Prof O’Connell, who had served as Rector from 2001 to 2014, was more than just an academic leader; he was a guardian of UWC during its pivotal years of striving for economic and institutional independence.
Beyond his scholarly contributions, he was a sportsman, a community leader, an activist, a Sunday school teacher, a devoted husband, and a loving father.
The service was steeped in emotion as hymns and poetry filled the air, paying tribute to a man whose influence had been profound.
Eulogies delivered by a distinguished lineup, including Professor Ramesh Bharuthram, former UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, and his children, Amanda-Leigh and Bryan, offered intimate glimpses into his life and legacy.
Fathers Peter-John Pearson and Gerard Masters, the latter a close friend and the leader of the church where Prof O’Connell grew up, led the solemn proceedings.
His words captured the essence of Prof O’Connell’s lifelong passion for knowledge and his ability to inspire those around him.
Father Peter-John also drew parallels from Alice in Wonderland, intertwining faith, grief, and myth in a way that resonated with the congregation.
“When Alice entered unmarked territory, it was the Mad Hatter who said to her: ‘Surround yourself with others who put a smile into your heart’. If I have a tribute today, it would be for a man who put a smile into people’s hearts.”
Amanda-Leigh O’Connell remembered her father through the words of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Work, Without Hope: “Work without Hope draws nectar in a sieve / And Hope without an object cannot live.”
She spoke of her father as a beacon of hope, a man whose optimism for a better future for his family, community, and all South Africans was unwavering.
“We must ‘for our people, for our children!’ he would say. This enduring hopefulness was made all the more remarkable by a life brought forth and nurtured in some of the darkest times in this country's history.”
Bryan O’Connell, reflecting on his father’s childhood dreams and the wisdom he imparted, shared, “At our Christmas celebrations, my father would find a way to weave his knowledge-building agenda into his welcoming toast, ensuring that every festive gathering offered opportunities for intellectual growth. His ability to identify the root of an issue and distil it into simple language allowed him to direct large organisations, but it was also utilised when advising my adolescent friends as we departed on a night out. Sensing the urgency in the young men, he would lean over the bottom half of the backdoor, saying, ‘make good choices’.”
Prof Bharuthram and Manamela's tributes echoed their deep respect and admiration for the late Professor. They spoke of his unwavering dedication and the lasting impact he had left on academia, government, sports, and beyond. Manamela aptly noted that Prof O’Connell “made the best out of his voyage.”
As the funeral drew to a close, a poignant photo presentation chronicled Prof O’Connell’s journey at UWC, set to the timeless tune of The Beatles’ Hey Jude.
The service ended with a powerful reminder from Father Peter-John: “Do not mourn like those who have no hope. Honour Brian by using your words as a blessing.”
With those words, the congregation was led to a dining hall to share a meal, drink and gather in remembrance of a life that touched so many.
