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Vale - Phyllis Underwood
John Underwood, a former 5MD Band Member, lost his beloved wife Phyllis to a long running battle with cancer late last month. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Bob Keatch |
Vale - Len Fischer
Len Fischer died in The Canberra Hospital early this evening (8 June ) shortly after his wife Joan and two of his sons had left, after being with him most of the day. He had battled Parkinson's for several years, and suffered a major stroke about two weeks ago which paralyzed him on the right side and prevented him from speaking. Given the impossibility of him regaining any kind of dignified life, the family is thankful for his peaceful passing. Len's funeral service is to be held at 1330 on Tuesday 15th June at the Crematorium at Mitchell. (A.C.T.) |
Vale - Joan Franklin
Dear all,
Joan Franklin, beloved wife of George for 59 years, died on Wednesday 16th June after a long battle with a lung infection. Joan was a cabaret singer in Sydney performing on ABC Radio when George and she met and married. Joan continued her singing career in Perth, also was invited to perform on ABC Perth radio in the 1960’s and later with City of Perth Band and the Magic Dream Big Band by invitation. She continued to sing well into her eighties, performing with George and entertaining folks as part of the Stirling Entertainers in Perth.
Joan and George were staunch supporters of the “Old Contemptibles”, a Perth offshoot of our retired Band Corps members and their wives. Her bubbly, bright personality will be sadly missed at future functions. Our love and condolences are extended to George and the family.
Bob Keatch |
Vale - Florence Spencer
Florence Spencer, beloved wife of Barry, passed away on Sunday 27th June 2010 at 4.30am. Florence had a 5cm x 7cm tumour in her brain. Our sincere condolences, love and prayers for comfort and strength to Barry and his family. Florence was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be sadly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know her. |
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Vale Arthur Walton
Good Morning All
I received a call from Merrin (my wife who works for the Salvation Army in Brisbane) about the passing of Arthur Walton in Brisbane. Arthur spent many years in the Army as a Musician and retired in Townsville. Later he moved closer to family in Brisbane. I am not sure if we can do anything for the family at this time. I have tried to make contact with Rhondda (his daughter), but her mobile is not taking calls. I realise that not many would know Arthur from our era, but certainly those in the Ern Trotter/Shad Harper era would know Arthur well. Fitting that he passed on ANZAC Day.
Here's the detail we've received about Arthur Walton's Promotion to Glory ....
PROMOTED TO GLORY
Arthur Bramwell Walton was promoted to Glory from Riverview Gardens on April 25th, 2010. Please remember the family in your prayers, particularly Rhondda Cook (daughter - Property Dept), Wayne Cook (son-in-law - Prison Chaplain MRRC) and Tara Sippel (granddaughter - School for Leadership Training) . The funeral will be held in the Riverview Chapel on Thursday April 29th at 1.30pm. No flowers by request - donations to Fairhaven, Riverview Aged Care Facility.
Regards
Stephen Button
Greetings all
I have been in touch with Arthur's family and passed on the Associations sympathy. Arthur has been in high care for the past 14 months. He was a talented musician and particularly loved brass banding and male voice singing. He was a member of Southern Command and Northern Command. He was a brother-in-law to Gordon Agnew who some of you may also remember. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Dennis Hills
Chaplain
Herald-Sun Obituary
WALTON. - Arthur (in Qld). 29/46th BATTALION A keen musician in the 29/46th band. Respected by all of his friends. - 29/46th Battalion Family. |
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Vale Brian Rust
Brian Rust was a 27th Class Apprentice Musician and was posted to 3MD Band (Australian Army Band Melbourne) on completion of training. On discharge he began teaching in private schools in WA. He also worked in Brazil and Vietnam. Brian married 3 times, his last wife he meet in Vietnam, her name being Hang and stepson Rickie, now aged approximately 10. Brian developed bowel cancer while teaching in Vietnam and unfortunately on repatration to Australia developed motor neurone disease. Brian died on the 13th April 2010 and was cremated in Perth on the 19th April 2010. His funeral was attended by John Hadlow (20.5 Class) and Gary Blacklock (27th Class). Also in attendance were many of his friends from the music teaching fraternity of Perth. Any condolences to the family can be sent to Mr Paul Jacobs, 10 Lily St. South Fremantle WA 6162. ( Paul was a very good friend of Brians and was with him to the end). Another one fades away but memories will last with us, his mates forever. Regards John and Monica Hadlow. Gary and Jill Blacklock.
