OTVA - Vale

Following is a list of all members who have passed away in the preceeding 12 months. For a complete history see the Vales Archive

The Funeral service Mr. Ian Kenneth Reed is on Tuesday May 3rd at the Le Pine Chapel 132 Mt. Dandenong Road CROYDON Victoria commencing at 2.30pm.

Ian commenced with O.T.C. (A) on the 12.1.1959 as a Traffic Assistant Grade 1. in the M.O.R. then located at 167 Queen Street Melbourne. Ian’s commencing salary at that time was 360 pounds per annum and his education standard on leaving school was the Technical School Intermediate Certificate. Ian was living in East Ringwood and would have travelled by train to Flinders Street Station. Late 1960 O.T.C. moved to 382 Lonsdale Street where Ian progressed through the ranks to I.T.O./S.I.T.O. then transferred to the Commercial/Marketing Branch in Melbourne.

Whilst in OTC’s Commercial branch Ian had the opportunity to advance his career and early in the 1970’s Ian & Janet & family moved to O.T.C. Sydney for 2 to 3 years (a big step in those days), then came back to Melbourne as a Senior Commercial officer.

During the following years Ian’s long experience and knowledge of International Telecommunications, saw him travel extensively Interstate & overseas on business trips and acquire a business degree at University. Ian’s remaining years in OTC, were as a senior sales executive in OTC Sales & Marketing in charge of key OTC corporate accounts. Along with other work colleagues Ian was transferred to Telstra International Sales until he retired in early 2000’s.

Back in the early 1960’s Ian met and married Janet who worked with Judith and I (Robert Hall) in OTC Melbourne accounts branch on the 4th floor. We attended each other’s weddings and Judith and I stayed with Ian & Janet with our families for a week at their home in Sydney in the mid 70’s.

Ian was a member of the OTVA and served for a number of years as an Honorary Auditor. In the 60/70’s Ian was active in a number of OTC sporting events organised by the OTC Sports and Social Club, and attended a several Wagga weekends.

Ian was very much admired by his work colleagues for his long experience and knowledge of the Telecommunications market. He was a smart business thinker, very aware of commercial issues and customers. Even tempered and rarely rattled by the daily pressures of work life.

He treated everyone with respect, from senior managers to junior support staff with the same dignity and amiable style he was renowned for. Over the years Ian remained in contact with work colleagues from his former years in OTC right up until his retirement and was always open to sharing a beer or two at his favourite watering hole. I am very proud to say I was a good friend and work colleague of Ian and our deepest sympathy to Janet, Andrew, Christopher & Elizabeth. He will be deeply missed by us all.

John Newlyn was posted to the Brisbane Beam Office during WW2. His father was a supervisor posted up there from Melbourne. The office was set up to cater for McArthur's Headquarters overseas communications outlet where communiqués issued from the Supreme Commander were distributed to all parts of the world. An idiosyncrasy of John's was that he was a youngster who wore a heavy cardigan in Brisbane even on the hottest days. He was considered by his colleagues as one of nature's gentlemen.

I was shocked and saddened to learn today that (Wife of the late Harold Jones - "Jonesie" of CRS) passed away yesterday, 19th January. This advice came from Laurel Liddemore (nee Jones), daughter of Wyn and Harold. This information may already be in the hands of the Vets, but I thought I would pass it on just in case it had not already been advised.

Walter (Blue) Easterling died on Saturday 11 December at his home on the Gold Coast. Blue was a well known radio operator and had previously worked for AWA. He was my second cousin. I gather no details yet re funeral – when I know more I’ll pass them on. - David Neyle

Pre WW2 Blue (Walter actually) was employed as a bank teller in (I think) the Bank of NSW. He joined the airforce and undertook radio training and served in Northern Australia. After the war he went back to the bank but decided he wanted to get into radio so studied and obtained his 1st class certificate and joined the Coastal Radio Service. He served at Sydneyradio, Thursday Island and Port Moresby then back to Sydney where he served the rest of his time, retiring around 1980 and moved to Burleigh Waters with his wife Eve. Eve died not long after they arrived.

In recent years Blue had been in poor health and about a week ago his next door neighbour realised that Blue had not cleared his mailbox and had not been seen so he entered the house and found Blue comatose on his bedroom floor. Called an ambulance and Blue was taken to John Flynn Hospital at Tugun. I visited him last Wednesday and found him very frail, both mentally and physically. Yesterday (Friday 10th Dec) he suffered a heart attack and died. His only close relative is a sister living in the Wollongong area. Blue was 87.

Well, any of the older CRS members who are still with us will remember "Blue" arriving at VIS to go on watch on his old ex-army BSA motorbike with a RAAF kitbag hanging off his back. "Blue" was always humming some tune or other while he was on watch, and the tune was not always quite recognisable but was quite loud. On one watch he was humming away and if my memory serves me right it was Ray Johnson who said to him, "do you know the words to that song??". "Blue" drew himself right up and with a look of scorn replied "There's no words to beethoven".. One day I happened to mention to "Blue" that some of his workmates thought he was eccentric. "Blue", in all sincerity replied to me "No Ted, I don't think I'm eccentric"... He was a great bloke to work with and I'm sure that there's a watchkeepers spot for him where he is now..

Mike's wife Jenny contacted me on Saturday to advise that Mike passed away peacefully on Friday. Mike had been battling Liver cancer and other health issues for some time and had received a liver transplant in August, which unfortunately was not successful. Mike leaves behind his wife Jenny, his young son Ryan aged 8, and an older daughter Ashley in her 20's. For those who would like to attend his funeral service at 1:00pm on Wednesday I have attached the details from the SMH notices below. Mike joined Ericsson in 1999 and worked with myself on the 3 network build in 2002 and then as part of our Core Ops team from 2003 until 2009. Prior to his time in Ericsson he worked with OTC for many years (from 1977) and then transitioned to Telstra MobileNet when the two companies merged in the 90's. He was aged 50.

Mike Saberton worked with me at Broadway AXE during the early 90's when I was PTO there under John Vossen, and you (Bob), I think, at Paddo, just before the Alcatel venture. He then moved to Ericsson later on, and he called me and I sponsored his employment with Ericsson again after some medical problem he had that made him leave them. I had not heard much from him since that time but always very much respected his expertise in telephony, and especialy his brains with Ericsson products, a real software guru. His latter expertise was on Mobiles. It is sad to hear of his passing this way, and with a young family such tragic news.

Late of North Turramurra. Beloved husband of Jenny. Loving father of Ashley and Ryan, son of Lea and Rex and brother of Gray. Family and friends are invited to attend a service celebrating the life of MICHAEL to be held at St James Anglican Church, King Street, Turramurra, on Wednesday (November 3, 2010), commencing at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RPA Transplant Unit.

Hullo to all, I have just been advised by Des Woods of Kingscliff that our dear mate, Jim Anderson passed away this afternoon (Sunday 24th October). As advised earlier, Jim had been hospitalised for some weeks, but sad to say, he lost the battle. No doubt, funeral arrangements will follow. This information was given to Des Woods this afternoon, by telephone from Jim's son, James. Sad news for us all.

I well remember Jimmy Ando as a CHOP - Chief Operator in the INTLX section at BWY when Telex was king. He was a nature's gentleman, never demanding, always giving and managing a difficult shift of Telex Operators. A very funny guy who missed very little. He will be missed.

Funeral details: Friday 29 October at 2.15pm in the East Chapel of Rookwood Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, Memorial Avenue, Rookwood. In lieu of flowers, donations to Legacy would be appreciated. Tributes to Jim can be placed on SMH Online Tributes. You may wish to let others know about these arrangements.

