Death & Funerals

Sadly I advise that Jim Wieland passed away on Monday 04 Jan 21 at his home in 1770 after a short illness. Jim served in Vietnam with A COY 6 RAR 1969-70 and AATTV 1971-72.

Jim was 2IC A Coy 1968-1970, including the second tour in Vietnam, although he spent most of the tour as the Liaison Officer working with the Regional Force and Popular Force elements of the South Vietnamese Army throughout Phouc Tuy Province.

His funeral will be held at the Woodgate Hall QLD next Tuesday 12 Jan 2021 at a time yet to be advised. The wake will be at the Woodgate Club after the funeral.

Sadly I advise the passing of Roger Harris. He served two tours of Vietnam with 1RAR on his second tour he was the Mortor Platoon Sergeant at Fire Support Base Coral in 1968.

He passed away in Coffs Harbour on 26^th Dec 2020. His funeral will be held Friday 8^th at Karangi Cemetry.

Sadly I must inform you that 3787221 Gilbert (Gil) Alan Mitchell passed away on Tuesday (29/12) in the afternoon.

Gil was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a short time ago. The cancer was inoperable due to its advanced state and it had spread to his liver.

He spent the last few weeks between hospital and home. His final days were in the comfort of his home with Lesley and their five sons.

Jeff Foster spoke with Gil regularly by phone and skype over the past several weeks. He spoke to me of Gil’s courage and toughness, who he said was inspirational to the end.

Funeral details will be advised as soon as they are known.

36694 John Edmund GIERSCH

Born Dandenong Victoria 24 June 1942
Passed away aged 78, at
National Capital Private Hospital,
after a courageous struggle with cancer.

John is survived by his wife Lita, of 54 years, three children Mark Tracie and Justin and his two brothers Brian and Ken.

A Vietnam Veteran 1966 – 1967. AFV Detachment, 1^st Division Intelligence Unit
Proudly served in the Australian Intelligence Corps 1964 – 1990.

A funeral service for John will be held in the Chapel of Norwood Park Crematorium, 65 Sandford St, Mitchell on WEDNESDAY 6 January 2021 commencing at 1:30pm.

If you are unable to attend the service, you can watch via livestream on the Norwood Park Crematorium Website.
www.norwoodpark.com.au/live-streaming/

Brigadier (Retired) Royal Australian Engineers AM 22.6.1942 – 20.11.2020.

Beloved Husband to Jane, father to Mike & Kate, father-in-law to Roslyn,

grandfather to Isabella, brother to Virginia, Margaret & Christopher.

A small private family service will be held in Canberra.

The funeral of MAJGEN D M Butler, AO, DSO will be conducted at the RMC Chapel, Duntroon, Canberra at 1.30 pm, Monday 7 December 2020.

It is realised little time is left to organise travel and that there remain questions about COVID etc.     However, all are welcome to attend. Personnel driving to Duntroon is advised to enter via the back gate and into the car park from where a bus shuttle service will ferry people to the Chapel.    Note, other parking exists in the camp including near the Sergeants’ Mess.   There will be some special parking for disabled personnel with signposting.

This will be a full military funeral in accordance with the entitlement for officers of major-general rank.    Those attending should wear uniform, suit, or coat –with medals.

After the service refreshments will be served in Duntroon House.

Please send any condolence messages via Brigadier (retired)Terry Holland’s email address:    terryholland@bigpond.com

Sadly, I have been advised of the death on 27^th June of 12316 WOI Laurie James Graham. He had been in ill health and died at home peacefully. His two daughters have looked after him for the last two years.

Laurie had served in Water Transport units since 1946 including AV1379 Tarra and all LSMs. He was on the delivery voyage from Japan on AV1355 Vernon Sturdee

His funeral service will be held on Monday 6 July 2020 at 1.00pm at the North Chapel, Pinegrove  Memorial Park, Kington Street, Minchinbury NSW 2770.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, only 24 people will be allowed inside the Chapel, but unlimited outside.

Sadly I have been advised of the death on the 27^th June of 16369 Dudley (Bob) Robert Venables. Bob served in Vietnam with 1RAR Feb 66-June 66, 6RAR Jun 66-Feb 67, 8RAR Nov 69-Nov 70. Bob was a strong supporter of the 8RAR Assoc while his health allowed. His funeral will be small … details will be proved when known.

38935 Capt Desmond John Wilmore

Sadly I have been advised of his death at his home on Friday 26^th June 2020. Des had served in Malaysia & Singapore in 1969- 71 also in Vietnam with AATTV in all of 1972. No funeral arrangement have been made as yet.

Sadly, I have been advised that 53329 Brian Francis Granland passed away peacefully in Perth last night. Brian served as a Sergeant in Mortar Platoon, 1RAR during the first tour of Vietnam, he had also served in Malaya during the emergency. Brian was a strong supporter of the 1RAR Association in WA. May he now rest in peace.