Tributes flow for beloved 57-year-old Brian Leslie Tilney

The children of a beloved grandfather and antique shop owner have shared a touching tribute to the family man who was an inspiration to many.

Tributes have flowed for Wondai Antiques and Collectables owner, Brian Leslie Tilney.

Tributes have flown for an antiques store owner who is being remembered for enjoying the simple things in life and giving the most thoughtful gifts.

Tillo’s Antiques, Collectables and Secondhand owner Brian Leslie “Tilno” Tilney died from heart complications on June 12, 2023.

The 57-year-old was born in Murgon on October 3, 1965, as one of six children to Dot and Reg Tilney.

He attended Murgon State School and relocated to Roma and Brisbane for work in his 20s before moving back to Murgon where he worked for the Emu Farm at Cherbourg, the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and Wondai Shire Council.

Mr Tilney was a loving father to Kelly, Luke and Holly and a devoted grandfather to Izack, Harrison, Carter and Luca.

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Daughter Kelly Tilney said they would always remember his heartfelt gifts and the effort Mr Tilney would put into each gift he gave.

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“Izack treasures deeply an old belt Dad gave him, that he had hand stamped his name across the back of,” Miss Tilney said.

“Such a thoughtful gift that we now treasure so deeply.

“Dad was a simple man who enjoyed the basic things in life and if he could buy something at a garage sale or find it at the tip, there was no way he was going to buy it new.”

Mr Tilney was well known for his love of anything old and interesting.

“Thirteen years ago he opened his own antique and collectables shop at Wondai,” Miss Tilney said.

“He made the decision to leave his secure job and follow his lifelong dream.”

Mr Tilney made the decision to leave his secure job and follow his lifelong dream of opening his own antique shop.

Miss Tilney said her father suffered an alcohol addiction for many years.

“Dad tried many times to overcome this, and he finally did it about 15 years ago, it was hard for him and it took great strength and determination,” Miss Tilney said.

“So many people have made contact with us since his passing, who just want to share their memories of Dad.

“Many have said how he had helped them on their own journey of addiction.”

Mr Tilney spent a lot of time researching alternative therapies and homoeopathic medicines.

Miss Tilney said he shared his interest in this with a lot of other people, helping them unlock the benefits of the Gumbi Gumbi plant, among other remedies.

“Dad touched many, many people from all different walks of life,” Miss Tilney said.

“Dad knew a lot of people before he opened his shop, but, this allowed him to meet and interact with

many more different people, local and visitors to town, and visitors who then became regulars to his shop.

“He would also tell us often, that he was proud of us, and that he loves us.

“Just so you know dad, we love you and we are proud of you too,” she said.