From Jim Simpson... Charlie Shaw was a good mate of mine from my time on Norfolk Island. Charlie trained as a tech with DCA and worked for OTC for around 25 years. He mainly worked in the HF area, Doonside, Moresby and Norfolk Island. The managers on Norfolk at the time included John Brooksbank and Mick Wood. He also worked with Chubby Gillan (SITO) on Norfolk. Charlie passed away last night from cancer, aged 63. He was living on the Gold Coast with wife Stephanie and daughter Eleanor.

Charlie's funeral will be at 1130hrs, Tweed Heads Crematorium, Sunshine Street, Tweed Heads on Friday 27th August 2010. Stephanie Shaw can be contacted on 07 5576 6230 or 0421 273 626 or stephshaw101@hotmail.com

From Neil Yakalis... I worked side by side with Charlie in the early days at Doonside. He was the TO1 & I was the tech who acted in his position when he was away. He came up to Port Moresby in 1971 to do leave relief for Martin Griffin who first took the Norfolk radio job. Charlie helped me at the Boroko transmitting station & would come home with me for lunch with my wife Jeanette as he didn't have a car at first. Then Charlie bought a clapped out VW for $50 & we were amazed it kept going. Only the muffler fell off which he easily fixed himself. When it was time for him to go back to Australia he advertised it for $50 but had to use the supervisors phone as the contact. TO2 Derek Hallam was the guy in charge & he got swamped with buyers wanting the trusty beetle. Charlie reckoned it was the best car investment he had ever made. His car when he worked at Doonside was an MGA sports car. Charlie later took over from me in Port Moresby when I went back to Sydney after completing my 2 year term in October 1972. When he finished his term he took over from Martin Griffin on Norfolk Island & stayed there long after the cable arrived. Paul Cope has Charlies later story. Please pass on our sympathies to Stephanie & Eleanor.

From Paul Cope... I first met Charlie in 1974 when I was working on Norfolk Island for Burns Philp in the electronics department. Having had an earlier career in electronics, we had a lot in common and became good mates over the ensuing years. I was a keen rock fisherman and Charlie a keen radio modeller, so we swapped hobbies, I taught him to fish and he taught me to fly! We also go involved in motor car and motorbike service and rebuilding, amateur radio and a host of other projects on the island. After 8 years on Norfolk, I was heading to the Solomon Islands as a store manager when Charlie and Mick Wood convinced me to try out for a job with OTC as a Radio Officer in the CRS. I was successful in landing a position and trained in the MLC Building at Martin Place in the last OTC R.O. intake, RO11. Charlie and I continued our friendship and I organised many purchases of video movies and equipment for his business on Norfolk Island after he resigned from OTC. After settling on the Gold Coast in the late 90's, Charlie and Steph decided to join another friend from Norfolk Island in Argentina and purchased an apartment in Buenos Aires. When Charlie was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, they moved back to Qld so Charlie could receive the best treatment. It is ironic that Charlie should die from stomach cancer when he had never been a smoker or heavy drinker and was always keen to stay fit and healthy. 73's OM, .-.-. (end or transmission) -.-. .-.. (station now closed).

Most of us here today remember Charlie through various times of his life and today I am going to give you a picture of his early life through to current times and a few stories of the time we spent together on Norfolk Island and in Australia.

Born in 1946 at Kurri Kurri, NSW, Charlie and his family moved to Penrith when Charlie was 6yo. Around this time his parents separated and Charlie lived with his mother Dot and brother Peter.

Although times were tough for Dot she worked tirelessly to raise Charlie and Peter instilling in them a great sense of humour, self-confidence and a strong sense of social justice.

Charlie attended Penrith Primary and Penrith High Schools and upon matriculation was successful in gaining a traineeship with the Overseas Telecommunications Commission and trained as a Technical Officer for a number of years.

His first posting was to Doonside High Frequency Radio Station and after meeting Stephanie they married and moved to Port Moresby in PNG.

At this point, I want to read to you a story that was sent to me from Neil Yakalis, one of Charlie’s colleagues who worked with him at Doonside Transmitting Station, a story which is fairly typical of Charlies quirky sense of humour:- Neil writes “I was working with Charlie at Doonside one quiet weekend in 1969 when he fired up a Shore to Ship Radiotelephone 10Kw transmitter which was attached to a log periodic steerable antenna. He patched the audio output from the monitor receiver, which was tuned to Sydney commercial radio station 2UE, and fed the signal into the transmitter’s ISB drive. Charlie turned the log periodic antenna in the direction of the Suez Channel & broadcast 2UE on the ship frequency for almost an hour until the transmitter was required for a ship call. He used either 14 or 17Mhz & he laughed & said quite a few people would be left scratching their heads over this one.”

In 1973 Charlie and Steph moved back to Sydney and after doing a 3month relieving stint on Norfolk Island, after which they decided to to apply for a permanent transfer to Norfolk which started in 1976 for 2 years and ended 24 years later in 2000.

By the mid 1980’s Charlie’s job with OTC was made redundant and they decided to remain on Norfolk Island and start their own business doing electronic repairs and video hire. Charlie was also employed by the Norfolk Island Administration as a technician and was responsible for maintaining the local radio station and mobile radio and satellite services. He also had a part time role with the Australian Government, running the Ionospheric Prediction Station on Norfolk that played a vital part in determining correct radio frequencies.

When Pay Television became available via the Australian satellite, he and Warren Brinkman worked together to install satellite dishes around the Island to enable the local population to keep up with current worldwide events.

Charlies last major role for the Norfolk Administration was to install a 10M satellite dish in Burnt Pine to upgrade the Island’s satellite capabilities.

After leaving Norfolk Island, Charlie and Steph moved back to Australia and settled in Currumbin Valley in 2001, moving to their current home in Palm Beach in 2005.

In 2004, Charlie and Steph took off on a round the world holiday, meeting former Norfolk resident, Ken Cochran in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when Ken convinced them to invest in an small apartment where they lived on and off for 3 years.

After Charlie was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, for which the treatment was successful at first, they moved back to Australia.

Charlies health started to deteriorate again in 2009. from which time the disease slowly took it toll.
When Steph and I talked earlier this week about some of the early days on Norfolk Island, I thought how ironic that when we lived there, the one thing that Charlie would never consider was attending a funeral. He just had a thing about them and here we are today at one that he just couldn’t get away from!

Where do you start remembering Charles, as Steph called him when she was pissed off, or Chas when she realised she still loved him, or Stuart as Dot sometimes called him.

I first me Charlie when I went to Norfolk in 1974 and like most people who lived on the island at that time, Charlie was the local electronic ‘Mr Fix It’.

In a time when electronics was a booming industry, he and Steph ran a thriving cottage industry, using his boundless technical skills of which he was unnaturally gifted.

Myself having had an early career in electronics, we immediately hit it off, particularly in the area of radio communications.

One of Charlies hobbies was Amateur Radio communications, more commonly called Ham Radio, and we spent many hours shivering in his ham shack behind the house, whilst he ‘worked’ contacts all over the world both on voice and via morse code. Steph’s job was to collate the contacts and send out the ‘QSL’ contact cards. Norfolk Island was a very rare contact in the Ham world and Charlie’s callsign, VK9NI, was in great demand from all corners of the globe.

Another of Charlies hobbies was flying radio controlled model aircraft and considering that I was a keen rock fisherman, we did a deal, I taught him to fish and he taught me to fly!

So began many years of wasted hours alternating between flying gliders from every accessible clifftop, power planes from Joe Jenkins and Taveners paddocks and fishing The Chord, Black Bank, Puppys Point and Headstone.

It was on one these fishing expeditions to Black Bank, which required a steep climb down the cliff, that we had one of our best days fishing. Making the most of the day we were rapidly running out of daylight and had to race to the top of the cliff before night fell. As Charlie would tell the story, I couldn’t keep up because I was a smoker and he ended up having to talk me to the top in the dark. A hair raising experience that convinced me to give up the fags the next day and I’ve never touched one since. Thanks Chas!

