Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Derick John Furness, died 13 Mar 2013

Derick John Furness was born on 1st January 1937 in Warwick, one of six children to John Harold Furness and Jean Phyllis Neal. The family moved to Dalby whilst he was very young and his Primary School Education took place at St Columba's Dalby and the first two years of Secondary School were at St Columba's Dalby. In 1953 he left for Pius XII Seminary, Banyo where he completed the last two years of Secondary Education and then continued with his studies for the Priesthood.
Fr Derick Furness was ordained to the Priesthood on 29th June 1961 in St Patrick's Cathedral by Bishop William Brennan DD.
His first appointment was to St Mary's Parish, Warwick and subsequent appointments as Assistant Priest were to St Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba, Oakey, Quilpie, Cunnamulla, St Anthony's Harristown and Chinchilla. Between 1977 and 1995 he served as Parish Priest at Quilpie, Augathella and Jandowae. In 1996 Fr Derick went on loan to Brisbane Archdiocese and was Chaplain at the Logan Hospital until December 2001.
In 1981 he travelled overseas with his good friend Fr Ron Illidge and whilst in Rome he suffered a heart attack. This illness troubled him on and off for the rest of his life and in January 2002 he retired. In September 2003 he returned to Dalby to reside with his mother and remained in the family home after her death.
Fr Derick took on the role of Army Chaplain at Oakey, a role he enjoyed and remained with the Army in various degrees as a Chaplain until 1981.
As a Priest Fr Derick had an extraordinary energy for ministry and was fully committed to pastoral visitation and offering people the opportunity for Mass and the Sacraments. He was selfless in ministry and on duty at all times. Even when ill in his last years, he provided assistance by celebrating Mass in country Parishes when possible.
He was an avid reader and his books are marked with comments and explanations.
His final illness was quick and he remained in hospital in Toowoomba until shortly before his death he was transferred to Lourdes Home. He died peacefully on 13th March 2013. A Vigil was celebrated in St Joseph's Church Dalby on 19th March and his funeral Mass took place at St Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba on 20th March 2013. He is buried in the Garden of Remembrance, Toowoomba.

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.