Family man is remembered for his service
Much loved gentleman made a mark
HERBERT EDWARD HIRNING
BORN: December 25, 1927
DIED: February 12, 2013 Very family-focused man who made significant contributions to the sporting, business and cultural life of Toowoomba.
HERBERT Hirning made significant contributions to his community’s sporting, business and cultural life, but perhaps more importantly, to his family.
Mr Hirning was born in Toowoomba on Christmas Day 1927, a lovely present for his parents Bert and Susan.
He was the eldest of four brothers, and he and the family lived at Pechey and Charleville before settling in Toowoomba.
On leaving school, Mr Hirning worked at McKinneys Radio, in the days when a junior had to clean windows and sweep the footpath every morning.
When Packard Bell moved to town, Mr Hirning joined as store manager.
Mr Hirning met the woman who would become his wife, Margaret Smythe, at a wedding in 1942.
They were married in St James Church, Toowoomba on September 17, 1949, and marked the event each year with a party on the third Saturday in September – the date of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
In 1954, a royal tour came to Toowoomba and in March the Hirnings welcomed their own
Mr Hirning met the woman who would become his wife, Margaret Smythe, at a wedding in 1942.
princess, daughter Barbara.
The arrival of department store Myer in Toowoomba prompted a change, and Mr Hirning was appointed controller of the homewares section.
Before the opening, the staff worked in offices on the rooftop carpark, and Barbara then at primary school, fondly remembers walking up the ramp to greet Dad at the end of the working day.
In 1963, Mr Hirning was transferred to McWhirters in Brisbane.
He returned to Toowoomba in 1964 to be the assistant manager at Myer.
In July 1965 he was appointed manager, a position he held until he retired in 1989.
In the early 70s, Myer was the venue for the Carnival of Flowers rooftop concert.
With her father’s help, Barbara became the envy of her friends when she secured not only an autograph, but a kiss from her heart-throbs, pop stars Johnny Farnham and Ronnie Burns.
Mr Hirning’s involvement with the community was extensive.
He served as president and zone chairman of the Toowoomba Lions Club and was a longstanding member of the Anglican Men’s Society.
In his youth, he played rugby league and cricket.
He played for both Colts and Metropolitan cricket clubs, and maintained an interest in the Mets club in his later years.
Golf became a passion and he joined Toowoomba Golf Club, where he came to serve as president.
Three grandchildren – Paul, Mark and Krystina – and a great-grandchild, Lilli, were the cream on the cake for Mr and Mrs Hirning.
The grandchildren will always believe their Grandy was a great role model, displayed impeccable manners, was a true gentleman, and not only a grandfather, but a mate.
Paul and Mark regularly visited Grandy at Myer, to have toasted asparagus sandwiches and chocolate milkshakes in the cafeteria.
They were proud to walk through the store with their Grandy, who always looked immaculate.
Like all granddaughters, Krystina was special to her grandfather.
When he picked her up from school, they always had bee stings.
Krystina requested the same treat for the reception following his funeral service.
Mr Hirning is survived by his wife, daughter Barbara and her husband David, grandchildren Paul, Mark , Krystina and her husband Chris and great-grandchild Lilli.