When the weather was good for night fishing we would buy some beer, go down to Kingston or Cascade Pier, set a shark line and float, and tie it to the bullbar of Charlies Land Rover which we would leave in neutral. We’d then work some contacts overseas on the Ham radio and when the Landie lurched forward we knew we had a shark on the line. We’d haul it up the ramp, Charlie would give it an anaesthetic with his sawn-off shotgun and we would give the liver to the local cattle farmer (it contained concentrated Vitamin A for the sick calves) and we’d cut up the rest for bait. One night we landed 12 sharks at Cascade Pier.

Every time I go back to Norfolk and see old friends, we reminisce about the 70’s and how wonderful life was during that time. Luckily, Charlie and Steph were living in a place that I still regard as paradise in the South Pacific.

I fondly remember the friendly banter between Steph and Charlie regarding starting a family. Charlie was reluctant, I think he thought it would cramp his style and take him away from his many hobbies. As life would have it, one day Steph arrived from Brisbane with a little bundle called Ellie and Charlie was transformed. Suddenly he couldn’t go night fishing because he had to feed or bath Eleanor. Sometimes when I dropped around to see him Steph would tell me that he’d had a stressful day at work and was taking a nap with Ellie. He could be such a wimp sometimes!

Working for a living was somewhat of a chore for Charlie, forever reluctant to go and quick to leave and never one to handle a confrontation with ease. Notwithstanding, Charlie was one of natures gentleman always reaching out to help a mate or neighbour, and always popular with his workmates.

His community work on Norfolk Island will always be remembered, helping to keep the local broadcast station (VL2NI) on the air, sourcing and building the first large satellite dish on the island and we worked together to get the trunked mobile radio network established on the island which was a giant leap forward for the government and local emergency services.

I have loads of fond memories of our time together, pulling diffs out of Mini Mokes to put in his very powerful Mini Cooper, which just made it go faster. Burning old car batteries in a 44 gallon drum to extract the lead to make fishing sinkers and making our own hole in the Ozone Layer as a consequence. Importing a couple of fancy metal detectors from the USA and going to the NSW goldfields to make our fortune. That didn’t work, but I had an idea that we could make a few bucks if we bought a couple of old pinball machines and shipped them to Norfolk for the kids to waste their money on. OTC Marickvile works depot, kindly packed and shipped them to Norfolk as radio equipment for a carton of beer, and after I had paid the import duty and got them running in the local fish and chip shop and supermarket, we made the front page of the local paper with the headline “Kings Cross comes to Norfolk Island”. Underbelly had nothing on us!

As I was preparing to leave Norfolk and return to the mainland, Charlie insisted that I try for a job with OTC and with his help I was successful in landing a traineeship as a Radio Officer, which took me through 20 years of working with OTC and a career that saw me travel the world and do things that we never thought possible.

During the years that I lived back in Sydney and Charlie stayed on Norfolk, I spent many weekends up at his house near Bilpin at Mountain Lagoon, helping his mum Dot maintain the acreage, fixing machinery and generally coming to grips with being back in the big smoke. Charlie loved that property and it really was a credit to him that each time he came home to ML, he worked like a man possessed renovating and improving its value. His skills weren’t just confined to the world of electronics, he could fix or build anything.

You know, for a bloke who was always fit, never overweight and forever concerned about the quality of the food he ate, the water he drank and the beer and wine he bludged from me, life dealt Charlie a cruel and untimely end.

Charlie, my old mate, I know I can speak for Steph, Ellie and Grandma Dot and all your friends on Norfolk and in Australia, we are going to miss you terribly but the memories live on.

In radio parlance, 73’s Old Man and in morse code, CL - station now closed, AR - this is the end of transmission.

Address: Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium, Sydney Delhi and Plassey Roads North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia Delhi Rd, Macquarie Park. Link to Details of Camellia Chapel: http://www.maccem.com.au/index.php?option=com_search&searchword=chapel

From Brian Collath... It is with sadness that I report to you the death of my Cousin, and fellow OTCer, Kevin Huby. Kevin, worked in OTC Eng Branch, and if you feel that there may be other OTCers who should know of this sad news then please do so. Kevin was diagnosed with a brain tumor about a year ago and has been battling with it until yesterday when he fell into a coma, and did not wake up. He was born in 1960, so it is a pity to be taken from us so young.

From John Natoli... Kevin Huby was born on the 19th April 1960. He joined OTC as a trainee on the 7th Feb 1978. The only reason I can recall this date is he reminded me only a few days before his death. This indicated just how strong in mind he was up to his last days on this earth.

After his traineeship, (4 years in total, including North Sydney Technical College, and various field training assignments including Paddington, Broadway and Martin Place), Kevin moved into the Engineering Branch team and was involved in various projects from exchanges to earth stations, and was also involved in satellite station projects in Vietnam. For a short while he worked as a technical trainer in the OTC Training School at Paddington.

When he left OTC, he took on a number of challenges such as university studies, TAFE teaching, travelling, a stint working for Qantas as a steward, technical writing with Optus, Business Analyst and then taking on a new direction working for ‘Right Management’, an organisation helping people with career relocation. His last employment was helping job placement for the disabled.

Not only did he achieve all this in his short life, but he always found time for his family as his first priority, and also for his love of his drawings and art. He leaves behind his wife Sachie and two children, Mia (13) & Noah (9).

He was strong to the end, and had such a very positive attitude toward fighting the brain tumour when he was first made aware of it about 14 months ago. After his initial operation it seemed that things were under control and Kevin was looking forward to the future. However about three months ago, the tumour returned, and following another operation it became apparent that Kevin was slowly losing the battle. On Tuesday evening, 18th August 2010, he peacefully lost the fight. He was just 50 years of age.

Today someone said to me they remember Kevin 30yrs ago as a habitually happy 20 year old. He was exactly like that all through his life until his last days.

Kevin was part of a very tight-knit cohort of OTC trainees that still think of themselves as the ‘Class of ‘78’. He will be loved & sadly missed by all of us, his family and friends.

The details for Kevin Huby’s funeral are: - Time: 10.30 am , Tuesday 24 August 2010, Camellia Chapel, Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium. Address: Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium, Sydney Delhi and Plassey Roads North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia Delhi Rd, Macquarie Park.

Link to Details of Camellia Chapel: http://www.maccem.com.au/index.php?option=com_search&searchword=chapel

From: Peter Bull: It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Gordon Cupit at 10pm on Saturday 15 May 2010. Gordon had been a staunch supporter of the OTVA and a friend to many of you over his years with OTC. I had the honour of driving him to the OTVA Golden Jubilee during which he impressed me with his mental awareness, good memory and excellent humour. Gordon had some very interesting stories some of which he has shared with us through the OTVA newsletter. He will be sadly missed by his vast list of family & friends. May he rest in peace with his beloved, Ruby, who he lost in late 2009. Gordon’s Funeral will be held at the Innes Gardens Crematorium, Port Macquarie on Thursday 27th May 2010 at 10.00am. May He Rest In Peace.

From Jim Anderson: I succeeded Gordon as editor of TRANSIT. I heartily endorse your remarks Peter. His passing is the end of an era.

From Tony Farrugia: These are unfortunate and sad news. Gordon was a true gentleman, a wonderful man, very kind hearted, always willing to help, listen and assist with any issue and problems. May He Rest in Peace.

