It is with great sadness and loss I wish to share with you the passing of Australia’s Millinery Patriarch, Harold Guinsberg at the age of 97yrs. 

Eulogy - “Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.”  


Dear friends and family,

We are gathered here today to remember and honor the life of Harold Guinsberg, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community member. Harold was a remarkable man who achieved great things from humble beginnings to becoming a successful businessman and entrepreneur.

Harold began his journey at a young age, leaving Scots College Toowoomba at just 16 years old to start working on the factory floor of HG shirts and Mimi Millinery. He quickly rose through the ranks with hard work and dedication, eventually taking over the business. Under his leadership, HG Shirts and Mimi Millinery thrived. Harold continued to expand his entrepreneurial ventures when he opened Etcetera department store, a one-stop-shop for fashion, millinery, jewelry, baby wear, hosiery and a cafe, among other things. His leadership and determination helped him achieve great success and establish himself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. 

Over the years Harold's business ventures included the Towermill Motel restaurant and a Gold Coast nightclub demonstrating his ability to take on new challenges and make them succeed. Harold was a man who truly embodied the Aussie spirit of hard work and innovation. He was a true visionary, always looking for the next big opportunity and never afraid to take risks. 

Harold also considered himself a product designer, and he created the Go Keg, a portable high-quality keg tap system. This was quite ironic as Harold was a teetotaler but that did not stop him from pursuing his passion for creating new things. 

In addition to his business success, Harold had a passion for dance, a love he inherited from his father Harry, who was one of Australia's ballroom champions. He was also a talented water skier, and he worked with Keith Williams to instruct water skiers at Sea World on the Gold Coast. His love for water skiing was just one example of his adventurous spirit and his willingness to try new things. 

Harold will be missed by all who knew him. He was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. His presence in our lives was a reminder to never give up, to always strive for excellence, and to find joy in the journey. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to hard work will continue to inspire us for years to come.

While we mourn Harold's passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace. He is reunited with his loved ones who have passed before him, and his spirit will live on in the memories and stories we share about him.

So, let us honor Harold's life by celebrating the many ways he enriched our lives. Let us remember him not only for his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit but for the kind-hearted, generous, and loving man he was. Harold's legacy will live on through his family, his friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his long and successful life.

Rest in peace, Harold Guinsberg. You will always be remembered with love and admiration.



We all loved Harold and his passion for Millinery which he willingly shared with us. His wry sense of humour will be missed. I had many conversations with him over the years as I first started buying millinery components from the lower level of his MIMI store in Queen St., Brisbane in 1964.

Over lunch I shared with Harold a business idea I had but his reply, "You are too old to be doing that Elaine!" My reply, "Come on Harold think about what you were doing at age 75!" 

Thank You Harold for being our friend and mentor.
We all loved you so much and will remember you forever. Rest in peace. 

Elaine Mergard. 

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