Note from Ern Trotter
Brian was a fine lad and the son of my mentor, the late SSGT Len Rust. He graduated as a member of 27th Class of Apprentice Musicians in 1974. Several prominent members of the class include Pat Pickett, Graeme Lloyd and Steve Hladio. - Ern Trotter |
Vale David Eldridge
A former member of Northern Command Band, DAVID ELDRIDGE (bass trombone) passed away in February 2010. The cause was heart problems. David formerly played with the Brisbane SA Temple Band. Not only a fine trombone player, Dave was an excellent basket-ball player and an 'International Rugby player'. His international and band career was curtailed after an injury sustained whilst playing in an Army representative side. Dave transferred to Box Hill Corps to participate in the Band's world tour in the early 70's, and remained in Melbourne. |
Vale Darcy Webb
A former member of Northern Command Band, DARCY WEBB (euphonium) passed away during January 2010. Darcy later served with the Regiment in Korea and after RTA was posted to RMC band along with Tom Wahlin and Bob Campbell-Stewart to bolster the band-boy graduates in 1954. Darcy was one of 'natures gentlemen' and will be sadly missed. |
Vale Sylvia Hore
Greetings all,
Again very sorry to report that our mate in Singleton, Dave Walker, has let me know that Sylvia, wife and best friend of the late Bob Hore, passed away peacefully in Singleton yesterday (12 Jan). Her funeral was held at 2 pm, Friday 15th at All Saints Church in Singleton. Sylvia was a loyal friend and supporter of the many of us who served in Singleton, and she will be sadly missed by her many friends and family.
Tony Sillcock |
Vale Gordon Parham - Update
Sorry to report that Angela Parham has just let me know that Gordon passed away yesterday (24 October). He was suffering from Alzheimer's. Gordon was bandmaster of the 8RAR Band and raised it in Brisbane with a National Service class from the Army School of Music. He developed a fine band and time spent there was a valuable foundation for my later career. Gordon remained with the band in Malaysia after the battalion returned and he later went on to command other bands and retired with the rank of Captain.
Funeral details are yet to be sorted out but likely to be week after next as he has many friends in NZ who may need to make travel plans. Angela's address:
30 Veronica Avenue MODBURY NORTH SA 5092 Home phone: 08 8264 6497.
UPDATE: For those that haven't heard already, the funeral service for Gordon is at 1100am, Saturday 7th November at St Laurences Church, North Adelaide.
Family are in good spirits and appreciate the messages they have been receiving. Thanks to all. I hope to see some old mates there.
Regards,
Tony Sillcock |
Vale - Ben Newbold
Ben Newbold was a very fine saxophone player and former AABC member who served in the 10/27 Battalion, 4 MD/AABA and RMC Bands from around 1990 for about 10 years. After his Army service Ben had his own upholstering business in Kadina SA. Ben took his own life on 29 September 2009. A funeral service for Ben will be held in South Australia on Tuesday 13th October at the Gateway Church on Paskeville Road, Kadina, beginning at 11am. Later at 2.30pm the committal will take place at Minlaton Cemetery. Members wishing to contact the family can get in touch with Dean Butler on 08 88532070 or Ben’s father, Kip, on 08 88531163. Ben is survived by his wife and two young children.
