In January 1981, Eddie accepted a Prescribed Service Officer (PSO) Commission and a position with the rank of Captain. Then followed postings to 8th/12th Medium Regiment at Holsworthy, 7th Field Regiment as their Quartermaster and finally District Support Unit (DSU) Townsville. In 1983 Eddie was nominated as the Logistics Supervisor for the Westfield Ultra Marathon Run from Sydney to Melbourne. Cliffy Young was the eventual winner of the event. In 1986, XXXX Australia hosted an around Australia relay marathon raising funds for Cancer Research. With his previous experience in such events, Eddie was asked to again be the Logistics Supervisor for that event. Several Australian Defence Force members were involved in the event.
In October 1985 Eddie elected discharge from the Army. However, he could not get the Army out of his system and enlisted with the Army Reserve from January 1988 until December 1989.
Eddies Honours and Awards include:
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasps Malaysia and Vietnam;
General Service Medal 1962 with Clasp Malay Peninsula; Vietnam Medal,
Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp South East Asia;
Defence Force Service Medal with First and Second Clasps;
National Medal;
Australian Defence Medal;
Vietnamese Campaign Medal;
Pingat Jasa Malaysia; and
Returned from Active Service Badge.
Eddie performed his duty, wore the uniform, and served his country with absolute pride, honour, integrity, and dignity. In 2003 he was one of the founding members of the Carlyle Gardens RSL Sub-branch. Eddie was a tower of strength in an unassuming way – totally unflappable with a dry sense of humour. When there was a need for fundraising, selling badges or Poppies, at local shopping centres, Eddie was one the first to raise his hand. For several years he controlled the conduct of the annual Rotary Art Union at Carlyle Gardens and was always first to don the apron at social barbecues. In fact, his bulk cooking skills were often put to the test including when the village lost power after Cyclone Yasi and Eddie and the social group catered for around 80 Carlyle Gardens residents. He was part of the Carlyle Gardens Disaster Management Group.
Eddie and Wendy travelled extensively in their caravan and he enjoyed his games of golf. They also enjoyed their time cruising. Eddie’s health deteriorated in his final years and he finally succumbed on 5 November 2020.
Acknowledgements:
- John Wilson for his Eulogy at Eddies Funeral
- Gordon Hassan for his RSL Tribute at Eddies Funeral
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