Death & Funerals

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“CPO Brendan John SMITH – died 10 February 2023

‘Hi Hilton,

I have very sad news. Brendon took his own life on Friday evening. His service will be on Wednesday at 1030am NZ time at Cleveland Funerals Wanganui, NZ. There will be a live stream of his service and you can access it if you wish through their website www.clevelandfunerals.co.nz

I will be taking Brendon back to Tasmania to be with his people and to grieve with his family. He has been fighting this battle for a very long time, as I know you are aware. He was very much loved and will be terribly missed. We are all in shock and are just trying to get through this to honour my beautiful husband.

Thank you for everything you have done for Brendon.

Arohanui,

Michelle Mackenzie-Smith’

Born in Tasmania, at the age of 20 Brendan enlisted in the RAN in May 1984. He served twenty-nine years over three engagements. Much of Brendan’s service was in or in direct support of Australia’s submarine fleet in WA, particularly on HMAS Collins, HMAS Waller, and at HMAS Stirling. Post his discharge in February 2020, Brendan moved to live with his family in NZ.

RIP Brendan”

Hilton Lenard

Advocate Woden SB RSL VSC & DFWA

John’s funeral has been arranged for 2.00 pm Friday, 17th February at Albany Creek Crematorium.

Medals to be worn.

A Visual service has been arranged and is as follows.

CLICK LINK to view his service.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3NTY3NzQwMzEwOTE2MDEmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==

Hello Ray,

It is with a very sad heart that I must tell you Tom Lupton died last Thursday night apparently from a heart attack. Tom was the President of the Nelson Bay Sub-Branch and had recently undergone knee replacement surgery. I was only talking to him last week and he told me his knees were fine and he had a successful recovery. Tom lost his wife last year so it’s a double blow for his family.

My mate, Bill Harvey gave me the news and said he would let me know when his funeral will be held, probably after Monday. He also said the NSW Police will be providing an honour guard but that’s all I can tell you for now.

I was thinking of going away for my birthday next week, but I will stay for his funeral. I was looking forward to having a drink with him at our next Sub Branch meeting on the 18th but it will now be a wake instead.

I hope you and your family are happy and healthy.

All the best

Pete Lindwall

We have received advice of the death on 26 January 2023 of Christopher Douglas Sutcliffe. He was 73. Chris served with Headquarters Battery, 4^th Field Regiment RAA in Vietnam from March 1970 until March 1971.

RIP Christopher Sutcliffe.

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

I have been advised that Peter’s funeral and wake will be held at 3:00pm Friday 17^th February, at Gregson & Weight Buderim Chapel, 159 Wises Rd Buderim QLD.

The wake will be held at Maroochydore RSL – Event Centre (upstairs) commencing 5:00pm till 8:00pm.

Sadly, I have been advised that Bryan (Pud) Allen passed away on Thursday, 9^th February. He served in C COY in late 1962 & 10PL D COY in Vietnam. He was 85.

We have been advised of the death on 12 January 2023 of Frank Leslie Maxwell (Max)Davis. Max served with 101 Field Battery in Malaya from October 1959 to September 1961 as a Signaller with Delta Troop. He had joined the RAA in 1957 and was discharged as a Bombardier in 1963. Max was 83 and a Life Subscriber with the 101 Battery Association.

RIP Frank Leslie Maxwell (Max) Davis

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

We have received advice of the death on 4 February 2023 of Harry Alidenes. He was 75. Harry was a National Serviceman with who served with 101 Field Battery on “E” Gun from May 1969 until April 1970. Harry was a Life Subscriber with the 101 Battery Association. He had been battling cancer for a few years and had a stroke a couple of weeks ago.  A funeral for Harry was held on Thursday 9 February 2023 at Leura Memorial Gardens.

Apologies for the late notice.

RIP Harry Nicholas Alidenes.

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

It is with great sadness that I inform you that John (Snow) Vautin OAM passed away over the weekend. John served with 4RAR in B C Coy in Malaya and Borneo and with 9RAR IN SVN.

I have further details to date.

Should you wish to send condolences to Robyn they are as follows:

Mrs Robyn Vautin

4/14 Olakuna Crescent,

Ferny Hills Qld 4055 

 LEST WE FORGET

 Sincerely

 Wendy M McLean

Secretary

I have received the very sad news from Michael Growder, one of Peter’s nephews, that Peter passed away peacefully this morning shortly after 8.00am. I have asked Michael to pass on to Fran and all the family members our sincere condolences.

When I receive additional information, I will be in touch.

Warm regards,

David Dunlop