Always loved, ever remembered and forever in our hearts
Family and friends of Michele are invited to attend her funeral service to be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Bulli, 50 Park Road, Bulli on Friday 6th July, 2018 commencing at 2.30pm.
In Lieu of Flowers donations are invited to The McGrath Foundation & Breast Cancer Network Australia.
At Michele’s request, we ask you to wear a splash of colour to celebrate her wonderful personality and colourful life‘
Early this morning the night sky gained one of its most brightest additions. Mum passed away, sleeping peacefully after a very brave fight.
Our hearts are broken at the universe’s need to take back someone so special but we are forever grateful for the small amount of time we had left to spend with her. There is no amount of time that would have ever been sufficient before we had to say goodbye, and the hole in our hearts that has been left behind will never be filled. No words can describe just what she meant to those who loved her and a life without her seems incomprehensible, but how lucky are we to have had such a beautiful person in our lives, one who lit up any room when she entered, knew all the right things to say and who always knew how to laugh at herself.
Today I lost my best friend, my mum and the other half of my heart, but I am forever thankful to whoever or whatever sent me to her, because there are very few people who have such the effect mum did, and I am truly proud to be her daughter.
Sean, Carly and myself are overwhelmed with the amount of love and support from every person we have spoken to, who’s visited and who sent their love over the last, very quick, few days. We tried so hard to get in contact with as many people as we could, but time kept moving and we just didn’t have the chance to get to everybody.
Details for Michele’s service will be sent out in the coming days – please contact us if you would like any further information. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Hello Everyone,
Below are the details for Mum’s service should you wish to attend.
At Michele’s request, we ask you to wear a splash of colour to celebrate mum’s vibrant personality and colourful life.
Friday 6th July 2:30pm St Joseph’s Catholic Church. 50 Park Road Bulli
Followed by a celebration of mum’s life at Towradgi Beach Hotel. 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi.
Please feel free to contact myself or any of the family should you want/need to. A notice will also be placed in the Illawarra Mercury.
Thank you for all of your love and support over the last few weeks and we look forward to celebrating just how wonderful a person mum is and was xx Olivia Michele Southam-Byrnes
My memories of Michele:
When I, and other mates, transferred from Cabramatta / Fairfield to Wollongong G.D’s around 1982, Michele was a Public Servant working the front counter of the very old Wollongong Police Station in Church St, Wollongong.
We worked with Michele most shifts and she was a great girl and we were always laughing.
One shift that we were working with Michele, we had loaded a couple of her cigarettes with bits of a sparkler.
She finished her late shift and left to go home to Bulli where she was living with her parents, Kath & Reg, at Bulli Police Station residence.
Southam’s, at the time I lobbed up at Wollongong Police Station, were a local police identify.
Reg was a SenSgt at Bulli and, later, Wollongong whilst his brother, Darrell was a Senior Constable with the Police Prosecutors at Wollongong Police Station. Both were lovely and likeable blokes.
On our next shift together Michele related a story about how she was driving north, along the Princes Hwy, North Wollongong, and decided to have a cigarette.
As she was driving, she lit her cigarette and was enjoying drawing back on the thick smoke entering her lungs ( as most of use smokers did back in those days ).
She said she was driving along and next thing, her cigarette started to sparkle and shoot sparks out everywhere and she nearly crossed to the wrong side of the road as she tried to comprehend what was happening before throwing the cigarette out the window in disbelief.
We all laughed at the way she described it and, to this day, I’m not sure whether we told her how it happened or not.
We used to have great times with practical jokes and the old telex confetti over the years.
Michele worked with us, at Wollongong, for many years before she finally pulled the pin and went onto other, and greater, things in her life.
The cigarette mischief was well over 30 years ago and I still laugh about it.
The next time I met up with Michele was at either Darrell’s funeral or her father, Reg’s funeral, and it was like yesterday. She was a bit older but still the same Michele from back in 1982.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate. Your smile and humour will always be remembered.