From David Richardson: I first met Gordon Cupit over fifty-two years ago when, as a ‘new recruit’ to OTC, I was allocated to the Records Sub-Section to get to know the structure of the organisation, where various sections were located and how they were inter-related. As well as becoming acquainted with the file and records systems (described by Gordon in a fairly recent Newsletter), Gordon spent time taking me through the Sydney Operating Room (on the second floor of OTC House in Spring Street), describing its operations – after all, along with outstations (both cable and coast radio) this was the core business, the ‘bread and butter’ of OTC at that time. From this time with Gordon, I gained not only a good understanding of the organisation but also, unofficially, of the various executives and their characteristics, foibles, strengths and weaknesses - invaluable to a young guy who was to spend time in the staff/personnel/ human resources area. Gordon’s ability and knowledge were ultimately recognised by senior management when he was promoted to positions in the establishment and recruitment areas. I am sure that there are many staff, engaged when Gordon was Recruitment Manager, who will recall his willingness to spend time explaining the intricacies of the organisation and the rights of staff. Gordon also did many things outside his formal ‘duty statement’, for example, developing floor plans when sections were relocated. He was very supportive of the ‘Vets’ in its earlier days, maintaining contact with retired people and serving as OTVA President for a number of years. After stepping down as President, he continued to be very interested in the Association’s activities and wrote occasional articles for the Newsletter. No doubt there was much factual material he could have written but which may not have been well received and which will now be lost. Sad news indeed for those who worked with Gordon – our deepest sympathy is extended to his son Ian.

From Ray Connolly Almoner, Veteran Cablemen's Assoc New Zealand: The Chairman and members of Veteran Cablemen's Assoc New Zealand, and particularly the TELCOM section, extend their condolences to the members of OTVA on the loss of a much respected fellow. May we also extend condolences to Gordon's family, through you. Over many years some of us enjoyed his many contributions to newsletters etc and his invariable answers to other members' queries. Many of our older, now deceased, members spoke of him as a good friend, no doubt the result of service on the same stations etc. We regret the passing of such a fund of knowledge.

From John Phillips: Gordon was a constant source of support and advice to me as I implemented a collection of all the old OTC materials and papers when we moved across Martin Square to new offices in the MLC Building many years ago. His advice and support was crucial in later times as I implemented a proper archival system and organised the mounting of various exhibitions and displays. His memory was legendary and his record keeping meticulous – without him we would not have succeeded in rescuing as much of our historical heritage as we did. Gordon was one of the first people I sought out at our OTVA reunions, and I will miss his ready wit and constant cheer. May he rest in peace.

Deane Laws advised us this morning Jim Rodda passed away in hospital yesterday after being ill for some time. Jim wasn't a member of the OTVA but the Intelex operators in MOR and SOR knew him well.

Jimmy Rodda was a Senior Technician in the ISTC Paddington. Jim left OTC in the late 1970s to live around Tweed Heads. I think he was one of the foundation techs when Paddo opened. He was a great guy with a good sense of humour, and those that knew him will be sad to see him go.

Tom Barker an Ex President and LIFE member of the OTVA advised his wife Fay passed away suddenly this morning. Tom expects Fay's funeral to be at Sutherland but as you can appreciate nothing finalised as yet.

Fay passed away suddenly yesterday morning, 17th April 2010 due to a pulmonary Aneurism. Not surprisingly Tom’s pretty shaken up & has moved to his son’s place for the time being. Whilst firm details regarding Fay’s funeral are not yet finalised, Tom advises that it will take place at Worora Cemetery later this week. I’ll make best endeavours to circulate details as & when I learn them & hope there’s not too many email addresses here that have changed. Meantime, my apologies to those who may have already heard this sad news previously. You might care to let others know who I have no doubt overlooked. FYI Tom’s email address is tom.barker31@bigpond.com & his home address is: 18 Kialoa Circuit, Shell Cove NSW 2529.

“Celebration of Faith” in memory of Fay will take place at Olsens Funerals, 689-691 Old Princess Highway, Sutherland NSW 2232 (Ph: 9545-3477), immediately adjacent to, and at the northern end of, Sutherland Railway Station at 1.30pm next Friday 23rd April 2010. (opposite side of the railway line from Woronora Cemetery)

Formal notices will also appear this coming Wednesday in the SMH, The Illawarra Mercury & the St George Leader.

On Friday morning Alma the wife of Deane Laws another OTVA member passed away after an illness lasting the last few months . A number of OTVA members speak to Deane and others each day via amateur radio and we all have been following her deteriorating condition over time. Deane lives in BURLEIGH HEADS near Mick Wood.

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that an old mate and a real character of OTC has passed away as a result of losing a long fight against cancer. RAF was in Engineering Branch at Paddington when I joined OTC in 1971 and he was always a gentlemen in every sense of the word. He will be sadly missed by his family and his friends as well as those who knew him in the old OTC days. His passing is a reminder that "there for the grace of God there go I". The service for RAF will be held: Friday, 19 March at 11:00am, Kingsgrove Uniting Church Kingsgrove NSW, Corner, Kingsgrove Road and Morton Street. if travelling from the north, take the Kingsgrove Road exit from the M5. Following the service, the family will travel to the Crematorium and have asked for privacy. Afterwards at 1:00pm - The Oatley Pub, 1st Floor - 8 Oatley Road, Oatley NSW

Gordon Turner - 23rd December 2009

I heard today that Gordon Turner passed away on 23 December. His funeral is to be held on Wednesday 30 December at 11.45 am at Northern Suburbs. Most of you would probably remember Gordon, an accountant who, served in the Accounts, Engineering and Operations areas. He was also a very obliging and helpful person. regards, David Richardson.

IT IS WITH MUCH REGRET TO INFORM YOU THE PASSING OF LORNA WILEMAN AGED 85 ON THE 29NOVEMBER 2009 DUE TO EMPHYSEMA. LORNA PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY. MANY OF YOU MAY HAVE NOT KNOWN LORNA, SHE WAS THE CLEANING LADY FOR MANY YEARS (NOT SURE OF EXACT HOURS ) 3 OR 4 TILL 6PM AND NOT SURE IF WORKED MORNINGS (MEMORY LOSS).

THE FUNERAL SERVICE TO BE HELD AT ASHTON MANOR, MAIN ROAD DIAMOND CREEK MEL (REF.11 K6) FRIDAY DECEMBER 4th at 1.30PM HALLS FUNERAL SERVICES

REGARDS ROBERT HALL

From Allan Hennessy - I have been advised of the passing of George Madren last Wednesday, he was aged 88. George was a member of the OTVA and often attending our social functions. Funeral, Wednesday 14th October at 1 PM Woronora, Sutherland. Death Notice to appear next Monday in Herald.

I regret that I only knew George through my time as OTC Manager Radio Operations and, later, as President of the OTVA. George was an Englishman who served with the British Merchant Marine as a Radio Officer and migrated to Australia, post-war. I knew him first when he was working as an operator at VIS, Sydney Radio and then later when he was a regular attendee at our OTVA reunions and Christmas functions. One thing that sticks in my mind, was a time when I asked Jim Delaney to give a talk at an OTVA reunion. Jim was a Radio Officer on the Queen Mary, when she was a troopship (and he met his late wife, Betty who was a nurse on the ship). Jim described how the QM would leave port under Destroyer escort, but would then go at top-speed across the Atlantic, relying on her speed to beat the awaiting UBoats. George told Jim, afterwards, that he remembers seeing this huge liner, racing across the Atlantic, past the convoy where George was a crew-member, while the UBoats were sinking ships all around the one George was on. A modest fellow, but a real gentleman. I will miss George.

