I have been asked to pass on the very sad news of the passing of John (Eddie) Dyer who died in the early hours of Christmas Day after a valiant battle with cancer. He was just 2 days short of his 75th birthday.

Eddie joined the Reserve (CMF) on 25th June 1965 and retired on 27th December 2001 after serving 36 years. Eddie obtained the rank of WO1 before commissioning and reaching the Rank of Major.

Eddie was a very proud “Valley Boy” and served most of his Military Service with the Latrobe Valley based RAE Squadrons – 38 Field Squadron from 1965 – 1977 and 39 E&M Squadron 1977 – 2001 where he also spent time as the OC.

The family have provided the following 

John Edward Dyer was born in Greenock in Scotland and came to Australia at 3years old.  He grew up in Newborough.  He joined the Citizens Military Forces in Jan 1965.  He joined Victoria Police in 1969 and had a brief stint in Melbourne before returning to Newborough.  He was stationed at Moe and Morwell over the years. 

He was a keen pilot and obtained his private pilot license in 1998.  He only recently sold his plane due to ill health.

He has been married to Linda for 52 years and has 3 children and 6 grandchildren

An RAE man through and through Eddie often joined the Association for activities with the last being the Ringwood RSL pre–Anzac Day march on 18th April 2021 where he proudly marched with his daughter Julie – the attached photo is from that march.

I am honoured to be able to call Eddie my friend but sad that I must now say goodbye to him.

Eddie’s funeral will be conducted at 10.30am on 04th January 2022 at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services – Traralgon and afterwards at Morwell RSL. The funeral service will also be live streamed.

Eddie, you have served your country with distinction through commitment, pride and dignity not only within Defence but also the Victorian Police Force. You have upheld the traditions of the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers to the highest levels.

Farewell Eddie my friend – Rest in Peace as your duty is now done.