Love
Greg Callander
Retired NSWPF
1975 – 2004
Stephen William OFFEN
| 04/07/2018
Stephen William OFFEN
Late of Hawkins Village, Edgeworth ( Newcastle )
NSW Police Cadet # 1995
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class 115
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 13314[/alert_yellow]
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – Commenced 22 February 1965
Probationary Constable – appointed 28 June 1968
Constable – appointed 28 June 1969
Detective Senior Constable – appointed 28 June 1977
May 1984 – became sick
Passed his Sergeants Exam about 1982 but due to his illness, was never promoted because he was on ‘Light Duties’.
Stations: Bondi GD’s ( 1969 ), Hamilton GD’s, Detectives Course – 1978, Newcastle Detectives – Newcastle Drug Squad – Newcastle CIB ( Light Duties due to illness – Retirement
Service: From 22 February 1965to 4 October 2001= 35years Service
It is reported that Steve collapsed, at work, whilst carrying a type writer in 1980 – 4 years prior to a spot being found on his brain via scans.
Steve was off work for 3 months prior to this ‘spot’ being found.
As a result of this incident and dropping the type writer, the matter was classified as Hurt On Duty ( H.O.D. ) until the Commissioner of Police eventually reversed that decision causing Steve to have to fight for his entitlements during such a hard time in his life.
Being the policeman that he was and dedicated to “the job”, Steve was more concerned and disappointed about NOT being granted his Sergeant’s rank than he was of the Commissioner reversing his H.O.D. status. Steve had already passed his qualification exam but because he now found himself on ‘Light Duties’, he was deemed not able to fulfil the role of Sergeant and thus, was not promoted past the rank of Detective Senior Constable.
Steve, having being diagnosed with the blood clot at age 34 and having Served NSWPF for 35 years, was eventually Medically Retired from NSWPF, aged 51, on 4 October 2001 due to his continuing health decline.
During his early Retired years, Steve worked at the local Police Boys Club with the Bicycle Safety program, which he developed, with the RTA ( now RMS ) providing the push bikes and helmets that he used at local schools to teach the young students bicycle safety on our streets. Since Steve could no longer provide this service due to his illness, no-one has taken up the slack to provide this useful service to the local youth.
Steve, due to his severe debilitating illness, spent his last few years in the full care of his wife, Lorraine.
Steve, in his healthier years was a strong swimmer and represented NSWPF in the Police Olympic pool at Narrabeen and won Gold.
May Steve forever Rest In Peace.
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Charles Norman PATCH
| 04/07/2018
Charles Norman PATCH
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 8381[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 30 April 1956
Prior to joining the NSW Police Force, Tony did his Paint trade at the Snowy Hydro project.
From all reports, Tony was a much liked Policeman and was especially liked by junior Police because of his nature and the time he would given them.
Retired Sergeant of Police
DOGGETT
Anthony Phillip (Tony)
05.12.1938 – 29.06.2018
Late of Winston Hills
Beloved husband of Doreen (dec). Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Catherine and Nicola, Tony and Debra, Simone, Lucette, Cameron and Chiho. Grandfather to Ashley, Caitlin, Kaisei, Akito and Mikako.
Sadly missed by the rest of his loving family and friends
Relatives and friends of Tony are warmly invited to attend his Funeral in St Monica’s Catholic Church cnr Church Street and North Rocks Road, North Parramatta, FRIDAY (6th July 2018). Prayers to commence at 10.30 am.
A wake will be held from 12:30 pm at Liverpool Golf Club, Hollywood Drive, Lansvale.
Tony will be laid to rest in the Rydal Cemetery at a later date (TBC).
TREVOR LEE & SON
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Australian Owned
All Suburbs 9746 2949
F.D.A of N.S.W.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on July 3, 2018
Thursday 22 September 1977 The Sydney Morning Herald
There is a civil action, against Adrian, by William Roy Dowden, 47, company manager of Sunshine Parade, Peakhurst South, who was accused of using unseemly words at a traffic incident on 28 April 1975 and charged by Adrian at Bankstown Police Station.