This is just to let you know that Bruce Olivier’s wife Allison past away last Saturday after a long fight with cancer. Bruce asked me to pass this on to those who knew him. For those who may wish to attend the funeral it will be held at 10 AM this Thursday at the Glenbrook Baptist Church, King St, Glenbrook, or if you would like to send Bruce your condolences his work email address is bruce.ollivier@optus.net.au

Alison was born in Ashfield, Sydney in 1952. Bruce Ollivier was working for OTC at Head Office when he meet Alison Morling and it wasn’t long before Bruce decided he had meet the girl of his dreams. The problem was that Bruce’s career had taken him to the OTC Satellite Earth Station at Ceduna but this didn’t stop him marrying Alison in March 1979 at the Carlingford Baptist Church in Sydney. They started their married life at Ceduna and it must have been good because Nicole, their eldest, was born during this time. The new Ollivier family returned to Sydney in 1982 so that Bruce could take up a position at the OTC Doonside Radio Station. While working at Doonside Alison, Bruce and Nicole lived in one of the OTC houses at Bringelly until they brought their own place at Blaxland in 1983. In 1984 Bruce was transferred to the Paddington ITMC and while working their Alison and Bruce expanded their family with the birth of Rachel in 1986, followed by David in 1987. In 1991 Alison, Bruce and family were on the move again this time to the OTC ANZCAN Cable station on Norfolk Island. In 1993 they returned to Sydney and moved back to their Blaxland home where they live today. After returning Alison worked as a Teacher at Tregear Pre-School before moving to aged-care at Blaxland Anglicare. Alison was a great Mum and together with Bruce has raised 3 beautiful children. She was a committed Christian and through her Church initiated a program called ‘Helping Hands’ to not only help Church members but also the wider community. Bruce left OTC in 1993 to join Optus where he still works today. The overwhelming message that came across at the funeral was that Alison was a person who was a master at doing small thing that had a great impact on people’s lives, there is a commercial on TV that says “from little things big things grow”, that was Alison. Alison will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.

It is with sadness that we wish to advise that Joan passed away peacefully on Monday 20th July 2009 in the hospital. Philip was there to see her on her way supported by friends. We would like to thank everyone for their kind words. She really appreciated all the emails she received. We will be holding a celebration of Joan’s life at the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, South Chapel, on the Monday 27th July at 12.30pm followed by an afternoon tea at the Atlantis Restaurant, 58-62 Delhi Rd, North Ryde. Please send messages to the family c/- jnwillis@iinet.net.au. Kind regards, Philip, Robyn and Carol.

I first met Joan when we moved from Spring Street up to the new H/Office in Martin Place where Joan worked in a secretarial capacity for various senior managers. I came to know her when I moved out from the Operating area (the infamous SOR as a Telegraphist & later from the intl Telex exchange at Paddington) into the Commercial Branch headed in those days by George Maltby.

Joan was a very hard working, conscious secretary who found herself in a predicament years ago when staff in the SOR were went out on strike (called by the PREI which I'd once been a Member of - a not very happy one I might add !). She new of my background & sought my help.

Since I had few sympathies with the PREI (as a result of earlier differences), Strike Breaker Simmo sprung into action. I cleared substantial important company Telex traffic for her on that & more than a few other like occasions...

Perhaps that story can now be told since methinks the PREI is long since gone. Joan & I became good friends & we often chuckled over those past days when we worked behind the scenes & made things happen.

Joan worked with me as my secretary both in International Division and also when I moved to OTC Enhanced. Before Joan worked for me, she was John Hampton’s secretary before he moved to Intelsat, so she was well trained by my predecessor. Joan was a fantastic support to everyone in the office and great company. She was a person “of the old school” who was willing to do any task and help any colleague, and she knew the international organisations and players very well. Over the years I think she received quite a few SOSs from OTC people overseas at meetings who needed to bailed out of trouble by Head Office. It was wonderful that Joan had such a happy retirement with Philip with some terrific adventure tourism in various parts of the globe.

The son of Reg and Gillian Spray was hit by a bus in the UK and consequently died. Jeffree was in his early thirties, much too young. Our sincere condolences go to Reg, Gillian and family.

David passed away in the early hours of 17/4/09. There will be a private cremation sometime next week. David went into a confused state on Monday 6/4/09 after having some teeth removed. He was admitted to hospital on the following Wednesday and slipped deeper into a coma each day. He passed away without pain and at peace.

David McCredie joined OTC in the early 80s as a Quality Of Service Operator working in the International Network Management Centre (INMC) located on Level 7 of the International terminal located at 363 Oxford Street Paddington NSW. Together with his fellow INMC QoS operators (Patricia Anderson, Paul Mulcahy, Eddie Tammes and Mike Elkin) David monitored international voice telephony calls to detect and/or investigate line quality issues with relation to overseas countries with which OTC had direct circuits or lines.

David was a well-liked member of the team who was always effervescent and enthusiastic about his job, his friends & colleagues and life in general. David would sign the daily log book, his letters & other correspondence with the Star of David.

There were many times where David would enlighten us with stories that caused us to think in wonder and other times to gasp in fear. He certainly had some good ones. I will never forget the night that he and the other QoS operators took me to the Albury Hotel in Darlinghurst at the conclusion of a training course. I am certain that he just wanted to see my embarrassment at being confronted by the gay community in which he socialised at the time. The phrase "white as a sheet" comes to mind.

Coincidentally I recall the story about his mate who was a dentist in Sydney who had agreed to crown some of his teeth at minimal charge only to find some 12 months later that he had botched the job requiring David to have the teeth surgically removed as they had caused a problem for the bone in his jaw to which they had been attached.

David was another "character" who made OTC the family that I will always remember fondly and lament its passing.

May he rest in peace.

Bruce was born on 13/03/1934 and died at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick on Tuesday 24/03/2009, aged 75 years.

Bruce joined OTC in 1969 and worked initially in the SOR and INTLX areas at Paddington. In about 1973 Bruce moved into the Commercial Branch, Customer Services and then to Telesales, until he left OTC in the mid 1990s. Bruce then joined Legal Aid of the Family Law Courts in Sydney and was still working there until his death. Bruce's wife Mary died in the mid 1980's. Bruce has two children Adam and Melanie and two grandchildren Hayden and Laughlin (Melanie's children.) Bruce was always a very private person, very helpful and pleasant. He loved to travel and last year had a long overseas trip. May he rest in peace. Amen

Our thanks go to Paul Naggar for providing these details . Paul also lead the Prayer Service at the West Chapel of the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on Monday 30 March. He personally, will miss Bruce's friendship,

I arrived at the funeral and the crowd was huge, much too big for the small chapel they had. Bruce was in SOR and in Marketing and his wife died (cancer) in 1985, which hit him badly. He had travelled in earlier life working as a journo in Canada and the UK. He loved music and the theatre and was a collector of (vinyl) records which many of us bought from him later. After leaving OTC he worked in Legal Aid. A very private man, he told nobody he had terminal cancer and his death surprised us all. Quite a few ex-OTC guys attended the funeral, Brian Callaghan, Jim Simpson, Brian Burke, Richard Taylor, and myself (plus Paul, of course). His sister and niece gave eulogies plus some old friends from his earlier life. The funeral service was conducted by Paul Nagar, who was in SOR and marketing with Bruce. Paul was made a Deacon of the Catholic Church some years ago and does a lot of weddings, baptisms and funerals for friends, etc.

There is a funeral Mass at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Boddington Crescent, Kambah
Monday March 23, 1:30 p.m. Followed by a private cremation service. This is in Canberra where Alf's son, Ian lives. Alf passed away in Canberra on Thursday, March 19. He was 89.

Alf was a STO2 in the ITMC at Paddington when I joined the team there in 1975. I believe that he retired in about 1979. I always recall Alf to be a very interested in electronics and would often be found in the workshop on Level 5 toiling over one thing or another. Rumour has it that after he and John Grosbard retired Alf made the electronic devices needed to find the sea anchors that Grossy's customers managed to lose. Alf was always a gentlemen who was well liked by all who knew him.

Whilst I knew Alf very well during his years at Paddo ITMC, I knew very little of his pre-OTC days, other than it was said by some that he came from The Isle of Man... I cannot verify this. However, he was one of nature's gentlemen and it is with deep sadness that I learned today of his passing. For the purposes of accuracy of his service, I note that his seniority date with OTC(A) was 22.12.1953, and I do recall meeting him on my return to duty at SOR Spring Street in early 1953 after leaving Norfolk Island in August 1952. We must not deprive Alf of his Long Service Credits when he fronts up
at "The Gates". Cheers Gents.

