The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of John.

I'm Dylan, Philomena's grandson.

Growing up, we spent a lot of time together. Because of you, I am the man I am today. I always reminisce on the times you took me to junior footy. You would always have the paper next to you and butch the dog in the back of the station wagon. You'd tell me "butch is a dragons supporter too".

When I was young, nothing made me more happier than hearing the front door to my nans open and as you were going down the hallway youd clear your throat, I straight away knew it was pop! Kahla and I would leap straight into your arms and you'd give us a piggyback ride around the house. I miss the nursery rhymes youd read to us before bed, especially "three little pigs", you'd act it all out, it always had kahla and I giggling hearing you do the pigs voices.

I think of the times youd take me on a tour at uncle Eds barley factory, as a kid I was so fascinated. You always took the opportunity to tell others that kahla and I were your grandchildren, you'd say "can you mind my grandkids for me, sometimes they can be a pain, and I just want to put my fist down their throat". I remember youd take me to see uncle Jack and stumpy the dog. Jack was such a nice man.

You taught me so much, I just wanted to tell you I appreciate you so much. You were a great man, you were tough, kind, loving, intelligent, and showed kindness towards animals. You will always be remembered, I will ensure my future children and their children know who John O'Mara was and how important he was to me.

I love you pop. Farewell.

Johnny was a loving big brother taken from me when he was 13 and I was 11 when he was sent to sea. I was always with Johnny and he always looked after me.

We went everywhere together with Johnny Rigoldie. I could get to the front of any queue, so they always took me everywhere.

Johnny was always just lovely and I will miss him forever.

I will always love you Johnny, from your little sister Thel.

Our deepest condolence to the family of John O'Mara and our dear sister Rosalind McBryde. Remembering you with fondness in our hearts and our prayers are with the family. May his soul rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon you.

Memories of John
From Di, John’s younger sister
A story I was told many years ago involved both John and his Uncle Alan. They were near enough the same age, and they were both very taken with the air raid tunnels that were being dug at Hampton State School. This was of course during World War Two.
However when they proceeded to dig up the ground to make tunnels in the horse paddock in Bluff Rd Sandringham, well, that was another matter altogether, and they paid for it! Horses and air raid tunnels definitely don’t mix! A salutary lesson was learnt by the two young boys that day.
As a thirteen year old my brother John was determined to go to sea. It got to the point where he was going with or without his father’s blessing. So Dad signed the papers to say that John was fourteen years old and could leave school.
His first boat was the Argonaut that did the coastal trade. With his first pay he bought himself a leather coat and then found he had no money for the rest of the week!
But one stormy night coming through The Heads into Port Phillip Bay the Argonaut lost its rudder and headed helplessly towards the rocks. Luckily the boat and all aboard were saved. My grandfather was scathing in his remarks, his generation of the O’Mara clan had lost three members by drowning whilst fishing.
“ I told you Jack, I told you. No-one from the O’Maras goes to sea”. The wash from the Ozone ferry from Williamstown accounted for two members of the family.
John had another narrow escape in 1955 when the River Burnett hit a rock near Mornington and ran aground and sank off Frankston. All the crew were rescued but it was touch and go for a while. We all remember the times when John turned up after these events, in shock, shivering and shaking.
Many years later I moved to Sydney but came back frequently to visit family and friends. Dear memories for me were the times that John took me on sight-seeing trips, around the Bellarine Peninsula, the Brisbane Ranges to name two standout occasions. And he knew the history as well. Places I had never been to before.
The Geelong Maritime Museum was another of his favourites until its closure
Memories of John
From Di, John’s younger sister
A story I was told many years ago involved both John and his Uncle Alan. They were near enough the same age, and they were both very taken with the air raid tunnels that were being dug at Hampton State School. This was of course during World War Two.
However when they proceeded to dig up the ground to make tunnels in the horse paddock in Bluff Rd Sandringham, well, that was another matter altogether, and they paid for it! Horses and air raid tunnels definitely don’t mix! A salutary lesson was learnt by the two young boys that day.
As a thirteen year old my brother John was determined to go to sea. It got to the point where he was going with or without his father’s blessing. So Dad signed the papers to say that John was fourteen years old and could leave school.
His first boat was the Argonaut that did the coastal trade. With his first pay he bought himself a leather coat and then found he had no money for the rest of the week!
But one stormy night coming through The Heads into Port Phillip Bay the Argonaut lost its rudder and headed helplessly towards the rocks. Luckily the boat and all aboard were saved. My grandfather was scathing in his remarks, his generation of the O’Mara clan had lost three members by drowning whilst fishing.
“ I told you Jack, I told you. No-one from the O’Maras goes to sea”. The wash from the Ozone ferry from Williamstown accounted for two members of the family.
John had another narrow escape in 1955 when the River Burnett hit a rock near Mornington and ran aground and sank off Frankston. All the crew were rescued but it was touch and go for a while. We all remember the times when John turned up after these events, in shock, shivering and shaking.
Many years later I moved to Sydney but came back frequently to visit family and friends. Dear memories for me were the times that John took me on sight-seeing trips, around the Bellarine Peninsula, the Brisbane Ranges to name two standout occasions. And he knew the history as well. Places I had never been to before.
The Geelong Maritime Museum was another of his favourites until its closure

