John O’Brien, a founding member of Geelong Socialist Alliance (SA), passed away at the age of 89, after a short illness.
John’s life started under difficult circumstances. He was brought up by his grandmother from the age of three, after his mother died from tuberculosis. Later, when he was 16 and his grandmother passed, John’s young life took another difficult turn: he became the long-term carer for his uncle Alan, who had a physical disability.
John readily accepted this responsibility and, together with Alan, shared a good life until Alan went into a nursing home in the early 1990s. In 2016, John’s friend Baz, provided John with care and companionship, enabling him to remain at home for his final years.
John was self taught, having left school at an early age. A curious person, he relished reading, devouring books and newspapers at a rapid rate, augmenting his extensive knowledge in all areas, with a particular passion for politics.
John attended St Mary’s Parish School and the Geelong Christian Brothers Technical School. At 14, he started entry-level work as a “bobbin boy” at the Valley Worsted Mill. Several years later, John found work as a glazier with Pilkington Glass, where Alan was also working. Alan and John remained working at Pilkington for the rest of their working lives.
John transferred to Pilkington’s Glass in Auckland, New Zealand, in the late 1950s for two years. Arrangements were made for a retired married couple to provide care for Alan while John was away.
John was well travelled and liked to regale his memories of Russia, Europe, Asia and Cuba. He loved to celebrate special occasions, and did not let adversity prevent him from leading a full life. A few years ago, after a last-minute cancellation of his New Year’s Eve event, John booked himself a trip to experience the magic of Antarctica.
John was a quiet supporter of the Geelong Cats and had a passion for imported cars, mainly Volkswagens and, later, Citroëns.
John developed a deep, political consciousness early in his life. As a child, he heard robust, political discussions from his uncles Jack and Bill. Unsurprisingly, John became a staunch and active shop steward for the Furnishing Division of the Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, formerly the Furnishing Trade Union. He was also a long-serving member on the Geelong Trades Hall Council (GTHC). Later, John became an Honorary Delegate to GTHC. He was also an early director of Australian Super.
John was a twice-endorsed Labor candidate for the Victorian seat of Polwarth, in the Colac area, in the 1970s. John was a stalwart during elections. But his disillusionment with Labor led him to join SA, which he felt was more aligned with his values. He was a dedicated and loyal member, continuing to be politically active until his death.
John was a strong supporter of self-determination for First Nations people in West Papua, Western Sahara and Palestine. He was a feminist and supporter for LGBTIQ rights and action on climate change.
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He was a regular at SA branch meetings, where he made thoughtful contributions. He was an inspiration to us all, having faced life’s challenges head on, with courage and compassion. He did not let disadvantage define him.
John is survived by his half-sister Nola, cousins Roy, Janice and Lorice, niece Brenda and nephew Grant.