This incident happened outside of Bankstown Paceway and, it appears, Adrian was Off Duty at the time.
The Charge against Dowden was dismissed at Court, then Dowden sued Adrian for Damages. Dowden lost that matter.
I am unable to get into the Sydney Morning Herald to extract the full story.
Cal
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Nothing further could be readily found for Adrian’s working life.
May he Rest In Peace.
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Brian Patrick SCAYSBROOK
| 04/07/2018
Brian Patrick SCAYSBROOK
AKA SCAYS
Late of Valentine
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 10261[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 26 February 1962
Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 April 1967
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 28 April 1978
Senior Sergeant – appointed 28 June 1986
Inspector – appointed 27 July 1988
Stations: ?, North East District, Newcastle area, OIC – Forster ( Sgt ), Newcastle – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre Feb 1962? to 2 August 1997= 35+years Service
Passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family 27th May, 2018
Aged 76 Years
Dearly loved husband of Mary.
Much loved father & father-in-law of Kim and John, and Simone.
Cherished brother of Marie, John (dec’d), Terry, Helen, and Paul,
brother-in-law and uncle to the Scaysbrook and Lambert Families.
The Relatives and Friends of Brian are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of His Life to be held in The Chapel, 444 Pacific Hwy, Belmont (Parking via Henry St)
this Monday 4th June, 2018 service commencing at 12.30pm.
No flowers by request.
‘Forever In Our Hearts’
June 6, 2018
Mary & Family…I became aware of the passing of Brian early in the week from details on 2RE.
It was 1962 when he & others, including yours truly joined the COPS and trained together at Redfern.
We met up again in the Newcastle area and I went west & returned to find him still there in 1985. In 1995 I retired and from there we did not come across each other again. I always respected his work and enjoyed his company.
I now live in Wingham (where a ‘lot’ of us originate from)
FIRE MEN GAGGED OVER CRITICAL QUAKE REPORT
by Mark Riley, senior police reporter
Firemen have been threatened with instant dismissal if they comment on a leaked report critical of police handling of the rescue operation at Newcastle Workers Club after the December 28 earthquake.
The report, leaked to a Sydney radio station yesterday, said earthquake victims could have been saved had it not been for the police’s ‘confusion and bungling’ during rescue attempts.
Newcastle Fire Brigade District Officer Bob Tait, who is also president of the NSW Fire Brigade Employees Union’s Newcastle branch, said yesterday he could not comment on the report because of the threat that he would be sacked.
‘ Many of the critical comments in the report are believed to have been attributed to District Officer Tait. ‘
The fire brigade inspector for Newcastle and the Central Coast, Insp Tony Hunt, was reported in The Newcastle Herald on February 2 as having told a rescue services debriefing session at City Hall the previous day that firefighters had not been used to their full capacity at the club.
Mr Tait told the debriefing that he was the first rescue official on the scene.
A rescue officer, Mr Gerard Buchtman, said in the same Herald report that he had been ‘frustrated’ by police who refused to allow him into the club to use a heat-seeking camera to locate trapped people.
He said he was eventually allowed in at 1.30pm, some three hours after the earthquake, and within 15 minutes had found one body. He later found where two others were buried.
The controversial fire brigade report is based on transcripts of comments made at a fire brigade debriefing session at Newcastle Fire Station two days after the earthquake and had been sent to the Sydney office of the Chief Officer of the NSW Fire Brigades, Mr Bill Reay.
It criticised police for:
— Ordering rescue personnel out of the rubble for
15 minutes while victims were still trapped
inside;
— Not allowing fire brigade personnel to use heat-
seeking cameras to search for survivors, then
later using less-sophisticated cameras and
asking firefighters for help in working them;
— Acting too slowly in co-ordinating rescue
services;
— Driving through the city ‘like cowboys with
sirens blaring and almost causing multiple
accidents’.