Alf was a gentleman and team leader of the first order. In my younger years new to world of OTC and communications, Alf was always there as STO and as the guiding light to balance the benefit of age and experience with the impetuousness of youth. There should be many more like him.

I am saddened to hear of Alfs passing. Alf was one of the original STO's that came into being at Paddo following the launching of COMPAC. I was a co-worker of Alfs during those very early days at Paddo. Alf will be remembered as a a real gentleman by all including myself. Fun days indeed. R,I.P. Alf.

Bruce Anderson died on Monday 16th March, 2009, after a brief illness at the Western Hospital. Aged 64 years. Loved husband of Libby. Caring and loved father of Martin and partner Mary, Louise. Gramps to Arnold, Ava, Jack, Jilah. Special thanks to Dr. Kevin Patterson, Oncologist. Lovingly remembered by all his family and friends in Australia and New Zealand. A donation in Bruces memory to the Cancer Council S.A., c/- 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood SA 5063, would be appreciated by the family. A private Service was held on Friday, March 20, 2009. Now At Peace.

In the beginning of my 7&1/2 year term in Ceduna Satellite Earth Station in 1978, Bruce, (Bruce Lewis Anderson or BLA as was his ESC sign off) was the shift TO2, progressing to STO1, and later STO2, all under the station managers of Gordon Fraser, Jack Gray, and later Ed Willingham. Bruce was a brilliant tech and a fabulous mentor to the trainees and young TO1s like myself. Among his huge list of achievements in those years was the first Satellite Earth Station automated station management system, driving the station RF spec-annalyser with a Commodore 64 with the operating system loaded from a cassette tape machine. Yes, those were the days. Bruce was still there when I left for a 2 year joint in Cairns in 1985. I met up with Bruce again not long after joining the Operations "Gang of 5" who joined the host of Eng Branch guys constructing Sydney SES, where Bruce was later to be Station Manager for some years. He was still there when I moved to Paddo as the first PTO of the INOC Transmission Operations Team under Brian (Blinky) Travis, and I had the privilege of continuing to Work with Bruce on and off for the next 2 years, until the fateful merger kicked in and I bailed out to Malaysia. I am certain his memory will be held very preciously by all who knew him. Any-one who might have contact, - please pass on my sincerest condolences to Libby who, along with Bruce, I last saw at the Sydney Satellite Earth Station 20th Anniversary Re-union in 2007.

This information from Ernie Wan - Bob passed away very peacefully on Saturday 7 Feb at 6.15pm. His condition changed Saturday morning at 8.45am and he had someone with him all day till 6pm. He passed away around 6.20pm. Bob's sister, Brenda, arrives next weekend .......

Anne-Maree Butter is making the arrangements for Bob's funeral on behalf of Bob's sister who is travelling from England for the funeral next week. Please email your intention to attend to abutter@bigpond.com or ring her on 0411 279 992.

The funeral arrangements are: Palm Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, 2:15pm Tuesday 17 February 2009

Anne-Maree has asked that she be made aware of how many people will be attending the funeral as a means of ensuring that the funeral is organised to cater for the numbers that will be attending to say their good-byes to their friend and colleague.

I regret to inform you of the passing of: RAYMOND LISLE (RAY) BIRCH, passed away on January 10th 2009, aged 85. Funeral. A service will be held at the Nelson Bros. Williamstown Chapel on Friday January 23rd 2009 at 10.30am at 81 Kororoit Creek Road Williamstown Vic Ph. 83984333. Private Cremation to follow. Ray is an ex AWA employee who left in 1943 to join the RAAF who never returned to AWA (more details at later date) - from Robert Hall.

The SMH Personal Notices reported the death of Norm Harris (NRK Harris) on 27/11/08. Many of you will remember Norm who worked for OTC for many years, from about 1929 ( AWA) until he retired in mid 1979. Norm was the Accounts Checking Officer and always encouraged the younger staff. In later years he was promoted to Manager (Properties) responsible for administering all aspects of property including purchase and disposal. Outside OTC, Norm was an accomplished musician (trumpeter) and a devoted family person. He lived at Narraweena until very recently. No funeral details as yet.

Laurel Dean, wife of Peter "Dizzy" Dean, advises Peter passed away on the 25th July and his funeral was on Friday 1 August. He had bee ill since late last year with hydro cephalous and died in his sleep at a nursing home. Peter started in OTC in 1960 after his departure from the Navy. He worked in the SOR at Spring St, Martin Place, Paddington and Broadway.

Maurie Matthysz was one of the STO2's who worked in the ITMC at Paddington from the 1960s to the late 1980s. His wife, Joyce, passed away on August 5 2008 and her funeral is today Monday August 11 2008 at 11am at the Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Cnr of Delhi Rd & Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. Telephone number (02) 9805 0499.

As you may know my father has been battling various illnesses for some time now. On Wednesday the nursing staff at his home found him to be non responsive and sent him to hospital. Dad remained peacefully sleeping until Friday morning around 8am when he passed on. My apologies for doing this via Email but Dad's address book is MIA, so I am referring to his contacts list from his Email. The Funeral will be held at Gordon Uniting Church on Tuesday 29th at 10am. Regards, Scott Bragg.

From Kim Hopkins: John Bragg's funeral was today at the Gordon Uniting Church. A number of telecom colleagues attended and he was well remembered for his exploits and achievements. His Daughter Elizabeth van Oyen spoke well on his behalf as a family man. A telecom friend of long standing, Kevin, spoke of his years in telecommunications and his many entrepreneurial endeavours. Scott and Elizabeth both expressed interest in hearing any of the many stories that people who knew him might wish to share ... Scott Bragg can be contacted at - faulteh@gmail.com and his Daughter Elizabeth can be contacted at - nickvo@optusnet.com.au.

SYLVIA WHITMORE - 25/6/08

Regret to inform you of the passing of Geoff Whitmore's wife SYLVIA WHITMORE aged 82 passed away last Wednesday 25th June 2008 from dementia and bowel complications. Private funeral and no newspaper details. Funeral is on today Wednesday 3rd July 2008 at 2.30pm at St. Johns Anglican Church Burgundy Street HEIDELBERG VIC.

BERYL SIMS - 26/6/08

BERYL CATHERINE SIMS aged 83 passed away 26th June 2008. Funeral was held on Tuesday 1st July 2008 at 10.30am Tuckers Chapel Grovedale GEELONG Vic. Beryl was a Phonogram/Printergram Operator for many years at the OTC offices at Collins Gate & Lonsdale Street Melbourne.

Death of AUSTIN ELLIS passed away on 22nd April 2008 in the Frankston Hospital Victoria from complications of a stroke aged about 86/87. Austin Ellis left AWA in 1942 after attaining his radio certicate and went sea during the war and returned to the communuications field elsewhere after the war. He is survived by his wife Peg and Family. He had a passion for flying aeroplanes which he was still doing in his early 80's and loved fishing and still made his own radio and computer equipment and had a profound knowledge of all things he liked to do including music.

From Diane MacLean, Telstra Country Wide: I am very sorry to inform you that Bob Somervaille died earlier last night after a long illness. He had a tremendously successful career as a corporate lawyer, business man and company director which included a period as Chair of OTC, and of the ABC from 1987 to 1991. He was a wonderfully warm, humorous, wise and engaging man.

Sadly I have to tell you all that the inimitable Doug Lloyd passed away this morning in Brisbane. He has been very ill for some time with motor-neurone disease. His Wife Cecily said he had a bad turn during the night and another this morning which was the end.

