WELFARE MATTERS
Vale
Our Corps has lost the following members in recent times. Full details of each member may be found at the RAEME Vale page.
2142225/222849 CPL Ronald William James ‘Pop’ ARCHER retd
Pop Archer died on 1 September 2026. A Corporal with 22 years of service, Pop served in the CMF from 1960–66 and the ARA from 24 January 1973 to 29 January 1988. He was called Pop as when he transferred to the ARA, he had to go to Kapooka at age 31. As a Vehicle Mechanic, Pop was well known across numerous postings, most notably with 1st Field Engineer Workshop when they were involved with the construction of the Lord Howe Island airfield. Pop was a respected and much‑loved RAEME mate.
3147917 WO2 Ronald James 'Ron' COTTIER retd
Ron died on 9 September 2026. A former WO2 who served 25 years in the Army Reserve, Ron’s dedication was recognised with the Efficiency Medal (1976), the Reserve Force Medal (1984) and First and Second Clasps (1984, 1990). He was deeply respected in the Drouin community through decades of voluntary service. Ron’s funeral will be held at David W Bull Drouin Funeral Home on 17 September 2026 at 11.00 am, followed by burial at Drouin Cemetery.
44632 COL David Robert 'Dave' COCKER retd
Dave passed away on 26 August 2026 from leukaemia. A COL and 23rd Intake Apprentice Vehicle Mechanic, Dave served 30 years after enlisting on 15 January 1968. Commissioned from OCS Portsea, he deployed to Malaysia (1985–86) and later instructed at the US Army Logistics Management College. His distinguished career included commanding multiple workshops and major logistic units. Dave is survived by his wife, Robyn.
1200604 WO1 Geoffrey Raymond 'Geoff' MOLLER retd
Geoff died on 3 September 2026. A WO1 Artificer Aircraft, Geoff served with distinction in RAEME, including warlike service in Vietnam as a Temporary Sergeant with 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight from 9 April 1968 to 2 April 1969. He later served widely across Oakey’s aviation units and was highly respected in the Aviation‑RAEME community. Geoff’s funeral will be held at T.S. Burstow Chapel, Kearneys Spring, on 18 September 2026 at 2:30 pm.
216566 SGT Wieslaw 'Wes' LUGOWSKI retd
Wes passed on 28 August 2026. As a Vehicle Mechanic, Wes served on warlike operations in Vietnam with 17th Construction Squadron Workshop from 7 June 1967 to 9 April 1968. He continued his RAEME career across engineer and base workshop units and was remembered as a respected leader and great mate.
16082 WO1 James Stuart 'Jim’ JORDAN retd
Jim was taken from our ranks on 27 August 2026. As an Aircraft Artificer, Jim served many years in RAEME, including warlike service in Vietnam with 161 Reconnaissance Flight and 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight from April 1966 to April 1967. He later held aviation workshop appointments at Oakey and was remembered as a humble, knowledgeable and highly respected tradesman. Jim’s funeral will be held at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance on 24 September 2026 at 10:00 am.
Robert 'Bob' GOURLEY
Bob Gourley died on 29 June 2026. A Vehicle Mechanic, Bob began his RAEME career on 1 June 1972 and served more than 32 years across postings including 2 Base Workshop, 102 Field Workshop, and Adelaide Workshop Company. He remained connected to the Corps through the RAEME Association SA from 2007. Bob is remembered as a long‑serving and valued member of the RAEME family.
46606 SGT Allen Wayne WHITTING retd
Allen passed away on 21 August 2026. A Vehicle Mechanic, Allen served 22 years after enlisting on 5 September 1972, working across RAEME, combat and support units including 3 Base Workshop Bn, 3RAR, HQ Logistic Command, 20 Divisional Engineer Support Squadron Wksp, and 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, with deployments to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He was a valued member of RAEME Association and is fondly remembered by all who knew him.
173948 MAJ Noel Raymond MYLER retd
Noel died on 6 June 2026. A MAJ who served in the Royal Australian Army Pay Corps, Noel deployed on warlike service in Vietnam with the Australian Force Vietnam Cash Office from 2 July 1970 to 30 June 1971. A long‑standing member of RAEME Association Queensland, he was well known for his dedicated support to the annual RAEME Reserve Reunion. Noel is fondly remembered for his commitment to mateship and service.
1201083 Ernest Charles 'Spider' BLAKE
Spider was taken from us on 22 August 2026. A 22nd Intake Apprentice Fitter & Turner, Spider enlisted on 1 January 1967 and graduated in 1969. He is fondly remembered by his fellow apprentices and RAEME mates for his character and camaraderie. After battling cancer and complications from a recent fall, Spider passed away peacefully. He will be remembered with respect by all who knew him.
46405 WO2 Neil Gordon WOOD retd
Neil died on 23 August 2026. A WO2 Artificer TESG, Neil served many years in RAEME across a wide range of Australian and overseas postings, including service in the United Kingdom and Germany, reflecting his depth of technical expertise and contribution to the Corps. Highly respected throughout RAEME, Neil was farewelled on 31 August, with a gathering at the Wodonga RSL to honour his life and service.
Funeral / Memorial Updates
CAPT Brian TOUHY retd
A wake for Brian will take place on Saturday, 10 October at the West Adelaide Football Club, 57 Milner Road, Richmond, SA, commencing at 1400h and concluding at approximately 1600h. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks. Light snacks will be provided. For those of you who are unable to attend but would like to share a story, anecdote, or memory of Brian, please feel free to forward them to
Sick Parade Updates
WO1 Russell CLIFFE retd
Russ is back home and in the care of his partner following his stroke. Although Russ had made good progress prior to his release from hospital, he is struggling a little now in that he is barely able to stand let alone walk unaided and he hasn’t regained the use of one hand. Russ would love to have a chat with old mates. If you have the opportunity, please take a moment to give him a call on 0413-732-917. Better still, if you are in the Gladstone region, please pop in and say hi.
How to provide welfare notifications
Should you wish to report the passing of a member or the change in health circumstances affecting you or another Corps member, you can do so by entering all known details on the RAEME Welfare Notification page.
