John Norman Rasmussen was born in Mackay to Arthur and Catherine Rasmussen, the fifth of seven children.  He was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and by the Christian Brothers both in Mackay and at St Joseph’s College, Nudgee.  After seminary training at Banyo, he was ordained in Mackay by the then Bishop Rush on the 28^th June 1963.

Fr John served right across our diocese and in various ministries.  Wherever he went he was loved.  He had that most treasured of gifts: that of being a friend, a good friend.  His priesthood was at the core of his life and wherever he served he became friends both of brother priests and parishioners.

His funeral was celebrated in Mackay on the 17^th of January.