RIP Br Terry Orrell: A Marist Brother for 68 Years, a Lifetime of Faith and Service
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On 25 June, Br Terry Orrell passed away in Perth, 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 announce the death of Br Terry Orrell, who died in Perth on the evening of 25 June. In recent days, Terry had entered renal failure associated with the dementia he had lived with for the past two years. He was lovingly cared for by the nursing home staff and faithfully visited by the Brothers of his community. His sister, two brothers and a dear childhood friend were also with him during his final days. He was 87 years old and had been a Marist Brother for 68 years.
Nearly two years ago, there was a noticeable decline in Terry’s health, which inhibited his capacity to cope with the normal daily physical routines. As Terry’s health declined, the Brothers were privileged to care for him at home for as long as possible, supported by the assistance of a community nurse. This rapidly evolved with the onset of dementia which caused a marked deterioration of his cognitive and physical capacities. As his need for care increased, we were fortunate to secure a place for him in a residential nursing home.
Terrence Orrell was born in Northam, Western Australia, on 10 July 1938, to Francis and Norah. The eldest of five children, Terry is survived by his three brothers and one sister. Like many young Catholics of his generation, Terry began his primary schooling with the Sisters of Joseph of the Apparition, completing the early years through to Grade 3 before moving, in 1948, to the Brothers new school at Fermoy House, where he was among the first students.
The first stirrings of Terry’s Marist vocation emerged during his school years at Fermoy House. As an impressionable young boy, he was deeply influenced by the headmaster there. A keen student who enjoyed extra-curricular activities, especially sport, Terry found in this environment the first seeds of a vocation. When he decided to take up the call of Marist Brotherhood at only 13 years of age, his youngest brother was only one year old, and his siter was yet to be born. His family’s faithful connection with him across the years remained a cherished part of his life.
Terry courageously travelled by train across the country with another Brother to Macedon, Victoria, to pursue his vocation, entering the Juniorate on 26 January 1952. For his final two years of secondary schooling, the Juniorate relocated to the newly established Champagnat College in Wangaratta, north-eastern Victoria. He began his postulancy at Macedon on 3 January 1957, entered the novitiate there on 2 July 1957, made his first vows on 2 July 1958, and professed his final vows at Kilmore, Victoria, on 31 December 1963.
Following his initial formation, Terry was first appointed to the boarding school in Forbes, in rural New South Wales. This role served as a valuable introduction before he moved on to his university studies in Sydney. It was the commencement of a long and distinguished career as a teacher and school principal. After graduating with an Arts degree from Sydney University in 1962, he was appointed as a senior teacher and completed his Diploma of Education part time while based at Bendigo, graduating from Melbourne in 1965.
Terry’s ministry as a Brother was varied and significant. After teaching at Forbes, Hawthorn, Bendigo, Churchlands and Kilmore, he served for 25 years as Principal at Kilmore, Somerton Park, Churchlands and Sale. He introduced co-education to Sacred Heart College, contributed to the early Southwest Scheme in Adelaide, and became known as a great builder of stadiums, including facilities at Sacred Heart College, Newman and Sale.
After a period as Chaplain at Melbourne University and in young Adult Ministry, he served a further eight years as Principal of Catholic College Sale before returning to Newman College Perth as Campus Minister and member of the College Executive until declining health intervened. He also served on the Provincial Council for three years in the 1990s and played a significant communications and publications role in the former Melbourne Province from 2009 to 2012. Behind these appointments were countless relationships: students encouraged, staff supported, communities strengthened, and young people drawn into a deeper sense of belonging.
Terry valued academic study and continued to update his qualifications to support his varied responsibilities. He completed a Diploma of Religious Education through the National Pastoral Institute in 1974 and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Counselling in South Australia in 1982. While principal in Western Australia, he undertook further studies, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Management in 1992. On the religious front, he completed the Biblical Lands Study Tour in 1994 and the Sangre di Cristo Course in 2004.
Terry brought deep passion and commitment to our mission of education. His own passion as a lifelong learner also spilled over to others as he modelled learning as a joy rather than a chore. In every setting, he valued relationships, supported those around him, and struck a rare balance between effective leadership and genuine friendship with his colleagues. He cultivated friendships wherever he was. In his gentle way, he always offered wise guidance to many people. His thoughtfulness of others has consistently been noted and appreciated. He was committed to passing on his passion for Marist ministry to a new generation and this inspired many teachers.
Terry holds a place in many hearts for the way he made people feel - about themselves and about life. His sincere interest in others, combined with his joyful temperament, helped those around him feel at ease. He leaves a rich legacy of welcome and warmth, joy and humour.
For all his accomplishments, Terry will perhaps be remembered most for the quality of his presence. Many will remember Terry’s gentle manner, his attentive listening, and the quiet encouragement he offered so readily. Terry was fully present wherever he ministered, engaging with others and encouraging staff and students alike. He treated people with extraordinary respect and reached out with compassion, even to those who were most challenging, always seeking to see the best in others. He noticed people, listened carefully, and made them feel known and valued. As campus minister, he found a new expression of this ministry of presence through retreats for senior students and staff. Even as he grew older, his enthusiasm remained undiminished. This lasting impact was grounded in his practical spirituality, prayer and reflection.
Terry was a much-loved brother, educator and friend. We give thanks for Terry’s long and generous life: for his fidelity as a Marist Brother, his gift as an educator, his steady friendship, and the gentle, thoughtful presence through which he made so many people feel seen, valued and encouraged. Terry now rests in the loving presence of Jesus and Mary, whom he served so faithfully throughout his life.
May he rest in peace.
-Br Darren Burge
Provincial
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