7-10 |
Vale- Bruce Cotterill
I need to let AABCA know that my dear friend and colleague, Bruce Cotterill is very ill with stage 4 cancer. Bruce was in AAB Sydney (Eastern Command!) with me way back in the early 70’s and we have been working together ever since with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra after both being in the national training orchestra. The illness hit Bruce on July 1st so has progressed very quickly and, frankly, taken many of us by surprise. He is currently in Norwest Private Hospital (Sydney) but hoping to get home within a few days. If anyone wants to keep up with things, they can email or phone me. I am sure those who served with and know Bruce will be very sad to hear this news. He is a great human being and a mighty fine musician.
Regards
Brian Evans
(02) 94896940
evansdietz@optusnet.com.au
Brian has forward an email written on Wednesday 21 October by Bruce's friend Allan Watson.
Most of you are aware that Bruce has been battling cancer during the last 4 months. He had an operation to remove a large slab of it and then whilst recovering ran in to problems with the cancer blocking his food passage. This resulted in another surgery to bypass the blockage a few weeks ago. Bruce has never really recovered from this - never really regained appetite and struggled to eat. This cancer of Bruce's is the most aggressive cancer I have ever heard of. It has overwhelmed him and has completely enveloped many of his vital organs and spread all over his body in the last 10 days. His body began to shut down over the weekend. I feel Bruce has known of people's support - it has just been such a fast ride that there has been no time for him to thank people or talk to them. Yesterday Bruce drifted into a coma and will pass away in the next 48 hours. I have just been out to see him this afternoon - he is no longer really there but for me, even in his terrible state, it was good to see him and say goodbye. His family ( mum and sister both named Helen) and Jayne's family are with him and Jayne now. Bruce has not been in any pain and is peaceful. This has come as a terrible shock to us all but I felt that I should let you know before the end comes. See you all at Grimes - Bruce's favourite opera.
Allan
News from Brian Evans today:
Sad to say Bruce passed away last night (21/10). The funeral will be held at 1pm on Tuesday 27 October at the Leura Memorial Gardens.
4-10 / 21-10 / 22-10 |
Vale - Michael Oakley
A Service to celebrate the life of Michael John Oakley will be held at the Frankston Arts Centre, cnr Young and Davey Streets, Frankston, on Tuesday September 1, 2009 at 2 p.m. No flowers by request. Donations in lieu to the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the Service. Private Cremation.
A former member of 3 MD Band, the Australian Pops Orchestra and many others, Michael passed away in the early hours of 24 August 2009. With thanks to Chris Stock and Gerard Corkeron for supplying the above information.
1-09 |
Vale - Ray de Vaurno
A member of the Royal Australian Artillery Band Brisbane. Ray was a fine musician whose service spanned five decades as a french horn player. Ray initially enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy in the mid to late sixties, seeing operational service in the South Vietnam area of operation on board HMAS Sydney. Ray transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force as a member of the RAAF Operational Command Band in the early eighties where he completed his regular service with the Australian Defence Force. In 1995 Ray enlisted into the Australian Army and was posted to the RAA Band at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. Ray was farewelled on Friday, 24 July 2009, at a moving service held at the All Saints Chapel, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. |
Vale Brian 'Tex' Halpin
Brian 'Tex' Halpin passed away on Sun 8th June 09. Tex was a member of 3RAR Band, Malaya (1957-59). After he left the Army Tex joined the Fire Brigade, and it is believed that whilst thus employed, he contacted mesothelioma - the cause of death.
Ern Trotter |
Vale Bob Sims
Bob Sims passed away yesterday (5 June) after a long illness. Bob was a long time member of the band in Adelaide.The funeral will be held at 1030am, Thursday 11th June, at the Carr & Kleeman Funeral Chapel, 1 Morphett Street, Mount Barker.
Maurie Brown. |
Vale Neal 'Budda' Wilson
Neal 'Budda' Wilson passed away last week. Neal served with Southern Command/3 MD Band from the 1950's to the 1970's.
