Community
28 February, 2026
Business figure honoured at wake
FORMER Cairns businessman and philanthropist John O’Brien has been remembered as a man of his word and generosity at a wake in Cairns last week.
About 100 people gathered at the Rattle ‘n Hum to honour the man who left an inedible mark on the city’s landscape.
Mr O’Brien (above) died in Brisbane on August 6 last year, aged 73.
In his hey day, he owned Pacific Toyota and Lexus of Cairns as well as a host of other businesses.
At one stage he owned the Cairns Taipans, was president of the Cairns Jockey Club, helped kick off Northern Pride and was a sponsor of other sports, including cricket and AFL. He was also a bookmaker.
Close friend Kevin Maher spoke of Mr O’Brien’s love of Cairns, the community and sport.
“His vision was always what he could do for the community,” he said.
“John was a man of his word. His word was his bond and rest assured if he said he would do something, it was going to happen.”
Among the guests were retired lawyer Russell Beer, former regional councillor Max O’Halloran, community leader Clive Skarott, retired bookmaker Hadyn Flynn, transport operator Ron Sing, security company boss Troy Jacques, commercial property agent Danny Betros, retired businessman David Headrick, leasing and retail manager Jacqui Nolan and chamber of commerce executive Stephanie Campbell, as well as representatives of rugby league, cricket, netball and AFL. Mr O’Brien is survived by his daughter Juanita Maiden, son-in-law David and grandson Cooper.
