Some more information on Mike Izzard, with thanks to Eric Rigter, Bill Blair (Class of 1974), the RASigs network and the OCS Alumni. Mike was in Kapyong Company and was in our class for 1969 and 1970.  

Major Michael G. Izzard, RA Sigs (Retd), OCS Class of December 1972 (Scheyville Wing) died on 16 December 2025, after some years of poor health.

His family has advised that he didn’t wish to have a funeral service. The family is intending to hold a celebration of his life early in the new year.

Mick died from respiratory arrest second to aspiration and had suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for some time. COPD is largely caused from smoking and Mick, by his own admission, having taken up the habit on joining Army, had smoked too heavily for too long.  He had lost his left leg above the knee some years ago due to vascular disease, also caused by smoking.  He had only recently made a claim through DVA for his smoking habit and was allocated a Gold Card just three weeks ago.   

His wife, Trish, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer December last year and has just finished her chemo treatment.  She is at home and had a visit from a palliative care nurse recently but is apparently “getting by”.

News just to hand is that Mike Izzard, who entered RMC in 1969, passed away yesterday. Mike’s wife Trish is reported as seriously ill. More news will bring posted as it becomes available.

This is to sadly advise that Nev White passed away today. The Canberra Engineers are supporting Michele and the family.

Eric and Paulette had a long telephone call with Michele this afternoon; in the circumstances she is alright and is holding it together.

Michele has advised that she will be following Nev’s written wishes, given to his daughters in 2023. Accordingly, they will have a private cremation and will then hold a small get-together of family and close friends to celebrate Nev’s life.  She had no idea when the get-together would be held, but it will not be till well after Christmas.

As previously requested please do not contact Michele directly, but pass on any messages through Eric.”

I have copied this information from Jim Molan’s FB page:

“The Molan Family have been greatly touched by the expressions of love and respect for Jim that have been shared in the past week, from near and far.

We are aware that many who knew and were impacted by Jim may not be able to travel or attend his celebration of life tomorrow. If you wish to view the service, you may do so at the link below, commencing at 10am.”

https://attnd.com.au/jim-molan

Alternatively, go to https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jim%20molan

Update from the Class of 1971’s FB page:

“From The Weed.
Jim’s funeral service will be at 10 am next Wednesday 25 January at the RMC Chapel. It is to be a Military Funeral service. Anne has asked Roger Powell to deliver a “military” eulogy, following a family eulogy and to be followed by a political eulogy by Hon Peter Dutton, MP.”

More to follow as it comes to hand.

Sad news today of the death of Jim Molan, senator and retired major general.

Report on the ABC at this link. His bio is in the 1971 Class Book at https://duntroonclassof1972.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/old-mates-class-book-1971.pdf

No further details at this time.

Received news via the Class of 1973 that Dr Jim Burgess died last Wednesday 4 Jan. Jim was a lecturer in Geography at RMC and was also a member of the Rugby 1^st XV in 1973 and possibly beyond.  He was apparently also well known amongst the Canberra Rugby community.

He had been ill for some time but steadfastly decided not to prolong his life and had elected not to have a funeral. A Memorial Service is on Friday 10 Feb at Duntroon Chapel followed by a reception at Duntroon House conducted by Tom Frame, former Anglican Bishop to the ADF. 

Could anyone who might wish to attend please let Chris Wallace know at wallaceclan3@bigpond.com

A message from Kevin Hindle’s daughter Georgia, says in part: “I would like to extend an invitation to whoever from his class would like to attend his wake which will take place later this year either in the end of November or the beginning of December.” I will post further details as they come to hand.