Jim Harper |
Vale Peter Frasier MM
Peter Fraser MM passed away Sunday the 22 February 2009, after a long bout with illness. Peter served with 5RAR on its first tour in the Republic of South Vietnam. Peter was a stretcher-bearer attached to Anti-Tank Platoon, then Reconnaissance Platoon when it was formed. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery whilst under fire attending a wounded comrade |
Vale - Wayne (Gomer) Newey
Wayne (Gomer) Newey died suddenly today (24 Dec). This fine musician and great character will be missed by all who knew him and enjoyed his company. He leaves his wife of 20 years, Leonie, and two sons.
(Supplied by Clve Bradley) |
Vale Stew Rose
A former member of Eastern Command Band, passed away at the age of 92. More details will be posted as they come to hand. |
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Vale Cecil Platell
It was with sadness that I heard this evening of the passing of Cecil Platell (8RAR Malaysia). He found out some months ago that he faced a battle with cancer, a battle he could not win. Cec was a National Serviceman (6th intake) and after Infantry Corps training was posted to 8 RAR. When the band formed he transferred from his company to join the band. On return to Australia he settled in Waroonah WA, working with Alcoa and was also actively involved with the Ambulance service for many years. For this work he was invested as a Serving Brother of the Order of St John. He is survived by his wife Elaine and two sons. Address for messages: 16 Recreation Road, WAROONAH WA 6215. I will pass on further details.
Regards,
Tony Sillcock
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Vale Jim Hartingdon
Jim Hartingdon, a former member of Northern Command Band, passed away on the 31st of August after a long battle with cancer. Jim was a true English gentleman and a very fine trombone player. Jim always had time to help young musicians and amazed many with his outstanding knowledge of theory. Jim's funeral will be a private family service with Jeff Herbert and Robbie Robinson doing the honours with the bugle.
Kind regards,
Barry Rodgers
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Vale: John Lane - POW and ex Western Command Band. 24/6/2008
John died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday 24 June. He had been in a Nursing Home for the past few weeks. His Motor Neuron Disease condition meant that he was not feeling any pain and for some time he had been carrying a broken shoulder, sleeping on it and doing everything as normal. John was always stoic and upbeat even to the end. He certainly lived a full life and had been through a number of life tests.
John was a prisoner of war taken at Singapore up to the Burma/Thailand railway then onto Japan as slave labour on the docks at Kobe. He wrote a book on his experiences which was translated into Japanese and distributed among the schools in the Kobe district. The Japanese held John in favour and invited him (expences paid) to Japan for the release of his book amongst a fair bit of fanfare in the 1990's.
LANE, JOHN: SUMMER WILL COME AGAIN. The Story of Australian POWs' Fight for Survival in Japan.
(Fremantle), Fremantle Arts Centre Press, (1987). Wrappers in d/w, maps, illust., pp. 239. Signed by the author. Fine. ISBN 0 949206 18 0. "There have been many stories of experiences of Allied prisoners-of-war in Changi and on the Burma railway, Summer Will Come Again is one of the first accounts of an Australian POW's struggle for survival on Japanese soil" (d/w blurb). Scarce.
Serendipity Books - Book number: 70372
He was an early member of the Western Command Band serving 1950 to 1967 up to Corporal, with a stint at the School of Music as a Brass Instructor. John was a "Fairbridge Boy" brought out as an orphan to Pinjarra where he learnt to play the trombone and gain a true identity with the Fairbridge Farm community. He also wrote a great book on this experience and enjoyed the friendship of Clive James whom he met up with a couple of times after reading his story. John has been active as a Fairbridge tour guide and has put a lot of money into building a typical "house" that the children lived in at Fairbridge. John was given the honour of having the Governor officiating at the opening of this house last year. His books are for sale through the shop at Fairbridge and may still be available through local bookshops.
A service will be held for him at Fairbridge Farm Saturday 28 June 2008 at 11 am.
Bob |
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