The Minister for Police, Mr Pickering, referred the report yesterday to the State Coroner, Mr Waller, who has expanded the terms of his coronial inquiry to examine its complaints.
‘I am not in a position to accept these untested statements,’ the Minister said.
‘Up until this morning I was of the view … that everyone was very, very pleased at the level of service provided in Newcastle by all the emergency service organisations. ‘
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Avery, said he had heard ‘nothing but complimentary remarks’ about the performance of all emergency organisations in Newcastle.
But the Chief Officer of the NSW Fire Brigade, Mr Reay, while expressing regret at the release of the document, stopped short of giving his full support to the police actions.
Newcastle police operations commander Insp Brian Scaysbrook defended yesterday the co-ordination of the rescue operation at the Workers Club by the Newcastle patrol commander, Insp Ian Cleary.
‘Insp Cleary was told that there was a risk of an aftershock and that a section of the collapsed building above where the rescuers were working could collapse,’ Insp Scaysbrook said.
‘He ordered everyone out of the basement section of the club and then reorganised them into teams of four and six, to go back in as the situation demanded.’
‘What he was doing was coordinating a rescue effort which at that time was very unco-ordinated.’
The officer-in-charge of the Newcastle Police District, Chief Supt Russ Cook, said yesterday that he could not comment on the specifics of the report because it was now subject to a broadened inquiry by Mr Waller.
Ambulance paramedic Mr Malcolm Martin, who headed a team of paramedics, said the allegations were ‘totally unwarranted’.
‘I reject the statement that the police bungled the operation,’ he said.
‘It was one of the most efficient rescue operations I have been involved with.
He firmly rejected accusations in the fire brigade report that more lives could have been saved by a better coordinated operation.
‘Everything that could be done was done for those people who died in the club,’ he said.
‘The fact that they died was entirely due to their injuries and not to any element of human negligence or error.’
Passed away peacefully at Calvary Palliative Care Unit, Wagga Wagga on Friday 8th June 2018, late of Coolamon, aged 88 years.
Dearly loved husband of Maureen (dec’d).
Much loved father and father-in-law of Tony and Wilma (Coolamon), Diane and Jack Nott (Cooma), Lesley and Greg Jarrett (Coolamon).
Cherished Pa of Robert, Mark, Shaun (dec’d), Rebecca, Jacqui, Alicia, Kristen, Merryn, Nicole, Laura and Morgan and their partners, and special Pa Brown to his 16 great grandchildren.
Dear friend to Jeanette, Jamie, Christine and the Campbell family.
“The idea is not to live forever but to create something that will.“
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday 13th June 2018 at 1.30pm in the Coolamon Lawn Cemetery.
Relatives, friends and Retired Police Association members are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Calvary Palliative Care Unit would be greatly appreciated and may be left at the service.
“possibly”. There is a Maureen Jacqueline BROWN ( b: 14 June 1934 ) ( d: 6 May 2006 ) who is buried in the Lawn Section, H – 34 of Coolamon Cemetery. “This” Maureen “might” be the wife of Bob, mentioned in this death notice.
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Robert Lawrence SASAGI
| 04/07/2018
Robert Lawrence SASAGI
AKA Sausage
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 30858
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 18 February 1996
Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Redfern – 7 Division ( 160297 – 100503 ), Wollongong – 82 Division ( 110503 to death ) was also ‘on loan’ to Lake Illawarra – 79 Division – Final Station – but still attached to Wollongong LAC
Service: From 18 February 1996 to 10 June 2018= 22+years Service
Awards: NSW Police Medal – granted 13 February 2007
Commendation for Brave Conduct – granted 25 August 2008
National Medal – granted 14 July 2014
National Police Service Medal – granted 26 October 2016
Born: 8 June 1965
Died on: Sunday 10 June 2018
Age: 53 ( he stayed to celebrate his birthday with family )
Cause: Cancer – stomach ( diagnosed in 2015 )
Event location: Home – with family
Event date: Sunday 10 June 2018
Funeral date: Friday 15 June 2018 @ 11am ( Full Police Funeral )
Funeral location: The Salvation Army Hall, 13 Burelli St, Wollongong
Funeral Parlour: Parson’s Funerals, Wollongong
Wake 1: A small Wake will happen at the Hall after the funeral
Wake 2: A Police Wake will happen at the Fraternity Hall, Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow, from 1pm – food organised by Mr Craner, Commander, Wollongong LAC
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial located at: ?
