RIP Br Julian Quinlan: A Gentle Brother Known for His Grace, Humour, and Deep Devotion to Community
- maristbrothers
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
On 22 January, Br Julian Quinlan passed away in Sydney, Australia. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province.
It is with great sadness that I advise you that Br Julian Quinlan died peacefully last night at 6.14 pm in Royal North Shore Hospital (Sydney). Julian had a massive cerebral haemorrhage on Tuesday morning as he was getting out of bed and was rushed to hospital. He lingered for some days due to his strong heart and fighting spirit, but he quietly and peacefully slipped away last night. Fr Ron Nissen anointed Julian in the hospital.
He was 88 years old and had been a Marist Brother for 71 years.
Julian died surrounded by his family - nephews, nieces, and cousins - along with the Brothers of his community and the nurses. Br Michael Green, who had been at Julian’s bedside most of the last three days, was in the elevator just minutes away. His devoted nephews, particularly Peter, Michael, and Alan have visited in recent days, as have many other family members and Brothers
Julian’s unexpected death shocked both his family and the Community, as he had been his usual lively self over recent days. His song booklets were still in his room, prepared for his weekly trip to the local nursing home, where he played piano and led communal singing. Although he faced some typical health issues for his age, his overall wellbeing was good.
Julian was a model of how to grow old with grace and good humour. He consistently radiated positivity and displayed the contentment of a person comfortable with himself and satisfied with his chosen path in life. Julian remained outward looking as he aged. He loved being in community and sharing the lives of the Brothers. Julian took a keen interest in everyone he encountered and could hold an enjoyable conversation. He was particularly devoted to his large extended family, always attending family events and earning a reputation among relatives for his thoughtful gifts, which were often books. Julian was energetic and always on the move. He kept in contact with a vast array of people that he had known and worked with over the years.
Julian Maurice Charles Quinlan was born on 16 September 1937 to his loving parents, Edwin Joseph and Rubie Quinlan in Sydney. He was the youngest of three boys. The firstborn was Kevin followed by his brother Cyril, who was also a Marist Brother. He was pre-deceased by his parents, who both died in the late 1960s, and his two brothers.
Julian was introduced to the Marist Brothers while attending school at Eastwood. Inspired by his brother, he soon went to the Juniorate in Mittagong in January 1953 to begin his pre-novitiate studies. On July 2, 1954, he entered the novitiate and took his first vows exactly one year later, on July 2.
Julian was an intelligent, creative and dedicated educator who profoundly influenced his students. His teaching was grounded in strong academic principles, and he deeply valued both education and lifelong learning, as seen through his impressive academic achievements. Julian held Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts and Education, was an Associate in Music Australia from his studies at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music, a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education, and earned three Master’s Degrees – in Theological Studies, Religious Education, and Pastoral Studies. He was passionate about acquiring knowledge and equally enthusiastic about sharing it with others.
Julian’s positive outlook on life was evident in his missionary work over the years. He spent thirty years living outside Australia - primarily in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands - along with two years of study in the United States and three years on the staff at MAPAC in Manila as Dean of Studies. Julian was well renowned for his music and choirs in Melanesia, for which he was justifiably proud.
Julian’s interest in teaching Scripture, including his capacity to recite word-for-word the Passion from all four Gospels during the Holy Week liturgies, was a focus throughout his life. Clearly what he had learned by heart was close to his heart. This was a special feature of his teaching when working in Melanesia. However, he was also an exceptional helper for the catechists throughout the New South Wales by developing imaginative and practical resources for teachers, which are still in use today. His receiving the Dempsey Medal in 2017 from the Archbishop of Sydney for his services as a catechist was something of which he was quietly but deservedly proud.
In recent years, even as Julian grew older, his passion for apostolic work and his commitment to his calling as a Brother remained unwavering. He continued to exercise service outside of the Marist community by engaging in outreach activities with others. Without fail, he attended the local men’s shed in Hunters Hill three times a week, not to do any major project but to be a pastoral support and make the coffee, as he had done previously in Murgon, Queensland! He also put his musical talents to good use by going to seniors’ homes to play the piano, bringing much needed joy and music into the lives of these people.
The outstanding care and support Julian offered his brother Cyril in his final stages of life was remarkable to witness and a testament to his own care for others. It was a case of true love for his brother at a time when Cyril had failing health and was suffering the effects of dementia. Julian was measured, calm and consistently present in the face of this difficult situation. Family was so central to Julian’s life.
This gentle, kind man lived a life of great faithfulness as a Marist Brother for 71 years, true to his calling until yesterday. If anyone wondered whether dedicating one's entire life to being a Marist Brother could bring happiness and fulfilment, Julian’s life offered a definitive “yes.” For those seeking proof of how profound spirituality naturally leads a person toward others, Julian embodied that example.
I offer our sympathy to the Brothers of his Community and his family. We are also grateful to the hospital staff who attended to his needs and made him comfortable in his final days.
May he rest in peace.
-Br Darren Burge
Provincial
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