VOICE OF HOSPITALITY

A Message from the Family of Patrick O’Brien OAM

It is with profound sadness that we share the details of the service to honour the life of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, Patrick O’Brien OAM.
Family, friends, and all those whose lives Patrick touched are warmly invited to join us as we come together to celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.

Rosary:
🕯️ 7:15 PM, 6th November
📍 Our Lady of the Mission Church
270 Camberwarra Drive, Craigie

Funeral Mass:
🕊️ 11:00 AM, 7th November
📍 Our Lady of the Mission Church
270 Camberwarra Drive, Craigie

Burial:
🌿 1:00 PM, 7th November
📍 Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park
Whitfords Avenue, Padbury
Dress Code for Chefs: Optional Chef Jackets – Gentlemen could you please wear Shirt & Tie under jacket

Tribute Page:
Click Here to leave a tribute for Pat

For those unable to join us in person, live stream link

11.00am Western Australia
2.00pm Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory
1.30pm South Australia
12.30pm Northern Territory
1.00pm Queensland

The day prior to the Service, a button will be available to click under Funeral Details called View Webcast Here. Opening will take you to the live streaming of the funeral service. The webcast will not start until the commencement of the service 07/11/2024

It is recommended to REFRESH the web page every couple of minutes from the service commence time, if it does not play automatically.

We are deeply grateful for the love, messages, and support we have received during this time. Your kindness has been a great comfort, and we look forward to gathering with you, whether in person or virtually, to honour Patrick’s memory.

With sincere thanks,
The O’Brien Family

Remembering Patrick O'Brien OAM

Wondering How You Can Support a Man Who Gave Our Industry So Much?

Patrick O’Brien OAM dedicated his life to mentoring, inspiring, and uplifting chefs around the world. Now, it’s our turn to give back.
We’re raising funds to bring Patrick home from Singapore and help his beloved wife Rose and family with funeral expenses. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference during this challenging time.

Donate today: Link in the button below
Let’s honour Patrick with the farewell he deserves.

Vale Patrick O’Brien OAM: A Legacy of Passion, Dedication, and Generosity
 
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick O’Brien OAM, a deeply loved and respected member of the Australian food community. Patrick was not only a long-standing leader within the Australian Culinary Federation but also a cherished mentor and advocate for chefs and young professionals across the nation. His impact on the hospitality industry and countless lives will forever be remembered.
Patrick’s remarkable journey began at St Mary’s College of Catering in Ireland, where his talent saw him work in renowned restaurants before making Australia his home. His drive to nurture the next generation of chefs took him from kitchens into the world of education, first through Hospitality Group Training and later at North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE), where he spent 18 transformative years.
As the Director of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts at NMTAFE, Patrick’s influence extended beyond classrooms. He led 87 staff at the Joondalup campus, building a program that shaped future foodservice professionals and set a benchmark for excellence. His passion for inspiring students to achieve their best resulted in extraordinary success – guiding young chefs to gold medals at the Culinary Olympics and international competitions across Germany, India, and Thailand.
 
Patrick’s ability to elevate others defined his career. From mentoring individuals who now excel in prestigious restaurants worldwide to personally coaching national culinary teams, his dedication was unwavering. He was an enthusiastic advocate, holding roles such as WA President and National Board Member of the Australian Culinary Federation, Master Craftsman with the Catering Institute of Australia, and Worldchefs Grade A Judge. In recognition of his lifelong service, Patrick was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), an honour he humbly embraced, saying:
“I love what I do because I get to make a difference to young people’s lives. Encouraging them to be the best they can possibly be.”
 
Patrick was also celebrated with numerous awards, including the President’s Award for Education from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and induction into the Restaurant and Caterers Hall of Fame. Beyond the professional realm, Patrick gave generously to community initiatives, recruiting volunteers for causes like the Cancer Council Joondalup Fun Run and the Long Table Lunch for Breast Cancer.
 
On International Chefs Day, Patrick left us – a fitting final gesture from a man who gave his heart and soul to the industry. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his wife Rose, children Ann Maree, Anthony, and Martina, and their families, as well as among his colleagues, friends, and the countless chefs he inspired.
 
Karen Doyle, President of the Australian Culinary Federation, shared heartfelt words about Patrick:
“Patrick was not only a colleague but a dear friend who touched my life in ways words cannot describe. We shared a love for our Irish heritage and a passion for nurturing young chefs. His kindness, wit, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on me and everyone fortunate enough to know him. I adored him and will forever treasure the memories we shared.”
 
Peter Tischhauser, a close friend and more than just a colleague, added:
“Patrick was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime. He was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. Working alongside him was a privilege, but it was his friendship that I valued most. Patrick’s generosity of spirit, his humour, and his ability to lift those around him will never be forgotten. I’ll miss him dearly.”
 
Patrick’s work was never about personal recognition; it was about building something meaningful, nurturing potential, and making a lasting impact. Today, we honour his legacy, knowing that his influence will continue to thrive in the kitchens and careers he helped shape.
Patrick O’Brien OAM – leader, mentor, and friend – your legacy lives on in every meal prepared with heart, every student encouraged to chase their dreams, and every chef inspired to make a difference.
 
Rest peacefully, Patrick, we will miss you and everything you stood for.
 
In times like these, it is normal to feel overwhelmed, lost, or simply in need of a caring ear. If you or someone you know is struggling with Patrick’s passing or just needs to talk, 1800Chaplain (1800 24 27 52) is here to offer support.
Whether it’s grief, loneliness, or anything else, 1800Chaplain provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can share your thoughts and find solace. Please don’t hesitate to reach out – you are not alone.
 
 
Please contact the ACF office with any enquiries – office@austculinary.com.au

Celebrating the life and legacy of Patrick O’Brien OAM.

If you have a photo that you would like us to share on this memorial page, please email to marketing@austculinary.com.au or text to WhatsApp 0413732652

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