2014
[alert_blue]SAUSAGE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It was Rob’s wish to be at home and with his family. It was also his wish to share this prepared post:
” The problem when suddenly faced with your own mortality is timing. Initially, you think you have no time to do everything you planned to do with your life.
Then you think you have plenty of time. Time to tell people the important things. How much you love them. How much they mean to you.
Now arrived the time when the newest scare returns. It’s been a few weeks coming, but now I know it’s the real thing, the real McCoy.
It’s now not a matter of timing, I know there’s none left.
I won’t tell you not to be sad, because if it were any of you, I’d be sad. just know that I’m at ease and have come to terms with it.
You just need to know, my life has been better for having you in it. I draw great comfort from your friendship, your kindness, and your love. Simply put, my life is better for having known you. “
Rob Sasagi.
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Sausage was such a loved part of Illawarra Policing that when is plight became known, his Blue Family, blood family, his friends and businesses came out of the woodwork in March 2016 to raise much needed, and very much appreciated, funds which enabled Sausage and his family to fulfil their bucket list and spend that quality family time together in which to make life time memories for the family.
May Sausage forever Rest In eternal Peace.
Cal
2014 – Police Football
2014
2014
2015 – Sausages 50th birthday
2011 Mr. T
2008 – Joel, Sausage & Stacee
2017 – Sausage & Lawrence Drury
Feb 2018
Feb 2018
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An insight of a man fighting Cancer
9 February 2018
This is Robs latest post ????????
Okey dokey, my long delayed update and promised anniversary summary. Perusing my last update I mentioned upcoming surgery which took place near the end of November. Day surgery turned into major surgery and to say I was a little miffed when I woke up with tubes out of most orifices would be an understatement. It made for a miserable December, being for the most part bedridden. Beginning of January signalled a slow turnaround of sorts. Things still aren’t great but there is some improvement. In the immortal words of Tim Rogers, ‘I’m thinner than I should be’, tipping the scales at a whopping 70 kilos. I’m still vomiting although not on the previous scale. I’m limited on the volume of food my body will allow me to eat. The amount of muscle wastage still has me weak as a kitten but I’m better than I was. In short, I’m slowly getting stronger. It’s a very long road but I’m ALIVE, a subject I’ll address in a moment. Prior to my trip to New Zealand I had to obtain the all clear from my Oncologist which was timed with scans, being end of January. Result of scans was again positive. Big boy is still unchanged and secondaries are either the same or have shrunk a bit. In a nutshell, the Clinical trial is working a treat. What we need now is the rest of the body to play ball, but as the Oncologist said, with all that’s happened to it, it’s a wonder it functions at all. Like me, my body is too stupid to know when it’s beat. We’ll see. Alrighty!!! Funnily enough surgery time coincided with the prognosis anniversary, 2 years since the news was broken to us. I’m long since supposed to have left this mortal coil, so to say I’m pleased with myself would be another understatement. I’m not given to bouts of braggadocio but I will allow myself this one. Given what I’ve been forced to endure, especially this last 9 months a serious “Fuck you Cancer” is in order. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If not for my family and friends, I can honestly say I would have given up the ghost a long time ago. I know you say I’m strong but there have been many many quiet moments when it’s all seemed hopeless. Sometimes it’s like I’m sending out a telepathic signal, because around that time someone wants to meet up and chat. There are a lot of you, too numerous to mention but I feel I must at least name and shame my serial pests. Shannon Arnold , Scott Nicholls , Dean Richens , you three in varying degrees have kept on me, drawing me away from all my vain attempts at self pity. I’ll have my revenge upon you, just you wait. One day you’ll want to feel sorry for yourself and I’ll be there to lift you up. Aaah, vengance be mine. Mention must be made to NSW Police Force, Wollongong Local Area Command. The amount of care and compassion I’ve received has been completely humbling. All staff at Wollongong, downstairs to upstairs have been nothing short of magnificent. The admin staff have pretty much taken care of everything for me, nothing is too hard. Life is so much easier with my blue family in my corner. Coming up. Well since I managed NZ my next target is Bali in March with serial pests Shannon Arnold , Stew Art , and Scott Nicholls. Should be a quiet one. Next is Uluru in May. My crazy wife Kathryn Bailey is doing the Larapinta track walk for ‘Chris O’Brien Lifehouse ‘ which is 5 days. We’ll meet her up there and take her poor exhausted body back to Uluru and a bit of resort living for a few days. Phew!! Still here. So, here I am, over two years down the track. Still alive and kicking despite the best efforts of this miserable disease. I’ll admit it, there’s been very hard times, times which make you question everything and whether it’s worth it and times you’re ready to give up. As they say in The Shawshank Redemption (mine and pretty much every mans favourite movie), “Get busy living or get busy dying.” I think I’m managing both quite well thank you very much. Well, if you silly buggers are still here for the ride, then I may as well stick around for a bit longer. Talk to you all later.
Rob Sasagi
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Robert SASAGI Memorial Cup. 2019
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PHOTO’s FROM THE FUNERAL
All photos, on this website, are 2meg in size. If you want any particular photo up to 32meg in size, simply contact Cal
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
CANDLE CREST RIP
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FUNERAL DETAILS
As you all should know, Rob passed away on Sunday and we are in the process of organising his Funeral. Below is some background admin for your information.
There will be an Official Nemeses message sent soon.
For your information Mr Craner was able to organise a Promotion for Rob and that is why he is now a Senior Constable, which is a great result. Rob will be in uniform.
This will be a full Police Funeral. Dress for Police attending is Court uniform with Leather jacket, tie and Large Medals. Commission officers are aware of their uniform.
Funeral for the Late Serving Officer – Senior Constable Robert Sasagi
11am, Friday 15th June 2018
The Salvation Army Hall,
13 Burelli St, Wollongong.
I need a minimum of 20 and no more 30 Uniform Police for Marching Escort Duties. This is the Escort that marches in front of Rob when he is leaving the Salvation Army Hall in the Hearse.
Rehearsals are 9.30am to 9.50am at the Salvation Army Hall. If you wish to do this Duty, which is a very honourable duty can you please get back to me, by email, SMS me, or call me.
Bob Minns Ph. 0439070265
TIMINGS
8.30am, Rehearsals for Pall Bearers
9.30am to 9.50am, Rehearsals for Marching Escort. (Marching Escort contingent will be given time to make it back from the Hall to the Police Station to be involved in the large march done)
10am, Police in uniform meet at Wollongong Police Station. (it would be great to have a minimum of 50 police marches please)
10.15am. March from Wollongong Police Station, leaving from Court Lane, marching to the Salvation Army Hall. I will be guiding you to the Hall (We will be asking Mr Worboys & Mr Barrie to thank the marching Police)
10.25-30am, Police marchers arrive at Hall and may be met and thanked by a Family member for attending. (Rob’s wife Kath really wants to see police marching down Burelli Street in respect of Rob)
10.30am, Rob will leave from Parsons Funeral Directors under VIP escort to the Hall
10.35-40am, Rob will arrive,
11am, all Family, friends, Police and Community inside the Hall. (500 seats available and room for 500 standing.)
11am, Police Pall Bearers will bring Rob into the Hall.
11am to 11.40-12mdService for the late Senior Constable Rob Sasagi.
12md Marching Escort move out of the Hall prior to the completion of service.
12md, Pall Bearers bring Rob out of the Hall.
