Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch will hold a public memorial service at 11am on Saturday in Thirroul to honour former Major General Brian "Hori" Howard, a decorated military leader and beloved community member.
Hori passed away in May, aged 86.
A new plaque bearing his name will be added to the veterans’ memorial wall at Woodward Memorial Park and the July 13 service will give sub-branch members a chance to reflect on their past president’s life and legacy.
“We are conducting a public memorial service to honour a man that touched so many during his life,” said Will Lee, Austinmer-Thirroul RSL Sub-branch president.
Born in 1938, Hori worked a few jobs before joining the military in 1956, attending Royal Military College, Duntroon. After three years there, he officially joined the Royal Australian Army in 1959 and began 30 years of service to his country.
His military career included overseas postings in eight countries, with notable service in Vietnam as A Company commander with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. His leadership there earned him the Military Cross, as well as the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia and an Infantry Combat Badge.
Long after his time in the army, a sense of comradeship endured.
“I was lucky enough to go with him and mum to a couple of the reunions of his company from Vietnam,” said Michael Howard, Hori’s son.
“What was evident to me was how much they love my dad and that sort of affection went two ways.
“He adored those blokes.”
In 1987, Hori was appointed Director General of the Natural Disasters Organisation, overseeing the response to flooding and bushfires.
In 1989, he was appointed Director General of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
“Australia is subjected to weather extremes, floods, fires and all sorts of things, so I think he developed a real affinity for that,” Michael said.
“Whilst he was sad leaving the army, I think the opportunity to contribute to those real grassroots issues was something that he really loved.”
In his second career as SES director general, Hori was the driving force in reforming the organisation. Between 1989 and 2001, he worked on modernising the service, which was in disarray according to a report by the Premier’s Department at the time. His role included developing the equipment, communications systems, vehicles, training standards and implementing plans to improve the services response to floods and storm threats.
“Hori would challenge the norm, asking why?” Will said.
“He would then go through the process and identify better ways to achieve the goal.”
While Hori had the final say, he sought input from his peers and volunteers on the ground, incorporating collaborative ideas into most of his decisions.
“The volunteers appreciated the opportunity to deal directly with the director general,” Michael said.
“He asked them about their thoughts and how they could improve, he listened to them.”
In addition to his work with SES, Hori joined the NSW RSL in 1992. Later he would transfer to the Austinmer RSL sub-branch in 2005 and after the merging of the Thirroul and Austinmer sub-branches in 2013, he was elected the combined group’s vice president, before being elected as their president in 2017.
“Before Hori was elected to an executive position of the sub-branch, his wealth of knowledge and contacts that he gained during his 30-plus years in the Australian Defence Force made him the go-to person when the sub-branch needed expertise,” said Will.
Never the type to just hold a position, Hori used his role to put many projects into motion, Will said. Hori applied for grants to restore Thirroul’s World War One memorial and put in cameras to monitor the site. He also brought in a sound system and production team to assist at Anzac Day Dawn Services at Austinmer.
“We're really grateful that they're taking the time to acknowledge my dad’s contribution,” Michael said of Saturday’s public memorial service.
“He was very proud of his association with the RSL and he very much enjoyed being part of the community in the northern suburbs.”
Hori has left a remarkable legacy. As well as his service to the country and community, Hori's character will never be forgotten, with friends and family saying that he always found time for people and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
His family wish to thank the community and the RSL for their overwhelming support.
Members of the public are invited to attend Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch’s Memorial Service for its esteemed past president, Major General (RTD) Brian 'Hori' Howard AO MC ESM, on Saturday, 13 July at 11am Woodward Memorial Park, Thirroul.