Popular Former Employee Passes Away

We are sad to share the news that former Tax Link staff member Brian Joseph Hennessey passed away on the 24th of October 2021. Our thoughts are with his wife Glenda and his friends and family. Below is the tribute from Tax Link Christchurch Manager Bruce McDowell, made at Brian’s funeral.

Brian Joseph Hennessy, 7 July 1940 – 24 October 2021
Tribute by Bruce McDowell


I first met Brian in the early 1990’s. This was after Brian had finished up as the Manager of the Waterfront Industry Commission and was during his term as Secretary Manager of the Fendalton Tennis Club, since renamed the Burnside Park Tennis Club.

He welcomed me as the parent of two junior members and I was very impressed by him and his friendly manner. This was his approach with everyone, always taking time out to welcome and talk to players and parents.

I also remember Brian organized regular Sunday morning competitions at the club. These competitions were very popular. All 10 courts would be filled and there was a waiting list to play. The post-match discussions often extended into the afternoon.

In 1993, due to a job description change Brian did not reapply for the new positions but remained a club member for the next three seasons.

Brian’s favourite Tennis Club was however closer to home and was undoubtably the Opawa Tennis Club. Brian and Glenda joined Opawa in 1974, this is where Brian met his lifelong friend Ray Freight and his wife Jenny. Ray had joined Opawa in 1959 and is a life member and current club patron. Glenda became a Life Member of Opawa and Brian was looking forward to playing his 48th year as an Opawa Club Member. He was also looking forward to his sports betting on the Australian Open.

Back at the time when Brian finished up at Burnside I had a full-time seasonal job opening at Tax Link in Armagh Street. I offered this to Brian, and he accepted. Neither of us imagined then that we would still be working together some 20 years later.

Throughout this time Brian was a most popular workmate and an excellent Tax Accountant, although he had handwriting that only he or a doctor could read. He enjoyed his work and talking with his clients, he would, as Mel referred, get all the details required, and some extra, which he would note for future reference. He liked helping his clients and he certainly impressed them with what he knew and what he recalled from previous discussions.

He was also very conscientious about getting his work done by dates promised. On occasions Brian would go to work early on a Saturday morning to catch up in the peace and quiet.

Brian often recalled on one such Saturday morning when he was doing this, that he was propositioned by a prostitute on the corner of Armagh and Manchester Street. He recalled that the prostitute referred to him as Big Boy and asked him “if he was from out of town and looking for some action”. Brian politely said “No” and explained that he was going to his office to catch up on some work. Brian then crossed the road but when he reached the office door he remembered that he had left something in his car. When he crossed back over the road again the prostitute greeted him again with a big smile saying “Oh Big Boy you have come back, have you changed your mind?” Brian again politely said “No” and explained why he was returning to his car. When he came back from his car the prostitute had gone.

Brian was an excellent character who enjoyed his work and was a great workmate. He took an interest in everyone and will always be fondly remembered.

When Brian retired in August 2012, he never lost interest in his work colleagues and kept in regular touch especially with Sophie who he developed a special friendship with. We also have clients who still ask after him whom he clearly left a great impression on.

The last email I received from Brian was on the 17th of October, a week before he passed away. It contained a message that he asked to be shared with everyone. The message said “We should be thankful that we are alive. We should do everything we need to do to protect and help each other.”

Thank you Brian for all the care and help you have shown to others during your lifetime.