Colin Keast was formally of 12 Pl D Coy 9 RAR passed away in Northam Hospital on 20 February 2022. Colin was wounded in action and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. He was living in Toodyay. His funeral will be held at the Toodyay War Memorial in ANZAC Park, Fiennes St on Wednesday 9 March 2022 at 10am. A burial service will follow.
Sadly, we have been informed by Kevin Moss, that Theodore “Ted” Boltong passed away peacefully on 22th February 2022, Aged 76 years.
Kevin wrote:
Good Afternoon.
Ted Boltong (6RAR 65-71), (a mate of 46 years who I had the honour of serving with in the RAE (A-Res) after my time with 3RAR) passed away on the morning of the 22nd Feb. after a long battle with that insidious disease Alzheimer’s.
I thought it appropriate that the Association representing the Regiment he served with and spoke so highly of should know of his passing.
I have also forwarded a copy of this e-mail to the 6 RAR Victorian Representative as I believe Ted held this position at one time.
There are no details regarding funeral arrangements or family wishes regarding the service at this stage.
Duty First. Regards, Kevin Moss.
Funeral information is:
- A Funeral Mass for Mr. Theodore “Ted” Boltong will be offered at St Leonard’s Catholic Church, 349 Springvale Road Glen Waverley;
- Tuesday 8th March 2022
- 12:30pm.
- Burial will take place on Wednesday 9th March 2022 at 12:30pm at the Geelong Western Cemetery, off Norwood Street Geelong West.
- Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Dementia Australia, envelopes will be available at the Church and Cemetery.
- The Funeral Mass for Theodore (Ted) will also be Webcast live on Tuesday March 8th 2022 at 12.30pm (AEST) Webcast | Tobin Brothers Funerals (5stream.com). (To view the Webcast please ensure you are using Google Chrome or the latest version of your preferred internet browser. If you have the page/screen open for a period of time prior to the streaming commencing, once the digital countdown clock gets down to zero, please refresh your page by clicking on the icon semi-circle arrow in the top left hand of your screen, to re-set the tribute page and the streaming. The streaming will commence shortly after your page has been refreshed).
Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one. Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.
LEST WE FORGET
Allan Whelan, Secretary
On 22nd February 2022 I said goodbye to a wonderful and dear friend and today I am sharing this very sad and painful news with you. Ted was not only my friend of many years but someone that I admired and looked up to.
Ted was a Vietnam Veteran who, after discharging from the ARA, joined the Reserve at 7 Field Engineer Regiment (Ringwood) rising through the ranks to Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) with 2 RSM appointments one being at 7th Engineer Support Regiment (7 ERS) and the other 3rd Recruit Training Battalion (3 TRG Gp) retiring in 2000 after 37 years of military service.
Without doubt Ted was the ultimate and professional soldier who would not accept second best in any aspect of his life and that included both his civilian and military life.
Many reading this email would know Ted for his friendly, easy-going approach which rubbed off onto so many others around him – nothing seemed to rattle him.
I have pondered long and hard how to write this email to convey to you all just what a wonderful person we have said goodbye to but try as I might nothing is working for me and I am still completely numb trying to comprehend the suddenness of Ted’s passing and the fact he will no longer be a physical presence in my life.
Ted was a husband, father, grandfather, golfer, friend, mentor and Veteran who is survived by his wife Maria, children (Trevor and Anna), family and a large group of friends. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to all.
In 2016 I helped write an article on Ted which appeared in our Sapper Summit magazine and I am attaching it so that you will be able to understand just what an amazing person he was. I think this article explains everything so take a minute to read it. Remember it was written some years back.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized but will be as per the family notice
Farewell, my dear friend – you have left a void in my life that will not be filled and I will miss you and our catch ups so very much
You have fulfilled your duty to your country well and truly above that expected of anyone and now you deserve the rest.
Rest in Peace
Ubique
Jim Davis.
It is with sadness I pass on the Death of Sapper Bluey Eastwell.
Bluey was a founding and long-time member of the Victorian RAE Association and will be sorely missed.
To his Family condolences are offered for their loss. He is no doubt, watching over them from his new place in
Paradise. May he now Rest in Peace.
I thank Vince Neale for passing on Bluey passing.
We have been advised of the death on 11 February 2022 of Francis (Frank) Edwards. Frank served with 106 Field Battery in Vietnam from February 1970 until February 1971. Frank had been in hospital at Camperdown for some time but died peacefully with family by his side. He was 73. He would be best remembered for his beautiful nature, singing and guitar playing. His last civvy street showbiz type engagement was in the KFC TV advertisement last year.
RIP Frank Joseph Edwards.
Peter Bruce
Obituary Resource Officer
I have been advised that Michael (Slowy) Slowman passed away peacefully in his sleep on 14th Feb at around 14:15, He has been unwell on and off for about 10 years.
Mick served with 1 RAR, 4 RAR Commando, 2 RAR, SFTC, 2 Cdo Regiment & HQSO.
Funeral details will be advised when known.
Today we have been advised of the loss of another member John (Blue) Singleton passed away last Tuesday 8th February 2022. John was 1st Tour National Serviceman with D Coy 11Pl 4RAR. He was cremated privately.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Trudy Singleton
18 Thomas Street,
BOWEN QLD 4805
LEST WE FORGET
Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM
Secretary
Sadly we have received the following news from Dave Thomas:
All of Bravo Company, Vietnam 66/67 and the 6 RAR brotherhood
Norma (older sister) phoned to tell me that Graham passed away earlier today (10.2.22). He was in the hospital (Hinesville, Georgia, USA) at the time recovering from a heart operation.
Graham was in 4 platoon in Vietnam and on completion of NS, he enlisted in the American Army, rising to Master Sergeant.
The funeral for Graham will be this Saturday (Sunday their time USA). A viewing is to be held before a full military funeral.
I believe he has a daughter, Doris, I do not have a phone number.
I will be on behalf of Bravo Company and 6 RAR send a sash to his address in Hinesville, Georgia.
I indicated to Norma I would pass on the sad news to his mates.
RIP, Freethy
Please join us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one. Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.
LEST WE FORGET
Allan Whelan
Secretary
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 11th 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