12md All persons who want to be involved in the Guard of Honour are to leave the hall after Rob is taken out and set themselves up on both sides of the Road east of the Hall towards WIN Stadium.
At the completion of the Rob’s Funeral Service there will be a small ‘Wake’ at the Salvation Army Hall.
From 1pm, the Police ‘Wake’ at the Fraternity Club, Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow. Food is being catered for by Wollongong PD and thanks to our Commander Mr Craner for organising this part.
The Pall Bearers (Carrying Rob’s Coffin) will be his good friends Scott Nicholls, Stewart Arnold, Dean Ritchie, Heath Rhind, Brett Sergeant, Martin Miller, Darren Martin and Haydon Govers.
Others roles are given to Jason Hogan, Shannon Arnold and Vicky Elliott and myself.
For your information Jason Hogan and Ben Buffett from PANSW visited Kath today and passed over the $100,000 Police Provident Fund money and the $15,000 PANSW Funeral assistance money.
Two PANSW Trust Funds have also been set up for Rob & Kath’s children, Grace and Elliott.
Firstly our Commander Mr Craner has organised Police from Lake & Far South Coast to help us with numbers so Wollongong Police who were on night work can now attend the Funeral.
Police who are working on the day (Friday day shift) and want to go to the Funeral or who are happy to stay at the Station and cover positions for those police who want to attend, please talk with Sergeant Scott Rickard who is supervising on the day shift.
We have a Traffic Plan in place and I thank Andrew Cotton and the Wollongong Council for doing this.
Due to time frames can you please pass this information on to other police who are in your group/team, send it out to police who no longer work here or who have left the “Job‘ put it on Face Book. Tell family and friends. We need to get the information out please.
Please any questions call me.
All the best
Sgt Bob Minns
Ph.0439070265
Tue 12 June 2018
via Cal
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‘True gentleman’: Much-loved Wollongong cop Robert Sasagi dies
Cydonee Mardon
Police officer Robert Sasagi knew his time had run out. He’d had ups and downs during his three-year cancer battle, but this time it was the real thing, the “Real McCoy”.
He’d known it for a few weeks. He wrote it down in a post he asked his wife Kath to share once he had gone.
The much-loved Wollongong cop died on Sunday, but not before spending one last birthday on Friday with his wife and children. And not before his NSW Police Force colleagues showed one last sign of respect.
Wollongong commander Superintendent Chris Craner paid a personal visit to Constable Sasagi’s bedside in Austinmer on Friday to deliver news he had been promoted to senior constable.
Supt Craner said Rob was considered a “senior mentor for the troops”, had worked as a senior investigator and deserved the promotion.
The boss made a special application to NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and had it approved post-haste.
”It’s an emotional time for his family and colleagues and it’s important that he was appropriately recognised,” Supt Craner told the Mercury.
Word of the senior constable’s death spread quickly, with tributes flowing from police and members of the broader community.
A keen footy player, the Wollongong Police Falcons said the world had lost one of its greats.
“He will be remembered as the true gentleman that he was and one of the toughest blokes I know to pull on a Falcons jersey,” the club said.
A career highlight was Rob’s 2014 commendation for brave conduct. Whilst off-duty, he witnessed a man clutch a bloodied arm on a passenger train. He disarmed the offender and detained her until on-duty police arrived.
According to his wife Kath, Rob wanted to spend his last days at home and she felt lucky his wish came true. She shared on Facebook the post he had prepared.
“The problem when suddenly faced with your own mortality is timing,” he wrote.
On the job: Senior Constable Rob Sasagi during a major drug raid in December 2016. The popular police officer died on Sunday. Picture: Robert Peet
“Initially, you think you have no time to do everything you planned to do with your life. Then you think you have plenty of time. Time to tell people the important things … Now arrives the time when the newest scare returns.
“It’s not a matter of timing, I know there’s none left. I won’t tell you not to be sad, because if it were any of you, I’d be sad. Just know that I’m at ease and have come to terms with it.”
