www.ran-skilledhands.net

Dave McMahon [Dangles, July 1957 entry] passed away in Darwin middle 2002. He was a ship mate of mine on Vampire 1964/65 and I well remember the time in the Phillipines when our mess 3P2 was entertained by him and Dick Hinksfuss at a very down market bar.
Vale Dave

It is with deep regret that I must inform you all of the passing away of P.O. Phot. Bill Mcbride on the 14th April 2004. Bill was still a serving member but who was looking forward to paying off in a few weeks time,after a long and creditable career in the RAN.He was well known for his great skill as an Aussie Rules player,in and out of the service and he was looking forward to starting a new career and life in WA working with the aboriginal community.

vale Bill Mcbride,a true gentleman.

Did not really know Bill, but knew who he was and had seen him about and co-incidntally, was on the resettlement course (13-15 April) that he attended the day before his passing. The announcement came as a genuine shock to a lot of the room.

When I emailed Kevin Assenheim about the 2006 reunion, I asked him about M D Russell(Doc). As he was the intake behind Doc. He relayed to me that from info he has recieved that Doc passed away in 1996.

He was at Nirimba when I was a muppet and our class "MTP Charlie" was a thorn in his side at the MEDB. We swore to him that one of us would wind up on one of his beloved "A" Boats. Lo and behold it was me. His first words to me while posting onto Adroit were "Get a Haircut Valentine". And I promptly did.

A better man you would be lucky to meet, he really took me under his wing and steered me in the right direction.

A good man lost to the world RIP Doc

True statement Rob, a good man lost.

R.I.P. Doc.

CJ

Reading a recent NOC newsletter, I noticed mention of the recent passing (December 2002) of “Fred” Sanders, CAPT WE RAN (Rtd). Fred I understand entered as either a second or third intake MOBI, and trained as an OA. Later he was commissioned LEUT SDWE and served in a number of positions including Maritime Commander technical staff, and CSO to CNTS.

I first met Fred and had the privilege of serving as the DWEEO on Derwent when Fred was the WEEO. I quickly learnt how to write acceptable quarterly reports and URDEFs in that any document presented to Fred for his signature was quickly torn-up and shredded if not to his high standard. In later life I was to look back on this posting, and thank myself for the experience and learning under his tutelage.

Our paths crossed on many occasions since Derwent, both professionally and socially. On leaving the RAN, Fred worked for a period with Ericsson, Melbourne and he participated in the delivery and supportability aspects of the TIR radar now installed on the ANZAC Class ships. I recall visiting Ericsson Gothenberg, Sweden with Fred investigating this radar and his primary interest was always ensuring that the sailors on the ship got a first class product.

On finally retiring, I understand Fred and his wife relocated to Healesville, Melbourne to further another career investigating the juices that are derived from grapes, and how best to manage a small vineyard.

Always a gentleman and scholar, Fred is one of those MOBIs who we will always remember.

Vale Fred Sanders

Rick

Wasn't sure if I should put this in here but thought that some of you may have known Bill.

"It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you of the passing of our good friend and shipmate Bill Ellery.

Bill suffered a heart attack on Saturday evening at his home and passed away at approximately 0400 today Wednesday 23 June 2004.

His funeral will be held at St James Cathedral at 1400 on Friday 25 June 2004 in Townsville followed by a private family service at the Woongarra Crematorium Chapel.

Bill was one of nature's gentlemen and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Wendy, daughters Jane and Bonnie and family.

Fair Winds and smooth sailing Bill.

Lest we forget.

President & Members
Townsville & District Subsection "

Thanks

Jude

I received a message from Peter Sneddon today, informing me of the passing of Geoff Stirling from the January 1966 Intake.

Geoff was in his very early 50's. Our thoughts are with his family.

Farewell buddy.

The Vietnam Veteran Newsletter has just arrived, and with it the notification that Chippy Jim Adie passed away 20th April. Jim was 69.

Also Mech 1 F. Leonard also has passed on, 13th February. He was 63.

Farewell fellas, may all your sunrises be clear and bright.

CJ,

Sad to hear that Jim has passed away. I worked with him in my early days and that time stuck in my mind as he was a gentleman to work with.

For those who might be interested - Jim joined pussers on the 28 July 1958 and paid off on 14 August 1984.

Sail on Jim. A smooth sea and a following wind.

Stretch