Just got home to your place Pop.
Standing in the front yard I was blessed with a double rainbow.
Is this a sign you've reunited with Betty?
I certainly like to think so.
I miss you being here though, here where I can hold you.
💔

Dear Uncle, We miss you! You have always loved us unconditionally and been there for each of us every time. May you rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon you. Love - from all of us 🙏

My deepest Condolences to the Family of late Mr John O Mara may his soul rest in peace.

I know we didnt see each other often pop,
But I'm glad we reconnected so you could meet your great-grandchildren & they could meet my pop.
One of my memory's I have from a child, was when I was fishing with Dylan off the Geelong peer.
You came to pic us up because you had things to do,
But I was so determined to catch a sized pinky I wouldn't leave.
Only now I'm older I can appreciate your patience you had with me.

I'll never forget the last words you said to me.
"Keep doing what your doing mate"

Smooth sailing up there,
we'll meet again soon
love ya mate

John was like the only father that I never had.The story's that we shared will stay with me forever.I will miss him for a long time.A very big gap in my life.For sure.See you later mate.

THE STORY OF THE DRAGONFLY

From the book "Tales to grow and heal" by Michel Dufour

"At the bottom of an old pond lived a group of larvae that did not understand why when any of them ascended through the long lily stalks to the surface of the water, they never descended again where they were.

They promised each other that the next of them who would rise to the surface, would return to tell the others what had happened to him.

Shortly after, one of these larvae felt an irresistible desire to ascend to the surface.

He began to walk upwards through one of the thin vertical stems and when he was finally outside he began to rest on a lily leaf. Then she experienced a magnificent transformation that turned her into a beautiful dragonfly with beautiful wings.

He tried to keep his promise, but it was in vain.

Flying from one end of the pond to the other, she could see her friends in the background.

Then he understood that even if they in turn had been able to see her, they would never have recognized one of their companions in this radiant creature.

The fact that after that transformation that we call death, we cannot see our friends or family, or communicate with them, does not mean that they have ceased to exist...

They are not here, they went to another place to take care of us from there with a different view.

"Death is nothing more than a change of mission."

You are dearly missed, Poppy. You were the best person Dylan and I ever had in our lives. You were always so happy and cheerful! I’m so proud to have had such an amazing grandfather like you; I couldn't have asked for anyone better! You'll always be in my heart, and I miss you so very much.

I cherish the memories of when Dylan and I were younger, and you taught us how to play chess and those mornings we woke up to freshly made pancakes. You're the best and always will be! I love you, Poppy.

I still remember the time Dylan and I thought you were sleeping because you were snoring. We snuck into your room very quietly, crawling under your bed without making a sound, and all of a sudden, you would say, "Oi, get out of here before I wallop you." Dylan and I would race out, laughing and wondering how you knew we were there. We were so quiet!

Pop and I used to paint together, and that's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life. There are so many more memories, and they all hold a special place in my heart. ❤❤❤

We miss u pops. u r a great soul to everyone. may god take care of u forever.rest in peace pops

I've been coming inside, looking for you. You're not sitting in your chair.