Barry Joseph Holloway

Barry Joseph Holloway, the suburban lawyer with the golden voice, was born on 29 June 1944.

In 1962 Barry was accepted as an articled clerk by H Roy Gordon Solicitor and then in 1964 he transferred to Bandidt & Baker Solicitors in Monto.

He was a country boy at heart and enjoyed his time in Monto. Barry was a versatile sportsman. He played ‘front row’ in local A-grade rugby while in Monto, was a formidable tennis player, played golf for many years, was a keen boatie and more than anything else he loved his motor vehicles.

Early in January 1965 Barry pursued a career in the army but resigned in March of that year to complete his law degree with Eckhardt & Atthow. Barry remained with Eckhardt & Atthow until he completed his legal studies and was subsequently admitted to practice as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland on 13 February 1968.

On 29 July 1968 Barry re-enlisted into the army and immediately earned the rank of Captain in the Legal Corps.

The next year he went to serve in the Vietnam War, where his tour of duty lasted from 14 May 1969 until 7 May, 1970. He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal, Vietnam Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. Barry’s career with the army was to be short lived on his return from Vietnam and he resigned his commission holding the rank of Major.

Barry started his own legal practice under the firm name of BJ Holloway & Co.

The majority of these early years were spent in the suburbs and he was best known in the Chermside area, later opening a branch office in Bracken Ridge.

Barry was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1980, which meant that an urgent change in lifestyle was required. He took a break from the legal profession and pursued professional fishing for about a year.

When his health improved he was able to return to the legal profession, opening a practice at Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula, which was later relocated to Margate. His firm was sold to Gill & Lane Solicitors and Barry remained on as a Consultant to that firm for two years.

His last professional career dream was to be admitted to the Bar, specialising in criminal law, a dream that was realised on 14 July 1997.

Barry was generous to a fault with his time during his legal career and more often than not many clients would not be asked for payment. His resonant voice was easily recognised by most in the profession as was his generosity of spirit.

After many months of illness, Barry passed away with his wife and children by his side on 30 December 2020. A memorial service was held at Mount Gravatt Chapel on 15 January 2021 and Barry was laid to rest in the Anzac Cemetery with the fitting salute of a bugler playing The Last Post.