Trish, Mick’s widow, passed away on the 5th of January. Chris, their son, has advised that she had achieved her goals for the year having seen Christmas come and go, being around for her and Mick’s Wedding Anniversary on 30 Dec (53 years) and seeing the New Year in. As previously mentioned, Trish had been bravely battling pancreatic cancer for the past 12 months.
As with Mick, there was no funeral, but details of a celebration of (now) both their lives can be seen at the link below. It will be held at the Belconnen Soccer Club from 1200hrs on 31 Jan 26.
The photo below came to me by way of John Culleton (Gallipoli ’74) and Bob Brown (Gallipoli ’74) and apparently shows a number of our number who gathered at RMC to play an annual game against the current cadets. It could be the 1984 gathering.
So the challenge is to try and recognise who is in the photo! I’ll kick off with the obvious – Paddy Ryan, John Culleton, Bob Brown, Don Muirhead (also picks up the prize for the biggest shoulders), Al McMurran. So come on men – who else is in it?
Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. May you enjoy the company and comfort of family, loved ones and friends. At this time, we keep in our hearts and minds the memory of those who have left us, and their loved ones still with us.
I regret to advise that Nev White is very seriously ill. He became ill in Brisbane about seven weeks ago after driving from Canberra. Within days he was in hospital, had been diagnosed with multiple advanced cancers, had difficulty communicating and had failed a cognition test. He was returned to Canberra where he underwent about a week of radiotherapy. Since then he has mostly been medicated at home, where his mobility and communication deteriorated further. After another short period in hospital he is now home again, receiving palliative care. He cannot communicate and it is not clear what he understands or if he recognises people.
This has been very hard on Michele and family. The Canberra Sappers have been aware and have provided what support they can. Michele has now agreed to inform the broader class group, but is keen to maintain family privacy and dignity. Please do not contact Michele directly but if you wish to pass a message please do so through Eric at ericrigter@gmail.com.
Having been ‘volunteered’ to organise this year’s Canberra Christmas gathering, Pat and Kym have made a decision to return to Snappers at the Yarralumla Yacht Club. A booking has been made for 1200 (midday!) on Monday 8th Dec.
Please put it in your diaries – a reminder and a request for firm numbers will be sent out in the preceding week.
The invitation includes spouses/partners/friends, and any out-of-towners who might be in Canberra on that date.
Dress code this year will be Tacky Xmas shirt for the men (within limits): ladies their usual stylish daywear.
An interesting query from Frank Edwards. He recently acquired his Army Pers records and came across an entry immediately post Staff College (1985) that read “awarded Graduate Diploma in Military Studies”. He does not recall any such award or even a suggestion of one.
This is quite separate from the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Studies awarded from JSSC and the BA (Mil) from UNSW.
49 Classmates and partners enjoyed a perfectly organised mid-mid-term reunion at Coffs Harbour. Well organised except for the weather that is, but John Mac has promised to fix that the next time.
One classmate emailed his thanks “….The location/facility was great, food good and connecting between class matés excellent. Well done to all concerned…” – and to add to that a special thanks to our main organiser, MC, and raconteur John Mac for a terrific occasion.
As you can see from the program, a lot was packed into the two days of the official functions – and a few other catchups were also made outside these dates.
The resort was especially helpful, even putting on a special cocktail.
Classmates came from near and afar. Murray and Judy Smith were the least travelled – being Coffs residents. From further away Tony and Mary Mcleod crossed the Tasman (2230 km) while Graham and Maxine Smith, Rod Allan, and Peter and Kerry Jenke came up from Melbourne (1400 km). The rest were from places a bit closer (Canberra 800 km, Sydney 530 km, Brisbane 400 km, Salamandar Bay 385 km, Byron Bay/Ballina 230 km). Worth mentioning that a few came despite health issues and/or other pressing commitments: special mention to John Price, who turned up with an arm in a sling and braces on a leg, the result of a fall. That is dedication!
Photograph below was taken on the second night – sadly, a few face are partly obscured! If anyone has a better shot of this – or indeed any others – taken from the many mobiles in use, please forward them to David Cran.
This is as we were….
And, a better shot that also adds some colour and style….
Roger (1971) and Rhonda Powell happened to be at the Pacific Bay Resort celebrating a wedding anniversary, and joined us for all events. Roger was offered honorary class membership but politely declined.
So, what next? Thoughts are already turning to options for the reunion in 2027. Watch this blog. There might also be a call shortly for volunteers to help organise it.
RMC Class of 1972 