John and Jacqui Black are currently on a long grey nomad journey around Australia (all in accordance with John’s detailed spreadsheet). The adventures have been shared on Facebook, including this lovely photograph taken in Perth with Peter Coghlan. Looking good, both of them.

The second photo was sent over by Frank Edwards, who also caught up with the Blacks. We know who is in it, but does anyone know where and when? Judging by the relaxed looks, the hair styles (NOT short back and sides), plus a pre-accident John Barwick, probably early 1970? And is that a beer in Frank’s hand?

The Requiem Mass for Greg, in the Duntroon Chapel, was a moving and sad event, but also uplifting in giving thanks for his contribution to so many – indicated by pretty much a full house. His four children – Melissa, Ainslie, Simon and James – all spoke of different aspects of their dad. There was no doubt that he was an influential and formative influence on their lives.

The Class of 1972 was well represented, along with members of RMC classes below and above us. There were also members of his courses at RMCS and ACDSS. A wake in the RMC Golf Club afterwards provided an opportunity to catch up on friends and colleagues, in many cases after a gap of quite a few years, as well as Greg’s father and siblings.

Steve Jones has passed on that Greg’s son James has indicated that there will be a wake after the service at the golf club at Duntroon. And as Greg is to be cremated (hence the Requiem Mass in the chapel) there will not be a follow on burial. There may be a ceremony to inter or distribute his ashes in the future but there is no plan as yet and it may well be a family-only event.

A number of members of the Class of 1972 have indicated that they are unable to attend Greg’s Requiem Mass on Friday, but asked that their condolences be passed on. I plan to place a list of these with the Condolences Book (the usual practice). If you are unable to attend and would like to be included on that list (irrespective of other sympathy you might send) please let me know.

Published in The Canberra Times today – see http://tributes.canberratimes.com.au/obituaries/canberratimes-au/obituary.aspx?n=greg-thomas&pid=189363721&fhid=14094

No news to report yet, but thought I’d share a couple of photos from our early days together.

From an Adelaide local newspaper

Australian Rules – 2nd Eighteen 1970

Although visits to Trish and the family are not recommended at the moment, unless of course you have a close relationship with them, written condolences are appropriate.

My understanding is that the four children’s names are Melissa, Ainslie, James and Simon. If I’ve got that wrong, please let me and everyone know immediately! (It might be worthwhile holding off for a day or so just in case).

The address is 11 Vasey Crescent, Campbell, ACT, 2612.

Steve Jones has passed on the following message:

“Today I visited Trish Thomas in her home in Campbell. Trish is in shock from the passing of Greg on Friday afternoon and is finding that she is not up to taking calls at the present time. She has her four children (all adults of course) at home with her at the moment with her eldest daughter having come home from Germany and two from interstate. She also has her siblings coming from Adelaide, so she is well cared for and supported.

The family is yet to set a day for the funeral. As you know it takes some time to complete formalities, especially when the death is unexpected. It would seem that the funeral, when it takes place, will be here in Canberra, probably at RMC. I am in contact with Greg’s son James, so as soon as there is more information I will pass it on. I appreciate that some people may wish to attend from interstate and require as much planning time as possible.

I have passed on the sympathy of the group to Trish and told her that there have been a number of direct expressions of sympathy. She is thankful for the thoughts.

We will keep you informed through this means.”

Please pass this message on to any classmates who may be out of the loop, and let them know that further information will be posted as it is received..

More sad news has just come in that LTGEN (Red) General H. J. Coates passed away on Monday 11 June. His funeral will be on 12 July at the RMC Chapel, Duntroon.

This date has been chosen to allow family and friends from overseas to attend.

A biography is at this link: COATES, John. This was drafted while I was still serving with AAHU and is based on his own unpublished autobiography, as well as an official bio and his Service Records. It should not, however, represented as an ‘official’ biography. There will no doubt be some differences/divergences in views on what is written here.

I have been advised that Greg Thomas passed suddenly away on Friday 15 June, after suffering a heart attack. As yet I have no other details – will post them here once they become available.

RIP Classmate.