Ian McDonald has passed on the sad news that Des passed away yesterday at 8.30pm Perth time.
Ian has advised that Des Kinnersley’s daughter has informed him that they are not having a funeral for Des. The family will scatter Des And Betty’s ashes at a later date.
In February 2023 Des had moved into an Aged Care home (Regent Gardens, Wanneroo, Perth 6065) to join his wife, Betty, who had been at the same location for the preceding 5 years. Des had not been in the best of health for some time but he had a good innings.
May He Rest In Peace.
3 Comments
Sad to hear of Desmond’s passing. I personally go back a long way with Des and enjoyed his company throughout my career with OTC.
We both attended the 2nd Compac course held at Paddington in preparation for the Compac Cable in service date. Not sure but it was well in advance of opening date.
WE both served at Guam and Cairns but not within the same time frame.
Later on in life we served together at Perth PITC where Desmond was manager . He was always, an easy going character and a delight to work with over a very long period of time.
I think Des would have been a good American with his slow talking and cowboy belt holding up his bell bottom trousers.
I recall that on one instant at Paddo we both decided to purchase some cakes from across the road. Now Des was not your normal swearing aussie techo and in fact more of a gentleman within our ranks.
We entered the cake shop and surveyed the goodies on display. There was a nice young chick serving and she asked for our orders.
Des pointed to a sugar laden cake and uttered as a matter of fact * HOW MUCH ARE THOSE FUCKING THINGS* .
I along with the other customers were initially stunned but then in sync. Laughed out aloud. Even the servant joined in. Des was on red alert with his flushed face after he realised his error.
RIP Desmond KINNERSLEY
Thank you DES,
James KEENAN
I remember Des very well from my days in Guam. Life is finite but it is always a little hard to accept the fact that he has moved on, hopefully to a better place.
He takes with him a wealth of knowledge re early submarine cables. I wish I had been more interested in that subject when I had the opportunity to ask him whilst in Guam.
My thoughts are with his family – grateful if you would convey.
Regards
John Eades
I have been advised by Des’s daughter that the family will not be having a funeral and that the family will be gathering at a much later date to scatter Des’s and Betty’s ashes in a special place.
I have known Des since the late 70s when I arrived at Guam with a young family,
He was extremely welcoming and made the move so much easier.
Des took on the role of president of the WA VETS when he was Facilities Manager at PITC and continued in this role for many years after his retirement.
Des was always a pleasure to talk to and had a wealth of knowledge related to the early days of submarine cables.
He will be sadly missed.
Regards
Rod Pernich