Bede Joseph Quinlivan: Tributes for beloved Toowoomba creative

Family and friends will farewell a devoted father and much-loved member of the Toowoomba creative community, who tragically passed away at the age of 34.

Bede Quinlivan had a love of retro gaming, including pinball.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Bede Joseph Quinlivan, who left this world far too soon on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the age of 34.

Bede passed away peacefully at home with his mother Christine and brother Anthony by his side from a heart attack.

Bede was the youngest of five siblings, born May 11, 1990 in Lismore, NSW.

Bede was known for his quick wit and a unique way of viewing the world – he was always ready to lighten the mood with an inappropriate joke or a deep dive into one of his many quirky theories.

Bede’s greatest joy in life was as a father to his 13-year-old son, Noah.

Their bond was unbreakable, and he took immense pride in watching Noah grow.

Whether sharing records, Pokémon cards, or artwork, Bede poured his love and creativity into their relationship.

He had plans for road trips to visit Noah and spend more time together.

A talented and eclectic creative, Bede made his mark in many fields.

From designing gig posters for comedy nights and music festivals to crafting the iconic Random Pete character preserved in the national archives, his artistic contributions were as distinctive as they were impactful.

Bede Quinlivan with his niece Olivia.

A fitting testament to his ability to turn even the smallest stage into a source of joy, Bede won the Battle of the Bands air guitar competition in Toowoomba.

Bede’s love of music and comedy ran deep.

He volunteered at local music festivals like Eidecan and Summer Riot, lugging PA systems, emceeing events, and supporting the region’s vibrant creative scene.

He was a familiar face at open mic nights, rocking out at gigs, or manning the sound booth at the Irish Club Hotel.

His sharp comedic timing and larger-than-life stage presence earned him comparisons to Jack Black, a role model he had the joy of seeing perform live.

But Bede wasn’t just a performer—he was deeply thoughtful and altruistic.

Whether helping a friend with a last-minute project, designing on a whim, or creating zines to share his thoughts and art, he always gave more than he took.

Even in his quieter moments, tinkering with electronics in his “manland” garage or caring for family pets, he was a constant source of support and love.

Bede was also a collector of experiences, finding adventure in everything from road trips to impromptu karaoke sessions.

His eclectic tastes included comic books, sci-fi, vinyl records, and retro gaming.

His love of design extended to the launch of his own creative business, Design Lord Media where he created graphics for businesses alongside labels for his well-known homemade mead.

His work behind the scenes helped bring countless events to life, always with his signature blend of humour and ingenuity.

Though Bede faced challenges, he found peace and purpose in his final months.

He focused on his health, reconnected with family and friends, and poured his energy into creative projects.

Bede is survived by his beloved son Noah; his parents Christine and Gregory; his siblings Jonathan, Anthony, Rosanna, and Elouise; his nieces and nephews Cherie, Cooper, Brax, Lily, Willow, Amelia, Quinn, and Olivia; and the countless friends whose lives he touched through his humour, kindness, and creativity.

Bede’s memory will live on in the laughter he inspired, the art he created, and the love he shared so freely.

His legacy is one of endless curiosity, talent, and a heart that gave without hesitation or judgement.

Rest in peace, Bede—forever remembered as a loving father, an extraordinary talent, and a truly one-of-a-kind soul.

A celebration of Bede’s life will be held at the Garden of Remembrance on Friday, 24 January at 1pm with friends and family welcome.

A final event in his stylings will be held from 3pm at the Irish Club Backroom, where he was the sound engineer or performer for many comedy nights and events.