FUNERAL DETAILS: 11:00am Thursday 17th April 2008 at the Chapel - Ballycara Nursing Home, Oyster Point Drive. Scarborough QLD

I regret to inform you of the passing of MERLE TERESA (SHORTY) SHORT peacefully on Thursday evening 24th January 2008 aged 82 years.

Merle Teresa (Shorty) Short born 21.1.1926 passed away peacefully on 24th January 2008 aged 82. She was born in Essendon and died only a street away. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul was held at St. Peters Catholic Church East Keilor on Friday 1st February 2008 at 11.30am followed by a private cremation. About 130 or so family & friends with Merle’s sister Margaret & brother Norman and many from the Softball Fraternity and East Keilor R.S.L. OTVA represented by President Mr. Gerard McCarthy, Vance Findlay, Robert & Judith Hall. Afterwards at Margaret’s home many family & friends on arrival viewed a display of Merle’s many Softball Awards, Photos, Newspaper Clippings etc., then confronted by a delightful luncheon.

Merle commenced at AWA 3/8/1942 in Queen Street Melbourne as Clerical Clerk (Beam Accounts) on salary of 42shillings & 3pence per week. Attended training school from 9.2.43 and appointed to Female Telegraphist 7.5.43, Transferred to O.T.C. (A) in 1946, Typist CRO 26.8.47 then provisionally classified as Typist GR. 1. 3.6.50. Clerical Asst (F) GR. 2. 11.10.55. Clerical Asst (F) GR. 3. 1964 Resigned 29.4.1966 on $2130 p.a.

Following is a Autobiography by Merle Short published in a “in-house booklet” at Arcadia Nursing Home in Essendon.

My road to Arcadia commenced eighty one years ago – when I was born in Service Street which runs into the park next door to Arcadia.

From there, at the time of the Depression, we moved to Hawthorn into a small mixed business in case my father lost his job, but he was one of the lucky ones. We then moved to Mentone where I was educated, reaching Merit Certificate at twelve years of age, becoming Dux of the school and winning a scholarship to Kilbreda College. My teachers had high hopes of me studying to be a teacher, but that was not on my agenda.

I went on to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College in Bentleigh and completed a Secretarial course. My first job was at Paynes Bon Marche department store at the top of Bourke Street. I worked from the age of fourteen until I was seventy-five, in retail, telecommunications (Amalgamated Wireless – later O.T.C.), print op., waste disposal, Merchant Company Association, in a motor mechanics workshop, and twenty years part-time with the T.A.B.

Paynes Bon Marche specialized in linen and menswear and one of my first tasks was on Sale Day on the cash desk where I took over two thousand pounds – a lot of money back in 1940, and a huge amount for a fourteen year old. I worked at A.W.A. (later O.T.C.), from 1942 – 1966, which was under strict censorship during the war years and controlled by manpower. We were trained as telegraphists to work on the overseas lines in place of the boys who had enlisted. We also worked the shipping around the Australian Coast, keeping in touch with all the ships arriving at and leaving the various ports and organizing rescues when S.O.S. and Maydays were received. I will never forget the day the message came from Hawaii saying “We have been bombed”, and the line cutoff. Likewise, I won’t forget the morning we received the signal saying ‘The war is over”.

The Olympics in Melbourne was another great experience. I worked many long hours receiving Press Phonograms for all parts of the world, lodged by famous sportsmen, hired by their newspapers for the duration of the Games. We had a facsimile machine in Melbourne and another in Sydney – the only two in the country. They were 2ft long and 4-5 inches in diameter. When I see the fax machines in so many homes and compare them with the two originals, it makes one think about modern technology.

I am a lover of sports and played tennis, cricket, golf and softball. Softball was the main interest and I became involved as a player and administrator from 1947 – 1981. I served eighteen years as State Secretary, fifteen years as Manager of the Victorian State Team , twenty-six years as National Secretary and Manager of the Australian team on tours to New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Japan (for the World Series), touring the Asian countries on the way home. We also went to El Salvador for the World Series, and some states in the U.S.A. on the way through. It was a great honour representing Australia.

In 1962 I travelled for seven and a half months to Britain, Europe and the U,S.A. The main purpose of our visa to the U.S.A. was to discuss the possibility of setting up a World Series of softball in order to gain admission to the Olympics and we offered to host the first, which we did in 1965. We only had five nations, but it was four out of the five top nations. We played at the soccer field in Middle Park, which has now been demolished to make way for the Grand Prix. Australia won the title and it took the Americans four years to recover from the shock of losing. Now softball World Championships are played every four years in senior and junior by men and Women, and also at the Olympics. I am a Life Member and Hall of Fame Member for the local, State, National and International Associations. Nowadays Australia is considered the No.3 nation in the world.

My time at the T.A.B. provided my travel money. It was always an exciting time of the year. During the Spring Carnival, meeting visitors from all parts of the world. One visitor I did enjoy was on the night I was held up with a big revolver coming through the window. I was told to open the door and give him all the money and not to hit the alarm – not a pleasant experience. He became my mate immediately! I retired from softball in 1981 and took up bowls, playing at Buckley Park where I managed to be Club Pairs Champion one year. I played Pennant until I was seventy-three, but my health problems finally won the battle and I had to retire. I belonged to the Doutta Galla Probis Club where I was Treasurer for three of my six years as a Member of the Moonee Valley Racing Club where I had many very pleasant outings.

After several falls and operations necessitating professional help I am back where I started – four doors off Keilor Road, opposite the park next door to Arcadia.

Dulcie Mary LANG (nee Campbell) - 12/1/08

Widow of the late Thomas Learmonth Lang. Died peacefully at the Frankston Hospital on Saturday January 12th 2008 Aged 89.

Dulcie was the dearly beloved and loving mother of Margaret, Warren, Ian and Bruce. Grandmother of 12 children and Great Grandmother of 7 children. She lived a full and happy life, loved her growing family and greatly enjoyed her lawn bowls, at which she was a keen and successful
competitor over a very long period. Dulcie will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Service - A Service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Dulcie Mary Lang will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Point Nepean Road Rosebud Victoria on Monday (January 21st 2008) commencing at 11.30am.
Private Cremation.

Phil's funeral was held in Nowra on 9/1/08. If anyone would like to send a card to his wife Jill, ( she would be happy to receive one from Phils old work mates ) the address is PO Box 164, Berry NSW 2535.

Phil Healy was born 83 years ago in 1924. He had a happy childhood at West Ryde in Sydney, doing such things as playing in the mangrove swamps in the Parramatta River, where he later learned to swim, throwing eggs off the railway bridge at West Ryde at passers-by and, of course, making and riding Billy carts.

In those early days, radio, known as wireless, was in its infancy. Only the rich could afford to own one. Crystal radio sets were commonly constructed in backyard sheds. Young Phil took an interest in these new gadgets and found he had a natural talent in this field.

His sister, Beth, remembers that even as a young boy, his bedroom on the side verandah of their home, was always a mess of wires, valves and capacitors, which prevented anyone from cleaning it.

When he was only 8 years old Phil managed to repair a broken radio belonging to his uncle, who edited the local newspaper. His uncle was so impressed that he published an article in the paper, praising the boy’s talent.

To no one’s surprise, Phil’s first job was building radios in a workshop in Eastwood for John Britton, who pioneered the building of radio receivers in Australia. Phil then worked for radio 2GB, back in the days when radio equipment needed constant attention. He was also involved in making the old heavy black 78rpm records for EMI, a record company in Sydney.

In WW2 Phil volunteered to join the RAAF. Phil himself did not know his birth name was Edward Philip until he went to enlist in the air force at the age of 20, and was reprimanded by officers for misrepresenting himself on his application. It was only then that he discovered his birth name was Edward – but to everyone, he has always been and will always be Phil Healy.

He spent the war in Darwin doing “seat-of-the-pants” maintenance on radar and radio equipment in air force fighters and bombers. The lives of pilots and crew depended on the reliability of this equipment. Phil’s marvelous electronics talent enabled him to design and install the ground to air instrument landing gear used by the RAAF.

