It is with deep regret and incredible sadness, that I announce the passing of Annette Tolhurst (Née: Hinton) ????
Annette passed away peacefully, last Thursday evening, after a battle with cancer.
I worked with Annette extensively at North Sydney Police Station, many years ago.
She was an incredibly proficient operator and a wonderful woman.
Annette was a no-nonsense type of person, who got the job done, with a minimum of fuss. She easily won the admiration and respect of all of her work colleagues and dearest friends.
I believe that Annette’s final posting was at the Police Assistance Line (Lithgow).
Rest In Peace, sweet lady.
You were an incredibly beautiful person.
If funeral details do become available, I will announce further updates.
Dellb Shay Rest easy Annie xx
Lenore Schiller RIP ????
Ron Rodgers Graham, I worked with a Kate Hinton also at North Sydney. Any connection?
Graham Slingsby Ron, I don’t think so, mate?
Wayne Topham RIP
Val Ivlev RIP.
Brian Friend Was she related to Charlie
Karen Ure So sad to hear. Condolences.
Udo Starkis RIP ????
Peter Gould May she RIP
Craig Andrews Sad
Graham Slingsby Craig: She was an amazing woman ????
Don Hamilton May she Rest in Peace.
Scott Leadbeatter I attended a few forums with Netty. She was the life of the party for sure. Very sad.
Dellb Shay She certainly was Scott!!
Donna Sedgmen She introduced me to Mr Jim Beam.
Graham Slingsby Donna Sedgmen: Doesn’t surprise me in the slightest! Lol ????
Netty didn’t mind a JB or two!
Scott Leadbeatter I was playing my guitar one night and she come up and said, “I can play the guitar.” Sceptical, I handed her the guitar and she played and sang Take Me Home Country Roads. It brought the house down.
Andrew McDonald RIP Netty. Met her a few times at Lithgow PAL.
Helen Ridge RIP Annie.
Donna Sedgmen I’m so very saddened to hear of Netty’s passing. She was a fabulous person. Rest in Peace my friend.
Lesley Schwetz RIP Annie, you’re a legend in Blue Mountains LAC.
Graham Slingsby Lesley Schwetz Netty was a legend, everywhere she went ❤️
She left behind, an impressive legacy.
Bill Eggins RIP. You have fought the good fight
Lawrence Bonello RIP
Kerrianne Markulin She was a wonderful training officer. I had her at The Rocks in 1990. RIP Nettie.
Sharleen Flanagan So sorry to hear. Condolences to her family.
Annie Pranckus Smart Obviously respected and liked greatly. She will rest in peace leaving behind such admiration.
William John Well respected and well liked.
Stephen William SIVEWRIGHT
| 26/11/2019
Stephen William SIVEWRIGHT
Unknown NSW Serving Policeman
AKA Sivey
Late of Ballina, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Goulburn Police Academy Class # DPP 01 ( CEP 98/2 ) Class 274 )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 32691
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Academy on? ? ?
Probationary Constable – appointed 22 December 1998 ( aged 23 years, 1 month, 7 days )
A NSW Police critical incident team will investigate the death of one of its own officers after a policeman was found dead near Wagga Wagga.
Concerns were raised for the male officer’s welfare with colleagues heading to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga on Wednesday afternoon.
The officer’s death is non-suspicious circumstances, and a critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Police say a critical incident investigation has been launched after the death yesterday of a police officer near the Sturt Highway 30km from Wagga Wagga. “At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious.”
Police Statement: A critical incident investigation has been launched after the death of a police officer near Wagga Wagga. Police were called to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga around 4.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 11 April 2018) after concerns were raised for the welfare of an officer. Ambulance paramedics responded to the location but were unable to revive the officer. At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious. A critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
Police disappointed at close of Operation Tortoise
It would have been difficult to escape a random breath test in Wagga across the Easter long weekend.
It follows a Highway Patrol crack down on fatigue, drink and drug-driving.
With thousands hitting the roads for the holiday, Riverina police conducted more than 6600 random breath tests across four days.
These numbers come at the close of Operation Tortoise, with double-demerits in force until midnight on Monday.
Despite the low number of drivers busted drink driving, acting-Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the behaviour of drivers across the region had been disappointing.
“The message isn’t getting out there,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “People are still speeding.”
He said road users continued to put the lives of their passengers and other people in danger, with more than 200 drivers issued speeding fines.
