O'BRIEN, Paul

Paul O'Brien of Niddrie, Victoria, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021, at the age of 82. After a few years of declining health, Paul died peacefully at 3am with his daughter-in-law, Kathleen, by his side. Paul was born in Hurstville, New South Wales, on April 16, 1939, to father Thomas O'Brien and mother Miriam O'Brien, née McLennan. The middle of three children, Frank was ten years older and John was ten years younger, Paul was the first in his family to attend university where he read Chemistry and Latin at the University of New South Wales. Paul then worked as a textile chemist specialising in clothing dyes for the next 18 years. During this time, Paul met Janet Barbara Ludwell at their place of work in 1962; they married in 1963 and their first child was born in November of that year. Paul and Janet rapidly went on to have eight more children. After the collapse of the textile industry in Australia in the late 1970s and with a family of nine children to support, Paul transformed his private passion for philately into a new career in opening a Stamps, Coins and Bookshop in Niddrie Arcade, where he became a prominent and much loved, if somewhat quirky, pillar of the Keilor Road community for the next 40 years. Two generations of students would have sold and bought their school books from Paul. Paul is survived by his wife, Janet, and nine children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom have many fond memories and feelings of gratitude for his devotion, steadfastness and commitment to his family. He will be sorely missed. Preparations for Paul's funeral are currently being undertaken. Due to COVID-19 assembly restrictions the funeral will be broadcast live. Details to follow or contact family for livestream link.