Tributes to John Cornell from Hotel Brunswick patrons and locals

John Cornell, who died on Friday morning at his home in Byron Bay, has been remembered y family, friends, and fans.

John Cornell as Strop with Paul Hogan. Picture Supplied

Hotel Brunswick has asked everyone to remember John “Strop” Cornell this afternoon, by raising a toast to him, “wherever you are”.

Mr Cornell, 80, died at his home in Byron Bay after he fought a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Delvene Delaney and John Cornell at their Brunswick Hotel. Picture: Supplied

Much loved from his enduring role as Strop on the Paul Hogan Show, Mr Cornell and his wife Delvene Delaney had an even greater impact on the Northern Rivers entertainment scene.

The family moved to Byron Bay in 1980, when they bought the Surfside Hotel facing the Bay’s Main Beach.

They spent $9 million building the popular Beach Hotel, which they sold in 2007 for $65 million.

The 1940s Hotel Brunswick, owned by the late John Cornell. Picture: Cathy Stubbs.

An astute business man, Mr Cornell and his family also bought the Hotel Brunswick.

And the pub’s Facebook page has remembered him by posting a very Aussie tribute

The post reads: “What a man and what a life! John Cornell 02.03.1941- 23.07.2021.

May you raise a toast to this man this afternoon from wherever you are”.

Hundreds of people have responded to the post with their own tributes, with many thanking Mr Cornell for “all the laughs”.

Vickie Munns said: “You fought the hard fight, and we thank you for your creativity and a life well lived”.

Marina Robinson said: “Another legend who will be missed but never forgotten RIP”.

Ashley Fay: “Such a lovely man! Big hugs to Deli!”.

Danielle Diehm: “What a man indeed. Thinking of you all & sending love to Delvene and the kids”.

1973. Comedians Paul Hogan and John Cornell ("Strop"). Picture Herald Sun

James Cassells said: “Condolences to the Cornell family. John was an Australian legend, a marketing genius and funny man Strop along with best mate Paul Hogan. John was the brains behind a lot of great moments in Australian history, such as the World Series Cricket concept and other things we still cherish in Australia today. RIP John”.

Kerry Pellatt: “RIP John, thanking you for all the years of laughter, you will be missed”.

Lisa Hynard: “Rest In Peace John, and thanks for the laughs!”

June Oppermann: “So sad to say goodbye to such an Aussie legend. Thoughts are with Delvene and everyone at the hotel”.

Stephen Twohill: “A legend, he left an incredible legacy”.

Ellen S Briggs: “He truly was one of the greats – in all ways. His ground breaking humour as well as his incredible generosity and love for this community”.

Sandra Winter: “Such a legend of a man, who has personally touched our lives in so many wonderful ways. Much love to Deli and the family and the Bruns staff.

Janine Thurgood: “RIP John, thank you so much for all the work that you created for me and many others during your time here and the many memories … much love and condolences to Delvene and family”.

Naomie Jenkins: “Janine Thurgood such an amazing man and he’ll be missed. I loved being sent to the “dungeon” when John was in the pub!”.

Ian Barnes: “So sad. Big love to Dele and all the staff at Hotel Brunswick. The great man will be dearly missed, but always remembered with a smile. Vale’ John”.

Geoff Bensley: “John and Delvene gave us Byron Bay residents the best hang out spot when they built the Beach Hotel. Every Friday night and Sunday afternoon was spent there.

John sitting at the bar with his mates and the monkey. Delvene making sure the place was spotless and the staff always beautifully dressed. RIP John.”

Hot Dog said: “Thank you for your contributions to the local music industry … we had some amazing gigs at The Beach Hotel and The Brunz. Thank you from all past and present members of Hot Dog”.

John North said: “To my old mate and boss, you will be missed. What a true champion. Love to all family and friends. Always in my heart”.