Tributes
Constable Robert Sasagi was presented with a bravery award in 2005 after he disarmed a woman with a knife who had just stabbed someone on a train.
So sad RIP you died a hero to humanity. Janet Selby, Albion Park
Dear Rob. It saddens me to hear that you are no longer with us mate, but I am releaved that you are now at peace. I will miss our morning discussions about our belovered Parramatta Eels. In those famous Pellegrini words ‘usual coffee Rob’ I will endeavour to continue this legacy in your honour mate. Always remembered. Denis & Dave, (Bar Pellegrini) Keiraville
Our lives are so much enhanced having had you on that jouney as a workmate more importantly as a bloody great friend and human being. Sincere condolences to all your family. You were so brave, may you rest in eternal peace my friend. Paul Davidson Primbee
Thank you for all that you did for our region. My thoughts are with your loved ones. Mandy Mt Warrigal
Our Thoughts are with Robert and his Family. We are all proud and grateful for Roberts service in the force. May he rest in peace and watch over us in another life ❤ Alex Breslin, Coniston
RIP MATE, AND BIG THANK U TO ALL MEN IN BLUE SAM, WARILLA
You were a terrific mentor to the junior troops. RIP Good man. Vito Gaudiosi, Dapto
I remember when he got the bravery award in 2005. Well deserved, but that was Rob. Worked GDs with him a few times. Will be sadly missed Dave M, Figtree
A true gentleman and a genuine man. It was a pleasure to know you and work alongside you. You will be missed Sausage. Fly high xx Sharon Johnson, Nichols Hunter Valley
I didn’t know you but as a retired cop, I dip my hat to you…..RIP Spike McCallum, North Avoca Beach
Sad news. prayers to all family members. John Stephenson, Tarrawanna
Blessed are Gods children go in peace.He will always protect his family from cop Heaven Susan Caruana, Ipswich Queensland.
Oh Rob! Pete Theodore, Woonona
A brave protector gone to rest !! Sleep in peace in His arms and suffer no more Vincent de Vos, Oak Flats
RIP Rob. A great shamrock lost. A pleasure to have had u as mate Adam Potter, Shamrocks
A good man Norman, Woonona
Had the pleasure of working with Rob at Redfern many years ago always a bright light whatever shade the rest of the world seemed. Thanks Rob Barry Wright, Ulladulla
Hi Kathy…..very sorry indeed to hear of your loss Dic Morgan, Camden Town, London
So sad and so proud. Loved your family and loyal to your brother and sisters in arms. Uncle Fraser, Sue and Paris Perth, Western Australia
You were a top bloke and you will be missed. Rest easy mate Aiden, Dapto
RIP Robert xx Jo. Mahssen, Shell cove
Nephew you are now at the card table in the sky with our beloved aiga who have passed. Keep an eye on their sleight of hand eh? Alofa atu Aunty Tina Aunty Tina, Melbourne
Malo le tau. Malo le toa. Manuia lau malaga Robert. Alofa atu julienne and ted. Julienne Johnston, Hillsborough
Deepest sympathy to your family. Thank you for all you did. Heather Tweedie, Coffs Harbour
I understand the feeling which is close to my heart. Lovely too get to do these things. Thinking of you and your family. Maureen Stephenson, Woonona
Fate whispers to the Warrior, ” You can not withstand the Storm” The Warrior Whispers back I am The Storm; you will be sadly missed my cousin, but never forgotten, Arohanui. Ringo Rissetto,West Auckland, New Zealand
Alofa atu Rob, e manuia lou malaga Rest in Love Michael Mau’u, Glen Eden New Zealand
Rest in Peace and Love Cuz Robert. Timu. Auvaa .Tito, Blacktown
The world will be a quieter place without your smile, heart and friendship, you were a true Argonaut in my life thank you for your freindship. Doug Ringhoff, NSW
May you rest in peace my old Redfern mate. Loved your sense of humour & everything about you. Fly high my friend. Lesley Townsend, Redfern
