“It is with deep sadness that we notify our members of the passing of Laurence Burnett of Doyles Timber & Hardware based in northeast Brisbane and well-known chair of Home Saver.”
Delivering a tribute, David Little, CEO, National Timber and Hardware Association, added: “Laurence, who died on June 30 aged 88, was a highly respected and much-loved figure in the hardware industry. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, he was named an ‘Industry Legend’ by Hardware Australia in 2018 – an honour that deeply humbled him. At the time, he remarked it was both a shock and a thrill to be nominated, and he was humbled by it.”
Laurence began his career in 1958 working in a sawmill and timber merchandise business before going on to establish his own hardware store in 1960. Doyles Pty Ltd was founded in 1935 by John Doyle on the very same site in Mitchelton where Doyles Timber and Hardware is located today.
John Doyle, a pioneer of the timber industry in the Mary Valley, built his first timber mill at Upper Kandanga in 1899. The mill cut Queensland hoop pine, drawn by teams of bullocks from the surrounding lands. John later also operated mills at Imbil, Pomona and Ringtail in Queensland.
In 1935 John acquired a firewood mill in Kedron Avenue in Brisbane beside the railway station in Mitchelton and subsequently purchased a forestry licence. Doyles Pty Ltd was then founded and the mill cut natural hoop pine logs railed in from forests in southeast Queensland.
John’s son in law Roy Burnett came from Upper Kandanga in 1938 to manage the Mitchelton timber yard and continued to be involved in Doyles Timber and Hardware for more than 50 years, until 1988. Founder John Doyle passed away in 1939. Over the years, the business expanded further in Kedron Avenue and supplied a lot of the hardwood and pine used in the building of houses in the surrounding areas.
In 1958, Roy’s son, Laurence, joined the company, followed by his brother Clyde in 1965. It was then that the company began to expand beyond timber, broadening its range in hardware and sheeting, to service the needs of the growing building and handyman industries.
Laurence Burnett had a deep passion for the industry, driven by its ever-changing nature and the constant opportunity to learn and connect with others. He was often heard to say: “There is so much to know and learn. Everything is growing and changing, and it is so great to learn about the new products and achievements of this great industry”.
Among his many achievements, Laurence fondly recalled opening one of the first drive-through facilities in Queensland – a pioneering move at the time. He often reflected on the unique challenges of building the facility while keeping the store operating, a testament to his innovation and determination.
“Be prepared for continuous change and ensure you adapt and keep up to date with the market,” he said.
These are words that still resonate deeply within the industry today.
Long-time friend John Eggleton of Peachester Timbers in Brisbane said Laurence Burnett was a real achiever, industry supporter and a proud third-generation timberman and sawmiller.
He strongly supported Queensland-sourced timber and products such as Hyne pine framing and hoop pine mouldings from Superior Wood at Imbil.
“I always found him to be a true gentleman – always willing to share his knowledge and experience. He was a personal source of inspiration to me.” Mr Eggleton said. Laurence was the loving husband of Jennifer (deceased), and a much-loved father and father-in-law to Mark and Darlene and Andrea. He was a grandfather to Mikaela, Jordyn, Taylah, Courtney, Lucy, and Hayden, and a great-grandfather to Maddie, Marley, Woody, Patti, and Darcie.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a celebration of Laurence’s life at the Presbyterian Church, Mitchelton, on Monday, July 14, commencing at 11 am.
