We were saddened to hear of the passing of Daniel (Danny) Gerard O’Brien (SPC 1962-66) at Bendigo Hospice on 15 July 2025, aged 76 years.
His Funeral Mass was held at St Kilian’s Catholic Church in Bendigo on 24 July.
He was the dearly loved husband of Mary, father of Nick, Shannon and Jess and grandfather of seven.
Tributes described Danny as a “much-admired and respected member” of the Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary Club, clocking up 37 years, and was past president of the Bendigo Flying Club between 2018-2020 and valued member of the aviation community.
Danny was a full-time boarder from Culgoa, in the Mallee.
It was clear from the start when Danny started at SPC in Form 2 that he was a natural sportsman. He played football for SPC every year, culminating in the First XVIII Football team in 1966.
Dan was also named captain of the Treacy side in the Senior House competition in 1966.
In relation to his footballing ability, Dan was described “on his day, Dan was unbeatable in defence”.
“Strong and determined, a fine mark and kick, he could be a most attacking player,” read the 1966 College Annual.
It may come as no surprise that Danny’s grandson Ollie Hannaford (SPC 2021-24) was selected by GWS Giants in the AFL Draft last year.
Dan was a good runner but it was the hurdles where he excelled. He was named the College’s Hurdles champion every year, except 1965.
Dan also played cricket and was also a member of the premiership-winning Open House cricket competition for Treacy in 1966.
He received the Colonel W.B. McGuire Award for the Best First Year Cadet in 1963.
Danny completed his matriculation at SPC in 1966 and repeated his matriculation at St Vincent’s College in Bendigo the year after.
Danny later operated a successful car parts agency in Bendigo.
Danny’s grandsons, Paddy Hannaford (SPC 2021-23) and Ollie also followed in his footsteps as boarders at SPC.
