A few have already shown interest in joining them.
If you are still interested after checking the link, Janice suggests a zoom gathering to talk over details with her travel friend/consultant, Cathy Moir. Perhaps in early September, when Kevin will be back in Australia.
Janice and Kevin Loughrey have suggested that it would be nice to travel back to Australia by cruise liner after the reunion next year. They have identified a cruise that leaves Auckland on 5th of December and also have a travel agent friend who can get a good deal. (Kevin has added that they would get no commission of any sort for this.)
Boarding for cruises such as this typically starts at midday so it would be wise to be in Auckland the night before so as to be sure of not missing the boat.
Our Kiwi organisers, bless them, have advised that it’s possible to bring forward the reunion by one day so that those interested in taking this cruise could depart Wellington and arrive comfortably in time to take the cruise.
Revised dates, if confirmed, would be Thursday 2 Dec for Drinks, Friday 3 Dec for Dinner and Saturday 4 Dec for lunch/departure for Cruisers, Sunday 5 Dec for whatever if folks want to stay on. Those date changes shouldn’t inconvenience anyone intending to attend.
A formal Death Notice is to be published on Wednesday, but initial advice is that the funeral will be on Monday 24 August at 1030 at St. Paul’s Manuka., followed by a private cremation (close family and friends) and then a reception at a venue TBC.
Next gathering of Classmates in Canberra is on Monday 27 July at the Hellenic Club at Woden at 1230.
As always, spouses/partners and out-of-towners are welcome. It’s also been suggested that if any of you have friends from the other RMC classes of our era, please feel free to invite them as well.
Numbers by midday Friday to Kym would be appreciated to confirm numbers with the Club.
Ed’s Funeral is scheduled for next week – Wed 22 Jul at 12pm to be held at Norwood Park Crematorium. The Death Notice is attached. Refreshments will follow in the on-site facility. Those attending may care to consider adjourning to a quiet wake afterwards.
Please pass these details onto others who may wish to attend as we farewell Ed and celebrate his life.
Ed’s son Ben has also requested that we forward the following message to the Class, particularly to those who were able to visit and or send messages to Ed and the family over the past couple of months:
“My family and I would like to pass on how grateful we are for all of the messages and support for Dad in recent weeks.
Dad loved reflecting on his time at RMC, all the stories and the visits. This communication always provided a lift to him and a welcome break in what was a tough battle, particularly in the final days.
The efforts to provide information and advice on the best course of action early in the diagnosis and all other well wishes were truly appreciated.
Dad’s funeral will be held at 12 midday on Wednesday 22 July at Norwood Park Crematorium.
Thanks again, Ben, Adam and Wendy.“
It seems that there are no live stream details, but I’ll forward them if they are to be included.”
It is with deep sadness that we have learned that Ed “Tac” Antoniak has lost his short but intense battle with MND. Ed’s family have advised via Chris Wallace that Ed died earlier this afternoon (Friday10 July 2026).
Further info, including funeral arrangements will be notified in due course.
Wal’s advice was as follows:“It is with much sadness we have to advise our dear classmate, Ed Antoniak, passed away today after his brave struggle with MND. Ed passed peacefully in the loving presence of his family. Ed kept his infectious sense of humour throughout this difficult time with courage and dignity.Our thoughts are with Wendy, Ben, Adam, and their families.Details of the Canberra based celebration of Ed’s life are to be advised.Rest in peace dear friend.”
Classmates gathered in Sydney with guests from earlier classes.
L to R John Price, Duncan McInnes, Steve Despoges, Al McMurran, Paul Stratton (70), Paddy Ryan, Dave Wilkins (63) (OC Ala Coy 72), Peter McCann, Peter Lawrence, Jock Murray (70), Simon Willis (70), Bert Flynn (71), Gerry Jones, Peter Martyn.
And a thank you comment after the lunch: ‘Another great lunch today all the better for including invitees from earlier classes.’
RMC Class of 1972 