Denis Callinan
1954 – 2008
“A Surfing Saint”
It is with profound shock to hear of the sudden passing away of Gold Coast identity and Surfing solicitor Denis Callinan, 53, who died as a result of surgery complication on Wednesday, 16th January 2008 at John Flynn Hospital on the Gold Coast. He survived a sudden heart attack prior to Xmas and was back at work as a Solicitor seemingly back on track.
On Tuesday he was feeling fine and back to his usual glowing self but on Wednesday he knew that something was wrong and asked his brother in-law to call an ambulance urgently. Despite all hands on at John Flynn and frantic attempts to save him, blood coagulation caused his recent stents to shutdown and he passed away before lunch on the 16th the same date as Elvis according to longtime friend and best mate Rabbit Bartholomew.
“He was an incredibly tireless charity worker and throughout his career raised over 1 million dollars for charity,” said Bugs who added, “Only last month he raised $100,000 via his dedicated group SAND SIPPERS for Camp Quality and Cancer kids and the Tweed Hospital, no one in surfing has raised that amount of money and he was always putting other people first in his pursuit helping those in need.”
A charismatic personality with infectious energy and a charging spirit, Denis was quite an unbelievable character who impacted on so many people; Denis was and is Mr. Gold Coast.
Burleigh’s Dwayne Harris said Denis didn’t have an enemy, everyone loved Denis. Dwayne’s brother Peter paid homage to his kindly advice on how to love and enjoy life, “I was having my own problems which Denis helped me to overcome, he was a guy that spoke to me intimately about dealing with life’s problems and I listened to him, anyone else I would have told them to jump!”
Denis was very much part of the Burleigh scene and its closely guarded surfing community, he was one of the Boys, he charged at Burleigh and they loved and respected him. Always paying compliments and making people feel better about themselves, he loved his surfing, traveling frequently to Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii where he would stay with close friend and Legendary Hawaiian shaper Dennis Pang. Even when Denis Cal overfed the fish in the Hawaiians fish tank, all was forgiven because he was just such a nice guy. But more than that he was incredibly generous, charitable and his energy for fixing problems and fundraising was legendary.
Back in 1968 the Callinan family arrived at Miami High school where Denis’ Dad, Bill Callinan was our Headmaster and even back then Denis was helping people with his cheeky smile and positive outlook. However, it was when Rabbit Bartholomew turned up in 1971 from Tweed High that it would be the beginning of a long and close association, a unique liaison that bonded into a long lasting partnership. Principal Bill wanted us to play footy but of course surfing was the focus, Denis saw this and went in to bat for Bugs who needed sponsorship to compete in Hawaii. He traveled extensively after school going to Bali in 1976 and upon returning home turned his talents to Law and became a well respected solicitor acknowledged by both the prosecutors, judges and police, not to mention his clients.
Teaming up with Rabbit and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garret to launch SAND then called Surfers Against Nuclear Destruction on the Sunshine Coast in the early 80’s which received phenomenal reaction from the media and public, later it would be changed to Surfers Against Natures Destruction presenting the annual SAND teams events bringing together all roles of society whether they could surf or not, lining up High Court judges, celebrities, social welfare groups, sporting greats, coppers, fireries, ambo’s, doctors and a host of well known surfers to raise money for all types of charities and social issues, that he had dealt with first hand in the Courts. As a concerned Lawyer, his motto was, to “burn the midnight oil” for those in need.
He had been a President of Surfing Queensland and remains President of SAND. He enjoyed kudos and compliments from just about every section of Gold Coast life involving so many people and bringing them together in his endeavors to make the world a safer and more compassionate place. Gold Coast surfing legend now living at Yamba, Thornton Fallander said, “He never did the wrong thing by me, it was always the right thing, offering insightful advice freely, he was all about bringing goodwill to all.” Everyone has a good tale to tell about Denis, he really was a surfing saint. Always thinking of others before himself, fellow surfing Solicitor Mal Chalmers who worked alongside Denis in the Courts said, “He would take Rabbit’s Mum Betty and his own Mum Joyce out for lunch regularly and if he was running late would pay for a taxi and not leave them waiting.” Considerate, courteous, good natured, what fantastic attributes he possessed. He was in awe of former Gold Coast Mayor and State MP Lex Bell a solicitor with a brilliant legal mind who looked after pensioners out of his own pocket and was an obvious mentor inspiring Denis to do the same. Denis had his serious side when it came to work but he liked to have fun and was a social animal who enjoyed a good party but always kept in control. He never walked away from a challenge and faced the facts of life with a healthy resolve.
His sister Ann and brother Mark of similar kind hearted nature supported their Bro to the max. He asked his younger brother Mark to hold a surfing memorial at Burleigh should the situation arise.
Mark will honor his brothers final wishes by calling on Surfing Queensland and the Burleigh boys to hold a day of respect at his beloved Burleigh Point on the Australia Day weekend, 26-27 January 2008.
A minute silence will be given to Denis at this weekends annual Billabong Alley Classic at Currumbin, 19-20 January.
This is truly a sad and tragic end for such a wonderful healthy individual, a real gentleman who did so many good things, his legacy will last forever and his good deeds will not go unnoticed, he was such a positive role model and his influence has been a blessing for all those who enjoyed his effervescent and zest for life personality. “He will sail through the Pearly Gates and will be guaranteed a special place in Heaven,” said his best friend Rabbit. A service will be held on Wednesday, 23 January at 10am, at the Catholic Church, just south of the Miami High School. The crew at SAND have requested donations instead of flowers.
We’ll miss you big time ol mate,
Andrew McKinnon