Death & Funerals

I am writing you with a heavy heart:

Rex McCall who served in the Korean War with 2 RAR in 1953 and served in PNG later with Maurie Pears (3RAR Korea) has passed away.

The Message I have received from Rob McCall APM on behalf of the McCall family:

“It is with deep sadness that we advise our father Rex McCall passed away yesterday at St Andrews War Memorial Hospital after a short illness yesterday morning. He was surrounded by family.  It was always a highlight for Rex to attend the many Korean functions over the years.  We all enjoyed the Korean hospitality…..

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, the 26th September at Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery Chapel, 285 Graham Rd, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035 -Anton Brown funerals.

Rex was 93 years old.”

I remember Rex as a person to look up for his amicable disposition over the years and his kind regards for the Korea Veterans and Families.

RIP Rex McCall, 2RAR, Aged 93 , 19/09/2024

Kindest regards,

Yang Kim
0419 919 034
[email protected]

Sad news from Jack Parr, we have lost another Coral Veteran and great mate of mine.

John served with 1RAR in Vietnam 1968.

Conscripted in the 7th National Service intake 1967

He was with the dog Trackers a part of Anti-tank platoon and took part in the Battle of Coral

John was a Life Member of the 1RAR Association.

Funeral arrangements:

John’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 25th September at 10.30am

The venue is at St Fabians Catholic church, Wilke St Yeronga in Brisbane.

This will be followed by an internment at the Mt Gravatt Cemetery.

Afterwards at the Yeronga RSL Club

Notice will be in this Saturdays Courier Mail

Regards

Jack Parr

Sadly, I advise of the death on Monday 9^th September 2024 of Ray Stevens in Tamworth. He served in Vietnam as a LCPL with 110 Signal Squadron 1971-72. Ray was a good friend, and we spent many holidays at Evans Head with other veteran friends. Ray had a serious medical problem and well and truly outlived the doctors’ predictions. He will be sadly from our group, but he leaves us with many fun memories – sadly we also will miss his winning tips on the horses.

Funeral details will be advised

Ray Payne

[email protected]

We have received advice of the death on 13 August 2024, after a chronic illness, of Gavin (Big Gav) Costello. He was 55. Gavin served with 13th Field Battery and 5th/11th Field Regiment over the years, reaching the rank of Bombardier.

Memorial Gathering to celebrate the life of Gavin COSTELLO (Big Gav).

Gav’s wishes were that he did not want a formal service, that he would rather know that his family and friends had come together to think of him and see him off in his favourite style, a backyard get together. As Gav wanted, the family would like to invite his friends to the family home at Kallangur this weekend for a get together for Gav. Please come over any time from11am this Saturday 7th September 2024 and wear your finest loud Hawaiian shirts, Gav’s favourite attire. Please send a text and the family will reply with the address. 0424 873 024 or 0415 904 828.

RIP Gavin Costello

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

RAAHC

[email protected]

Today we  honour Squadron Leader Norm Cooper, who served our nation for 35 years, including overseas postings in Malaya and South Vietnam. Norm’s military career began after completing National Service as a Bren Gunner, leading to a distinguished RAAF tenure, where he played a crucial role in reconnaissance and intelligence operations. His dedication extended beyond his service, impacting his family, friends, and the ex-service community. Norm’s legacy as a devoted serviceman and sportsman will be cherished.

Live stream is set up ready to go. See link below. Please forward to those who would like to watch. https://attnd.com.au/norman-cooper (https://attnd.com.au/norman-cooper)

Graduated to RA Inf from the OCS Class December 1964.

Geoff died on 29 August 2024, aged 83 years.

South Vietnam service; 6RAR  8 June 1966 – 4 July 1967.

Geoff was the commander of 10 Platoon, 6RAR during the Battle of Long Tan.

A well respected and well-liked officer.

Rest In Peace.

We have received advice of the death on 26 August 2024 of Myles Charter. He was 77. Myles served as a cook attached to 104th Field Battery in Vietnam during 1968/69. Condolence messages may be forwarded to [email protected].

No funeral details are available at this stage.

RIP Myles Charter.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]

29/01/1938 – 23/08/2024

We have received advice of the death on Friday 23 August 2024 of Desmond James Hansen. He was 86. Des served as a Bombardier in Vietnam with 4th Field Regiment from April 1967 to April 1968. A private cremation for Des is planned at his request.

RIP Desmond James Hansen

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]

Ben passed away on the 17^th August.

Ben was 100 years old and served on the Corvette HMAS TOOWOOMBA during the second World War, sailing mostly around the Mediterranean.

May he rest in Peace – Lest We Forget

Thank you

Neil Haseldine

WSM01938

We have received advice of the death on 9 August 2024 of Hugh Lawrence Stewart. He was 92.

Hugh graduated from RMC in 1953 and served with 101^st Field Battery in Malay as Battery Captain from September 1959 until October 1960. On promotion to Major, he served in New Guinea in 1964, and as an instructor at the Royal Military College Sandhurst in 1964.

Hugh later served in Vietnam as the DAAG with HQ AFV (Army Component) from January 1968
to June 1968. Hugh discharged in 1974.

A private funeral was held at his request.

RIP Hugh Lawrence Stewart

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]