Obituaries
Balchin, Jean (nee Barling) born 10.3.1919 in Warrnambool, Vic; died 23.11.09 peacefully in St John of God Hospital, Warrnambool. She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley, in 1989. She is survived by her stepson Ken and stepdaughter Daphne and her families. Jean loved the Lord and worshipped and served in the
Warrnambool church all her life. She was known as “Auntie Jean”. She was a gentle, caring person, loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Nikola Trajkov
Bramwell, Samuel, born 29.5.1924 in Eyam, Derbyshire, England; died 3.12.09 in Canberra, ACT from a terminal illness. He is survived by his wife, Gwen; his children and their spouses, Heather and Rodney Mann, Lynne and Ian Martin (all of Canberra), Ian and Lisebeth (Brisbane, Qld), David and Chris (Cobargo, NSW) and Debbie and Graham Head (Bonnells Bay); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Sam served the church in a number of different ways using his skill as a carpenter as well as being leader of the Canberra Pathfinder Club for eight years. Many would testify to the influence he had on their lives.
Neil Lawson
Chuang, Chian Lin, born 25.8.1947 in Malaysia; died 13.12.09 at
Croydon, Vic. On 3.9.1978, he married Carla Mei Hoa Oei. He is survived by his wife; and his sons, Colin, Calvin and Linden. Lin will be missed as a beloved member and long-time elder and senior elder of Melbourne Asian church.
James Wong, Isaac Foo
John Chan
Church, Edith Glenys, born 10.7.1935 at Dannevirke, NZ; died 20.11.09 at Gisborne, NZ. She was predeceased by her husband Alf in 2008. She is survived by her three children and their families,
Christopher White, Bernard and Anna White and Kate and Peter Smeele. Glenys embraced Present Truth in her late 40s, and never let it go, working for several years as a part-time LE in different parts of New Zealand. Her diligence, patient endurance and humility were, and remain, inspirational. Now at rest, after several years of incapacitation, she awaits the call of Jesus whom she loved so much.
Ron Lewis
Davidson, Harold Kennedy, born 11.9.1920 in Belfast, Ireland; died 7.12.09 in Avondale Retirement Village, NSW. On 2.6.1948 he married Midge (nee) Goozee, in Chiswick church, England. He is survived by his wife; his children and their spouses, Trevor and Wendy (Gateshead, UK), Margaret and Stuart Barons (Vic), Marilyn and Les Smith (Tamworth, NSW), Eileen Clarkson (Bonnells Bay), Les and Lesley (Kariong), Sheila and Leroy James (London, UK), Timothy and Leanne (Bowraville, NSW), Susan and Keith Bovis (Ettalong); his 22 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, with four more on the way. Harold served in the Royal Air Force in places like India, Burma and Sri Lanka. He worked as a nurse at Watford Adventist San, and also Granose Foods, UK. In 1971, he came to Australia and worked at Sydney Adventist Hospital, NSW. He loved and enjoyed his family and his Lord. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Owen D’Costa
Davies, Norman Redmayne, born 5.11.14 in Auckland, NZ; died 27.8.09 at home in Papatoetoe. He was predeceased by his first wife, Daphne, in 1993. Norm is survived by his wife, Noeline; son and daughter-in-law David and Joanne; his grandchildren and their spouses, Stephen and Leanne, Annette and Paul, Adrian and Stephanie, Christopher, Alexandra; and 11 great-grandchildren. Norm was a gentle and wise leader who demonstrated Jesus in all he did. Norm loved his God and lived his faith. He loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family. Peacefully sleeping until Jesus’ return.
Stephen Davies, Ian Howie
Dicks, Constance, born 12.7.1939; died 21.12.09 in RPA Hospital, NSW. She was the beloved wife of Robert Dicks. She is survived by her children, Peter and Paul
Packham and Mary-Ann Bonney; her brothers, Eddie and Barry Sanchez. The funeral was conducted at Dubbo church on 24.12.09.
Roger Ward
Eitel, Stephen, born 19.5.1919 at Richmond, SA; died 1.7.09 in Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide. On 16.4.1952 he married Norma Joyce Poole, who predeceased him. He is survived by Peter and John Eitel (both of Adelaide). Steve was baptised in 1950 and is a World War II veteran. He was a faithful church member, who was passionate about evangelism, and had a good sense of humour.
