand plans and life, a funny way of sorting itself out. In 1986 he managed Butts n’ Bits becoming Sale’s greatest quote-unquote ‘drug dealer’ selling tobacco of all brands. It was around this time he met gorgeous Maureen who everyone here will attest is a joy, she’s kind, generous, grounded, calming and loyal. Brendan is a tall man but he walks taller with his life companion by his side. Kudos to mum and dad for proposing on his behalf.
He’s extremely loyal. I know if anyone tried to hurt my parents he’d come in swinging. He describes them as the ‘best type of folk you’re likely to meet’. He’s that kind of person. In fact as mum and dad moved around Sale it was perhaps no coincidence that Brendan followed in their footsteps eventually settling over the road.
I don’t think he’ll ever have an existentialist crisis. He breaks down complex issues into matters that are very much black and white. He sits on the definite side of the ledger with little room for nuance. I don’t always agree, but it’s refreshing sometimes to have clarity.
This man is my godfather. I have fond memories as a child of him sitting at the family kitchen bench and nicking my carrots, much to my chagrin and to his amusement. Over the years he has imparted some nuggets of wisdom but none more powerful than just before we finish our conversation for this blog piece. His advice is to:
Be happy
Never have a blue with someone
If you believe in democracy be prepared to fight for it
It’s the second life lesson that's had a profound impact on me. After ending the call I promptly sent a text to a friend apologising for my hurtful behaviour of a year ago. The response elicited was one of generosity and I felt an immediate sense of peace. Thank you Brendan.
St Patrick recounts that he had a vision a few years after returning home of a man who gave him a letter: “I read the heading ‘The voice of the Irish.’ As I began the letter I imagined in that moment that I heard the voice of those very people who were near the wood of Foclut, which is beside the Western sea - and they cried out, as with one voice: “We appeal to you…to come and walk among us”.
Acting on the vision Patrick returned to Ireland, just as Brian returned to Sale and continues to walk among us actively contributing to every aspect of community life, leaving an indelible footprint in the minds of many.