After the war, Phil started back at 2GB, but did not find the work challenging enough. So, when the opportunity arose he started work with the then fledgling TV station, Channel 9.
After seeing in the start of television in Australia, he moved across to the ABC. Again, after a while, he needed more challenges and started work with the department of civil aviation.

His electronics talent impelled Phil into a life of adventure. Because of his expertise in designing and installing the first aeroplane instruments landing system at Mascot airport, he was contracted to do the same for other cities and towns around Australia. Then he was asked if he would like to do a similar job in New Guinea. He accepted, and with his new wife Maureen, left Sydney in 1959 to spend 3 years in New Guinea.

Phil and Maureen spent their honeymoon on a slow cargo boat going to New Guinea. They had a marvelous time on this boat and Phil never forgot a special morning when they saw the sunrise in the Whitsunday Passage.

Phil’s work in New Guinea required him and his crew to traverse the mountainous countryside. He kept a copy of the job report for the VHF Propagation Tests that had to be performed on Mount Albert Edward, a 13 thousand feet series of ridges in the Owen Stanley Ranges, 80 air miles from Port Moresby. The 4 technicians in the crew were accompanied by, and I quote “2 native policeman, 1 native medical assistant, 2 native interpreters, 92 native carriers.”

The total weight of all the supplies was 3 thousand 500 pounds. Extra blankets had to be supplied to the carriers because they were working above 10 thousand feet and nights were cold. The journey took 2 days of hard slog via a steep native track described as “impassable to horse and mule” that initially traversed lower areas characterized by swamps and soaks. There were no hard ship allowances in those days. This was just part of the job.

On later jobs, actually building the VHF aerials, they worked at altitudes where the air was so thin that they had to work on hands and knees to conserve oxygen.

On their return from New Guinea, Maureen took a job as a secretary while Phil continued to work for the civil aviation authority. His work involved such things as the erection of many of the first series of telecommunication towers around the country.

Phil later worked for OTC (overseas telecommunications), which kept Australia in touch with the world. He was based at Doonside for the last years of his working life.

When he retired, Phil and Maureen moved to their 7-acre block at Broughton Vale, which they bought in the early 1980’s. They designed the house, although Maureen had the greater influence in this instance and had the house built. Phil continued to spend most of his time on his beloved electronics, while Maureen spent most of her time in implementing the landscaping.

Both Phil and Maureen thoroughly enjoyed living in the Berry area, on their beautiful secluded property.

Sadly, Maureen passed away in 1993 and Phil spent many years alone, although during this time his generosity to others came to the fore.

Then, as chance would have it, he fell in love again. He courted Jill, popped the question (how could she resist after 4 dozen oysters and 2 bottles of bubbly!) and married into a life of bliss.

Phil and Jill have had 8 very happy years together. Phil was the laughter and love in Jill’s life.

Sadly, Phil passed away last Sunday (6/1/2008). He was a ‘no bullshit’ man as his nephew Graham put it, who was humble about his achievements and experiences. Even though he lived a long, full and adventurous life, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Eamon departed this earth - Monday 31 December 4.30pm. Eamon leaves behind his wife Judy , his son Martin, and daughter Emma. Eamon was a well-respected and an endearing colleague to many. Any one wishing to respond or send a message to his family please feel free to send an email to this address (ianmcdonald01@optusnet.com.au). All responses will be printed and presented to Judy as a keepsake.

FUNERAL DETAILS: Date: Thursday 10 January 2008 Time: 11am. Place: St Ambrose Catholic Church, Victoria Avenue, CONCORD WEST. Following the service friends and family are invited to attend the family home - 13 Killoola Street, CONCORD WEST.

Our memories of Eamon will always be of the larrikin who roamed the floors of OTC providing enjoyable and interesting stories of how he could find almost anything that was wanted to complete either a work project or a "foreign order". He did, however, appear to be more enthusiastic about the latter. He was a great mate to many people in OTC and would always go out of his way to help out wherever he could.

Eamon could, and would, talk to anyone and everyone from the Cleaner to the CEO. He was down to earth with no airs or graces and treated everyone with respect and dignity. An example of Eamon's panache can be found in the November newsletter.

Nevertheless Eamon was a very experienced and knowledgeable member of the OTC team who specialised in engineering support from a career perspective but dabbled in almost every facet of the function of OTC. He was very well liked by all who met this very social gentleman.

My first memories of Eamon were that once we introduced ourselves, he suggested that we should go and have a beer to celebrate. I am still not sure what we were celebrating that day but I will never forget it or Eamon.

In 1992 I left OTC to join Optus and lost touch with Eamon but since joining the OTVA I was reunited with him. Whenever Eamon attended a gathering of the OTC family, he would always recount innumerable stories of things that happened in OTC usually in conjunction with a reference to one of the many thousands of people that he had met over the years. Eamon was always a source of great knowledge and nostalgia.

Eamon, his friendship, and his sense of humour will be greatly missed. The world is a much better place for his presence on this earth albeit for far too short a time.

It is with sadness that I inform you of the passing of Bob Long at the age of 92 years young. George Maltby advised me late yesterday that Bob had passed away a few days ago. Thus far I have been unable to find any information about a funeral. I will advise further when information comes to hand. (Peter Bull)

Oct 1953 to Feb 1955 - Sectional Engineer (Radio Installation & Maintenance) Head Office. Installation & Maintenance at Main Radio Stations and CRS Stations.
Oct 1955 to June 1967 - Superintending Engineer. Head Office. Later designated Chief Engineer, then Assistant General Manage (Technical) with responsibility for the
Australian Section of the COMPAC telephone cable system.

Read the tribute to Bob in the May 2008 Newsletter

For all those who can call themselves friends of Jack, it is my sad duty to inform that our beloved Jack succumbed to a brain tumor last Tuesday 16/10/07. He died peacefully in a nursing home with his sons in attendance. There will be a service at Greenway Memorial at Kincumber on Tuesday 23/10/07 at 12 noon.

Harry passed away in Adelaide 27th August 2007. Funeral arrangements: Friday 31st August at 11am Heinricks Funeral Parlour, 14 West Terrace Clare S.A.

Geoff passed away 21st August 2007. Funeral will be held Friday 24th August at 10:30AM
at the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Camden Valley Way, Leppington.

Geoff was educated at Wyong Public School, and later as a boarder for three years at Broughton School in Newcastle. Early in life he developed a keen interest in wireless which was then coming into popular use, and from 1930 was operating his own amateur station, VK2CK, being then, it was said, at the age of about sixteen, the youngest such amateur in Australia. His extraordinary interest in radio never waned. In 1934 he gained his first-class certificate in commercial radio operating; then in 1935 joined Guinea Airways Limited being stationed first at Lae and later at Wau; and in 1937 joined A.W.A. in Port Moresby.

In 1946 when O.T.C. (OverseasTelecommunication Commission, Australia) was formed he transferred to that organisation with which he stayed, serving in various places, until his retirement as manager of the Bringelly Radio Receiving Centre in December, 1979.

Angus Holland slipped quietly away on 7 July 2007. Husband of Judy Holland, Scotty Hamilton’s daughter.

Passed away 19th May, 2007. Funeral at Toowonton Queensland on Wednesday 23rd May, 2007

Passed away Sat. 28th April, 2007 at 07.10 am. Funeral will be Thursday 3rd May, 2007 at 10.00 am at Woronora Cemetery (Sutherland)

Those who had the pleasure of working with him will be saddened by the news that Tom Harris suffered a fatal heart attack at his London home in March, 2007. His wife, Mary, has been thoughtful enough to let me know.

VALE: In-Memoriam

SYLVIA WHITMORE - 25/6/08

BERYL SIMS - 26/6/08