Barry ‘Baz’ O’Neill tribute

Family and friends have given an emotional farewell to Sunshine Coast and Noosa touch football life member Barry ‘Baz’ O’Neill after his battle with cancer. Read the tribute.

The Sunshine Coast sporting community has paid tribute to Sunshine Coast and Noosa touch football life member Barry ‘Baz’ O’Neill after he passed away following a battle with metastatic kidney cancer.

Mr O’Neill, who died on May 28 at the age of 68, had been involved in touch football on the Sunshine Coast for more than 40 years as a player, coach, volunteer, referee, committee member and president and was made a life member for Noosa in 2005 before Sunshine Coast in 2017.

His daughter, Nicole Britten, said he got his final wish and passed away by the window overlooking his farm with a beautiful sunset and his family by his side.

“Dad met his wife Christine when they were teenagers in New South Wales and were married for 43 years,” she said.

“They had four children – Amanda, Daniel, Nicole and Shannon – and 12 grandchildren.

“He was a very special dad and person and always supported us in all of our adventures, no matter how big or small they were.”

The avid St George Illawarra rugby league fan was in the navy for 23 years before relocating with his family to the Noosa area in 1993.

He catered for outdoor education camps and elite sports teams in Kenilworth before owning and operating Fruits of Noosa for more than 12 years.

Mrs Britten said she remembered his caring nature.

“I remember as a little girl and it’s something of significance that didn’t resonate with me until I was older, but when we started Little Athletics in Jervis Bay we used to take as many indigenous kids with us to state titles and those sort of carnivals,” she said.

“The car would be loaded and back then when you went to those carnivals you had to wear shoes on the track to run so Dad would give his shoes to anybody that needed them so that they could compete.

“It didn’t matter what they needed as he used to literally take the shirt off his back so that someone could achieve something and I think that represents the person that he was.”

In 2019 the Noosa Touch Football Association named the main field in honour of Mr O’Neill.

“I think he was quite humbled and it was something I don’t think he ever worked towards but he was very grateful and appreciative of the recognition from the club,” she said.

“He just liked sharing his knowledge and love of the game which was the case in many sports as he picked up the Noosa Pirates supporter of the year back in the early 2000s.”

Mrs Britten said he would be sorely missed.

“It didn’t matter where you came from or who you were, Dad always had time to say g’day or support you someway or somehow,” she said.

“We all miss him already.”

Very proud moment last night when Barry O'Neill aka Papa and Dad was recognised for his contributions, commitment and...

Posted by Nikki Mary on Saturday, November 30, 2019

Many people have left their tributes to Mr O’Neill on numerous Facebook posts.

“Cheers to a lovely man, a loving dad and proud grandad. We feel so sad for your loss, our thoughts are with you,” Julie Friend said.

“I’m so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing, Nicki. He was such a great man and a great mate to us all. May he rest in peace. My heart is with you all during this time,” Richard Van den Heuvel commented.

“One of the best blokes I have had the pleasure to call a true mate. RIP Baz,” Wayne Romeril said.

“A genuinely good bloke and mentor. Forever grateful, and privileged to have known you,” Doug Webb said.