Death & Funerals

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of another of our fellow Veteran’s, Colin Robert DOUST.

Colin passed away at Norwest Private Hospital this morning Friday 11^th February 2022.

Colin was one of the inaugural committee members (Secretary) of the VVAA St Marys Outpost “The Train” in December 1995 and was a dedicated Pension Officer / Advocate for over 25 years.

On behalf of the VVAA St Marys Outpost we extend our deepest condolences to his family, veterans and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when they come to hand.

A Veteran has passed, we Honour him for his Service to the Nation.

 May he Rest in Peace.

Sam Vecchio JP

Honorary Secretary

VVAA St Marys Outpost

Yesterday I received information that Bob Pfeiffer had passed away, accepting this information I posted details to the site. Bob is well a truly alive and contacted me, I apologies for any distress my posting my have caused his family and mates. Bob knows how the mix up occurred as stated in his email below.

I just had a phone call from Robin Farrell asking if I was alive.  

 He was so relieved when I answered the phone.

 Confusion has come about because I advised John Jesser that Robert (Duchy) Van Harskamp lost his battle with cancer at 2:30 pm on Sat 12 Feb 2022. He lived in the same village as me.

 With that info can you bring me back to life and let everyone know, I don’t wish to cause distress to family and friends.

 With thanks,

Bob

I appreciate the fact that Bob was not annoyed at me … but I will say he has a great number of mates who were concerned.

SORRY

Ray

11 January 1950 – 3 February 2022

Beloved husband of Pamela. Loved and loving dad of Claire and Michael.
Father-in-law of Amy. Loved and treasured GraGra of Robert and Joshua.

Gordon was loved by his brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
He was highly regarded by his friends and colleagues, especially by his fellow members of 1YLI Old mates.

Treasured by all, now at peace.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Fred Ward Gardens, Curtin who cared for Gordon over the past 12 months.

The funeral service for Gordon will be held in the Anzac Memorial Chapel of Saint Paul, RMC Duntroon on Tuesday, 15 February, commencing at 11am. Medals may be worn.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either NeuRA or the Garvan Institute. Donation boxes will be available at the chapel.

For live streaming details please contact William Cole Funerals 02 6253 3655

From John Sahariv

Please be advised that Ron Clarke passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday.

Condolences to his wife Shirley, Family and friends, a young life taken to soon, and nothing surer than he will be watching over you and the Family Shirly; he will let you know in one way or another that he is near.

Having served with Ron during the withdrawal phase of Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War, I found him to be a Soldier of high values, dedicated in his taskings and the purveyor of good humour and never shy to question if a job could be better  accomplished in another way than instructed. He was invariably right on most occasions.

Rest in Peace young fellow, you have left your mark on many in this place.

Thanks to both Mick Salienko and Harry Walker for passing this information on.

Sad news from Bob Pfeiffer, that another Sapper has passed away at 2.30pm 12/2/2022, having lost his fight with Cancer.

Condolences to Jan, family & friends. Details of his funeral will be passed on when known.

Rest in Peace Sapper your work is done Lest We Forget.

John Jesser

It is with sadness I advise the passing of Dutchy van Harskamp after a battle with cancer.

He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends, but, the battle having been ended, his family can now put the time of worry, concern and care to one side and know that Dutchy is in a much better place.

Rest in peace Dutchy, your duty is done lest we forget your service.

I thank John Jesser for passing on this sad news

Barry passed away on Wednesday 2^nd February 2022 in Bowen.

All relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barry’s Funeral Service which will commence at:

11.00am Wednesday 16^th February 2022 at the:

Whitsunday Funerals Chapel

55 West Street,

BOWEN QLD 4805

Medals to be worn in Barry’s Honour.

Sincerely,

Wendy M McLean (J.P.) LM

WARNING ORDER: The ‘final parade’ aka ‘a celebration of life’ for 1/725219 Rodney Gilbert WYATT will be held at 1400hr, Thursday 17 February at the Lakeside Chapel, Albany Creek Crematorium, then afterwards at the Eatons Hill Hotel (TBC).

Rod was the Tribal Elder of the volunteer group – Kilcoy Diggers, who provide support to the Kilcoy Race Club. Furthermore, he was also an enthusiastic and dedicated member of Dad’s Army, the custodians of the RAR National Memorial Walk, located in Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. Medals to be worn.

Rod Slater

11 Jan 50 – 3 Feb 22

Gordon Hill passed away in Canberra on 3 Feb after batting a long illness.

A funeral service acknowledging Gordon’s life will be conducted at the RMC Duntroon Chapel on Tuesday, 15 February 2022 commencing at 1100hrs.

Details of live streaming will be advised when finalised.

Gordon was a gentleman of true substance, intellect, and integrity, and a soldier’s soldier.

Postings:

RMC Class of 1971

2PIR – Wewak PNG

3RAR

7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles – Hong Kong/UK

RMC Coy Comd

1 Cdo Regt

UNTSO

SASR

CO 3RAR December 1989-August 1991

Today I have been advised by Greg Steele Barry’s stepbrother that Barry passed away in Bowen Qld on Wednesday 2^nd February 2022. Barry served with the Battalion in Malaya, Borneo, and South Vietnam 1^st & 2^nd Tours.

Funeral details will be advised later.

LEST WE FORGET

Wendy M McLean (J.P.) LM