Thompson Family Funerals
Our family caring for your family
O’CONNOR, Mick ‘the reverend’ (Rev)
AKA Michael Julian Francis Xavier O’Connor.
18/04/1948 – 29/01/2022, aged 73 years.
Hilarious and amazing dad to Gabby and Tim, pirate grandfather to Ruby, Theo, Beau and Tommy – a.k.a Bumper Mickey and #1 son of June and Tom O’Connor. Best friend to many.
Legendary Australian Hammond Organ and keyboard player. Musical glue as he used to call it.
Also an accomplished: press and medical photographer, camera operator, session musician, documentary maker, salesman of antiques and waterbeds, screen printer, painter, model maker, kitchen hand, dish washer (underwater ceramics technician/pearl diver), courier, warehouse worker and more.
He taught us so much. And the stories he could tell. A curious book worm, animal lover and most generous person.
Mick is leaving a massive gap in so many lives. We will miss you so much Mick.
No funeral service as that was not his thing. A tribute gig is in the planning. TBC.
Gabby and Tim would like to extend their thanks to all who have shown kindness. Sending love out there to all who were mates with Mick. To all the musos and lovers of music, friends and the chosen family. Thanks for being our village.
Please share your stories below.
I never met Mick, but the dapper looking organist played on some seminal albums that were the soundtrack to my life.
Andy Durant Memorial Concert, Brod Smiths Big Combo and Goanna’s Spirit of Place, but to name a few.
Gday Timmo, Leeroy (Scotty Bobcat ) here, Just heard the sad news about the Ol boy.
Knowing him and working for him was always entertaining. Hard to get any work done.
All he wanted to know was the “ins and outs” of Bobcats! Offered to leave the keys in it for him but he said “Fuck that” the damage would be irrepairable!!! BLOODY LEGEND.
Any help you need Im only around the corner.
Cheers mate.
To the most talented and funniest man I knew, we will miss your knowledge, your music skills and most of all the wonderful you. Love Marz
To all the Family. We knew Mick from his many gigs with many Melbourne bands over the years. Goanna Big Combo and of course Tinsley Waterhouse. We would often pick up Mick and Ronnie in Glen Iris and take them to gigs. Mick your playing of the Hammond Organ was unique and memorable. We last saw you in Rowville at a community event. You were always the same no matter how many tears passed since we last saw you. Sending our love Rod (nails) & Helen Naylor now living in Biloela Queensland
Michael J O’Connor you will remain a legend in the Australian music scene, a gentleman, a jester, a wonderful human being and I am so glad I got to meet work with you and know you all those years ago
Thanks Mick for every note I heard you play ……condolences to the O’Connor family and all of your close musician friends,
your shoes will never be filled
So sad to hear the news.
Condolences to Gabby, Timmy and the extended family.
My memories of Mick from 1970 in Queensland and later in Victoria in the 80’s and 90’s are of a caring, intelligent and extremely talented man who was loved by everybody who met him.
The Australian music world is a poorer place with his passing.
A dear friend of mine for many years.
Lost contact over the passing years.
Much regret.
My condolences to Gabby and Tim and extended family.