Nigel Ackland
Elliot, Grahame Edwin, born 13.7.1948; died 21.8.09. The funeral service was held at
Rosewood SDA church. Family and friends gathered at Stone Quarry Cemetery, Rosewood, where he was laid to rest to await Christ’s call to eternal life.
Joseph Youssef Khabbaz
Hayward, Athol Isaac, born 11.8.1916 at Whangerei, NZ; died 18.12.09 in Sydney, NSW, aged 93. Athol served his church as a deacon, and as a volunteer builder. He helped build a number of churches in New Zealand as well as other projects for Aore Adventist
Hospital in Vanuatu. He is survived by Audrey, his wife of 67 years; along with his children, Aureen (Sydney), Elton (SA), Merril (Qld); and her children Bianca and Yuri, Peter and Lieda and their children Taylor, Ella and Kye, and Athol’s sisters, Effra, Trevena and Beryl. Athol loved his Saviour and died in the hope of the Resurrection.
Frank Tassone, Alex Currie
Hesse, Myrtle Elizabeth, born 6.9.1916 at Colyville, Qld; died 9.9.09 in Kedron Nursing Home, Brisbane. In 1942, she married Joseph Hesse and also joined the Adventist church in Harrisville. She is survived by her brother, Stan Dau (Harrisville); her son, Clifford; and her sister (Brisbane).
Ken L Lawson
Kiiveri, Wayne (Vaino), born 7.6.1921 in FInland; died 5.12.09 at Sherwin Lodge, WA. In 1946, he married Sirrka Vaananen. He is survived by his wife; his eldest daughter, Arja (Glenforrest, WA), Kristie Kiiveri-Hannan (Spearwood) and Harri. Wayne was a self taught musician as well as being fluent in three languages. He was a dedicated father and husband to his family. He loved and served God faithfully, and now rests waiting for Jesus to call his name.
Keith Godfrey
Lawrence, Walter Donovan, born 19.10.1929 at Coffs Harbour, NSW; died 8.12.09 at Toronto. On 30.12.1950, he married Betty Howarth. They were baptised on 1.11.1952 but soon after Betty died suddenly. On 30.7.1959, Don married Annette Williams. He is survived by his wife; his children and their spouses, Paul and Marie, Steve and Jeannie, Tim and Tanya and Anne-Maree and Peter Franks (all of Cooranbong); and his 12 grandchildren. He served his church in many areas and was greatly appreciated by youth and Pathfinders. His quiet, consistent Christian life touched the lives of many others.
Allan Lindsay, Uriah St Juste
Patava, Joyce Graham (nee
Dunbar), born 2.3.1918 at
Rockhampton, Qld; died 2.12.09. In 1945, she married Jack who predeceased her. Joy was the third child of seven and remembered how living was tough in her early years. But those difficult times prepared her for a life of hard work and willingness to care for the needs of others. She had a beautiful, ready smile and was loved and respected by all who knew her.
Orm Speck
Peries, Luba Grace Francesca, born 26.9.1925 in Sri Lanka; died 23.11.09 in Swan Valley Hospital, WA. The loving wife of Anton for 65 years, Luba had six children, Melvin (UK), Arlene (Perth), Anestly and Anastasia (Vic), Trevine (Sri Lanka). Her body was cremated at Karakatta Cemetery awaiting The Blessed Hope. This hope in her heart she left to her 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Luba was a strong believer in God’s Word and always read Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”
Tharren Hutchinson
Ratabacaca, Epeli Koroi, born 16.4.1924 in Fiji; died 12.11.09 at Chester Hill, NSW. He is survived by his wife, Hazel (Sydney, NSW); and his children Lisa, Aseli, Jessie, Josephine (all of Fiji), Ilinieta, and Liezel (both from Sydney, NSW).
Bruce Shield, Epeli Soro Turagakula
Redmond, Malcolm Stanley, born 23.10.1934 at Woombye, Qld; died at Victoria Point Qld. In March 1959, he married Edith Elizabeth Reid. He is survived by his children, Stan, Chris, Kendal, Leesa; and eight grandchildren. Malcolm was a plumber by trade and used his skills at Caboolture church. He was loved by his friends and family and much appreciated by his friends and will be greatly missed.
