Death & Funerals

We have received advice of the death on 20 December 2024 of Ross Whittle. Ross was a National Serviceman who served his time during 1970/71 in 8th Medium Regiment and at the School of Artillery as a Meteorologist Observer.

Ross died in a Nursing Home in Paddington (Sydney) following a relatively long illness. Ross was a long-term member of the Maroubra RSL Sub-Branch and Treasurer for some nine years.

A funeral with RSL Tribute for Ross will be held on Tuesday 7 January 2025 at Boland’s – Guardian Funerals, 29 Maroubra Road, Maroubra at 10.00am.

A wake will follow at Juniors Maroubra, 946 Anzac Parade, Maroubra from 12.15pm.

RIP Ross Whittle

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

It is with much sadness that I inform you of the passing of Robert (Bob) Kennedy, veteran of 1 RAR First Tour SVN 1965/66.

Bob was the president of the North Queensland Rifle Association for 40 years and a member of the Townsville Marksmen Rifle Club here in Townsville. He was one of the original members who started the 1 RAR shooting award at the Club.

Deepest condolences go out to Bob’s family and friends, may he Rest In Peace

Funeral details will be provided once known

LEST WE FORGET

Andrew Clinkaberry

1RAR Association

07 Jul 1941 – 17 Dec 2024

Pl Sgt, 1 Pl A Coy and then Spt Coy 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn South Vietnam (12 May 1970 – 1 Jun 1971).

Merv Dicton, advised that Albert, late of St Vincent’s Aged Care Douglas, Qld, passed away peacefully on 17 December 2024, aged 83, at the Townsville University Hospital, surrounded by family.

In keeping with Albert’s wishes a private service was held with the family.

May he Rest in Peace

2RAR Association

I would inform you of the passing of Rick Robinson on the 17th of December 2024 after a short battle with cancer.

Rick was a Lance-Corporal who served as an infantryman in Vietnam with 6 Battalion 2nd Tour May 1969 to April 1970.

A good soldier and friend to all who served with him.

Mike Sheahan

0477 063 244

I have been advised that Robert James Nock passed away last night in Townsville’s James Cook University Hospital.

Deepest condolences to his family and friends during this sad time

Rest in Peace

LEST WE FORGET

Andrew Clinkaberry – 1RAR

A funeral service to celebrate the Life of Kevin Heenan will be held at the Merritt Funeral Services Chapel, 10-16 Macisaac Rd, Mooroopna, Vic, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, commencing at 10am.

After which the Cortege will leave for the Pine Lodge Cemetery, Shepparton. After the Services, everyone is invited to return to the Shepparton RSL for refreshments.

Dawn would appreciate it if Medals were worn.

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

We have received advice of the death on 3 December 2024 of Kevin Lewis
Heenan. He was 76. Kevin was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam
with the Detachment, 131 Divisional Locating Battery from November 1969
until August 1970. No other details available at this time.

RIP Kevin Lewis Heenan.

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

We have received advice of the death on 23 November 2024 of Roy Charles
(Bunny) Mellier. He was 87. Roy enlisted in the Citizens Military Force
(CMF) in the late 1950s with 9 HAA Regt RAA. He continued on after that
Regiment was redesignated 9 LAA Regt RAA. In the late 1960s, he transferred
to full time duty and as a Bombardier, served in Vietnam with the Mobile
Assistance Training Team from June to October 1971. On return from Vietnam,
he stayed on in the army and served in 16 Air Defence Regt RAA until his
retirement as a Sergeant.

RIP Roy Charles (Bunny) Mellier

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

We have received advice of the death on 22 November 2024 of Peter John Bennett. He was 76. Peter was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with the Detachment, 131 Divisional Locating Battery from August 1969 until June 1970.

RIP Peter John Bennett

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

We have received advice of the recent death of Joseph Robert Kocka. He was 73. Joe served in the Army Reserve and the Regular Army and in later years, was involved with the Federal Police. Joe served in Vietnam with 4th Field Regiment from August to December 1970 and then with the Detachment, 131 Divisional Locating Battery until July 1971. During his Reserve service he was Battery Commander of 41 Field Battery on the Gold Coast.

RIP Joseph Robert Kocka.

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