Orm Speck, Neil Tyler
Robinson, Rodney Ian, born 12.2.1937 in Brisbane, Qld; died 7.11.09 in Caloundra Private Hospital. In 1958, he married Hilary Shields in Central Brisbane church. Rod was predeceased by his daughter, Debra Leanne, on 18.12.1984. He is survived by his wife; his son and daughter-in-law, Pastor Kevin and Janine (Normanhurst); his much-loved grandchildren; his siblings and their spouses. Rod was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2008 and bravely battled the following 20 months. Rod held deep gratitude for the many who sustained him and Hilary by maintaining visits, prayer support and an abundance of practical support during that time. Rod now rests, peacefully awaiting his Saviour’s call on the soon-coming resurrection morning.
Kevin Robinson
Searle, Pearl Ellen (nee Helmore), born 20.12.1910 at Bundaberg, Qld; died 12.11.09 in Victoria Point Retirement Village. On 27.3.1933, she married Jim. She was predeceased by her husband; and daughter, Pam. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Sally Miller (Bundaberg), Nancy Quayle (Bribie Island) and Jim Searle (Capalaba). Pearl’s introduction to Adventism came in the late 1940s when a colporteur visited the family farm. Because of her support of many local charities and clubs, she was an outstanding “ingatherer”. No-one could say no and risk losing her sponge cakes for their fundraising stalls. Pearl now sleeps and awaits the call of Jesus.
R Possingham, N Peatey
W Turner
Stevens, John Edwards, born 9.11.1917 at Longbenton, England; died peacefully 30.11.09 in Avondale Adventist Aged Care Facility, Cooranbong, NSW. John is survived by his wife, Gwen (Kurri Kurri); daughter Robyn; and his sons, Howard and Raymond; his grandchildren and great grand-child. John will be greatly missed yet the family have solace that he now rests in peace.
Mark Venz
Till, Grace Madge Eleanor (nee Zahmel, born 6.9.1924 at Mackay, Qld; died 6.6.09 at Mackay. On 8.7.1942 she married James (Jim) Victor Till, who predeceased her in August, 1997. She is survived by Ivy Gillam (North Mackay, Qld) and Erwin Till. She worked on a family farm, Red Cross (long service medal for 15 years service), heavily involved in ADRA, and was a deaconess. She loved music, sewing and gardening.
Andrew Jasper
Timmins, Marvelle Dale (nee Hubber), born 9.5.1928; died 1.12.09 through illness. She is survived by her husband, Trevor; children Larry, Grant and Judy; and her grandchildren. Her love for the Lord was evident through her life, and in the Palmerston North church, NZ. She displayed great courage and faith through her sickness, and will always be remembered for her smile. One day soon God will call her to take her rightful place in His kingdom made new. Until that day, she will be sincerely missed by family, friends and her church.
William Arama
To, Nam (Peter), born in Bac Lieu; died 30.11.09 at Springvale, Vic. On 25.12.74, he married Keo Trang. In June 1978, he was baptised in Saigon. He is survived by his wife; and his children, Henry, Anna, Gary and Darby (all
Melbourne, Vic). Peter was a beloved father and husband. May he rest in peace till we meet again.
Isaac Foo
Watson, Gloria Christine, born 3.7.1955; died 6.11.09 at home, Scarborough, Qld, with her family by her side. Her first marriage was to Ken Frew on 8.5.1977. She then married Graham Watson on 26.3.1995. She is survived by her parents Ray and June Jamet (Forster, NSW); her husband; and her daughters and their families, Michael and Angela Dennis, and Nicole Frew (all of Brisbane, Qld). Gloria was a loving mother, and adored “Marnie”. She was diagnosed with cancer late 2006 and faced this challenge with strength, courage and unwavering faith. She will always be remembered for her positive attitude and for her passion for living life to the fullest.
Bob Possingham, Mladen Krklec
Lorenzo Berry
Were, Cyril Raymond, born 21.6.1914 at Prospect, SA; died 17.10.09 at Cooranbong, NSW. On 19.5.1938 he married his first wife Vera who predeceased him in 1964. He married his second wife, Veryl Dawn Mitchell, on 29.8.1967. He is survived by Rae Leomme (East Doncaster, Vic) and Carlyle (Canberra, ACT). Cyril served his country during World War II after attending Avondale College. He joined the South Qld conference as a singing evangelist and Bible worker. He worked as preceptor and teacher at Carmel College, WA. Cyril loved his Lord and awaits the call of the Master, on that great Resurrection morning.
John Lang, Peter Beamish