A further 25 infringements were issued for not wearing seatbelts and 308 drivers were busted for other traffic offences.
“People shouldn’t have to die for drivers to listen,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “This should be a wake-up call.”
His words follow the tragic death of an elderly driver on a Riverina road, near Jindera, on Monday morning.
This death brought the number of fatalities on Riverina roads to six this year.
“That’s ridiculously high,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “Up until March 28, there were 59 fatalities on state roads – a definite increase on last year.”
Police say the results of this year’s initiative to reduce the holiday road toll are concerning.
It follows Wagga Highway Patrol’s launch of Operation Safe Arrival on December 22.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright on Tuesday said local officers, combined with resources from Sydney, had already performed thousands of random breath tests across Wagga.
The Highway Patrol chief said of more than 8520 tests, ten drivers had been caught drink driving.
In addition, Sergeant Sivewright said 225 drivers had been fined for speeding across the region, which was more than half the combined number of traffic-related offences, during that period.
“We are concerned about the 10 drink driving offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “We’d like that to be zero.”
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year.
Sergeant Sivewright urged Riverina drivers to stick to the speed limit, to make a plan-b and to get to their destination safely.
Highway Patrol want you to survive the drive home this Christmas | Video
Madeleine Clarke
Wagga’s Highway Patrol force are gearing up for the busy Christmas period with Operation Safe Arrival kicking off today.
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year performing random breath tests, mobile drug testing, speed enforcement and vehicle and driver compliance checks.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the Riverina cluster will be boosted by additional resources from Sydney.
“We’ll have all our vehicles out on the roads during the day and night time so the public can see us.”
The Wagga Command is made up of 20 officers and nine vehicles.
“With more people going away, wanting to get there, they can get distracted by their mobile phones, we’ll be out there trying to deter people from committing offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said.
“For those travelling long distances we hope they have had at least eight hours sleep before they begin their journey, and stop every two hours or when tired.
“Personal responsibility is the key to road safety in NSW. We urge those on our roads over the school holidays, Christmas and the New Year to help us keep everyone safe on NSW roads.”
Last Christmas and New Year period saw 40 people die on Australian roads, up from 34 the year before.
NSW was the worst state for fatalities, claiming 12 of the dead.
I have decided to support NSW Police Legacy’s largest annual fundraiser in remembrance of all deceased NSW Police Force Officers.
I’m raising funds to continue providing essential financial assistance and social programs and experiences to the widows, widowers and dependent children of deceased police officers.
Through here you can easily support this great cause.
I would also really appreciate it if you could share my page above or comment below so more people know about it.
Click ‘Donate Now’ to make a secure online donation.
Thanks so much for your support!
.
Stephen Sivewright
Donated AUD $53.00 online in support of David Clarke
Stephen Sivewright, from Diddine Brahman Stud at South Lismore, was awarded junior and senior reserve champion bull at the Sydney show, making it three out of four Royal Easter Shows he has entered where he has won reserve champion.
JAMES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
James Gillis McDONALD AKA JIMMY ‘ Tracker ‘ McDONALD is seated – 1st on left together with unknown Police – presumably who were Stationed at Mudgee, NSW.
Jimmy’s leather ‘shin guards’ have been donated, by Peter McDonald, to the NSW Police Museum. Nerida Campbell, the curator, has authenticated them and they will be on display soon ( May 2023 ).
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 – 1954), Monday 19 April 1937, page 4
DEATH
Mr. J. G. McDonald
THE death of Mr. James Gillis McDonald (66), of Perry street. Mudgee, occurred on Friday night. The late Mr. McDonald, who had been a tracker in the police department for 40 years, passed away in his sleep. Born at Cobbora, he had lived in the Mudgee, Wollar, and Rylstone districts all his life.
In his younger days he was a noted athlete, boxer, and swimmer, and had won the famous Botany foot running handicap.
A well respected citizen, his passing will be mourned by many. A widow and eleven children survive.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon, the interment being carried out in the Salvation Army portion of the Mudgee Cemetery by Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son.
The rites were conducted by Major Gibson.
Among those at the funeral were members of the local police force, who also acted as pall-bearers.
McDONALD ( nee Cubbins )— On the 7th August, suddenly, Catherine ( Kate, relict of James Gillies McDonald, of 459 Drummond street, Carlton, ( Victoria ) beloved mother of Norman, Elsie, and Kathleen, aged 48 years.
Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 – 1954), Thursday 20 October 1904, page 21
LOCAL BREVITIES.
Mr. James Gillis McDonald and Miss Harriet May Cooper were joined in wedlock’s holy bonds, the Rev. T. D. Evans officiating. Miss May Bailey was bridesmaid and Mr. Robert Bailey was groomsman.
Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 – 1954), Monday 14 July 1902, page 2
An Object of Suspicion.
A Mudgee Visitor’s Experience
On Friday the Mudgee police received word that a burglary had been committed near Wellington, and a description of the bold bad men was sent here by wireless telegraphy or some other up-to-date means.
The local suppressors of crime and bad language were soon all alert, and on Friday evening Constable Tully and James Gillies McDonald, the well known tracker, had their cunning constabulary optics on a couple of strangers who had driven over from Wellington that day and were stopping at a local hotel.
The rules and regulation provide that a constable shall always act with caution, and therefore Constable Tully did not rush affairs but engaged a room at the hotel and, presumably, sat up all night with one eye on the back door and the other on the front.
The name of the unconscious object of constabulary cunning was Mr. W. V. Bradley, the representative of the Two Bays Nursery Co., Melbourne.
After consuming a very gratifying breakfast he strolled outside his hotel, and was accosted by a man who was a stranger to him, and asked him some tricky little questions as to who he was, where he came from, and where he contemplated going to. Mr. Bradley stated that he was going to the post office, and the stranger at once revealed his official identity, and intimated that the requirements of justice necessitated that the visitor should be searched, for he was suspected of being mixed up in a burglary near Wellington.
Mr. Bradley said he had not the least objection to being searched, and informed the constable that his Gladstone bag was upstairs and contained the usual assortment of clothes soiled and otherwise, and that he had £60 in notes in his pocket, and a fully loaded revolver, which he playfully introduced to the notice of the guardian of the peace.
Constable Tully carefully examined the socks, bicycling knickers, etc., and then sadly abandoned the case as far as Mr. Bradley was concerned. So far as we have heard the genuine desperado has not yet been arrested, but the police are keeping a very wide eye open.
Hi, My name is Jule and I am the great granddaughter of Jimmy McDonald. He was a tracker for the police and I am trying to find information on him.
I know he married Harriot Cooper. I do remember her but I would like to know where is is buried. Thank you I really enjoyed reading your site too. Jules.
I also think he had a police funeral – Jule.
Yes Jule. His family have also seen a photo of him in a NSW Police publication. they are finding out more information – editor.
Mickel Cowie answers: I don’t know anything about Tracker but have noticed that his name has been mentioned in a judgement re Warrabinga-Waradjurie that is accessible via Google using that as the search . Jules could read the judgement and contact the people who have made the claim. Mickel
Jimmy McDonald
My name is Edwin McKenzie and I am the grandson of Jimmy ” Tracker ” McDonald and Harriet Cooper. I’m 65 now, living in Cairns and moving to Brisbane at the end of June – I would love to find out as much as I can about my family and descendants before I die. I would appreciate any information or leads you can give me. Edwin McKenzie
Jimmy McDonald is also my Great Grand Father, my Grandmother (His daughter) Alice Valerie Honeysett (nee McDonald). Jimmy is buried in Mudgee Cemetery in the Salvation Army section. There is still family in the area. The direct Children of Jimmy & Harriet McDonald are: Jimmy, Edie, Doobie, Davey, Jeanie, Donnie, Gertie, Valerie, Dawn, Malcolm McDonald 80 still living in Toronto. I have a photo of them all together which I would be happy to share if you wish. Who are your parents, we must be cousins? Regards, Marina Honeysett
Answering Jules re Jimmy McDonald – he is buried in the Salvation Army section of Mudgee cemetery Row B Plot 50. (unmarked still I think) He lived at 13 Perry St where the RTA now stands and was the last tracker at Wollar between about 1906 to 1919 living there in the trackers hut, then at Rylstone. his obituary. – Anonymous
20/4/1937 (mon) Death – Mr J G McDonald – The death occurred of Mr James Gillis McDonald (66) of Perry St. Mudgee occurred on Friday night. The late Mr McDonald who had been a tracker in the police dept. for 40 years, passed away in his sleep. Born at Cobbora he had lived in the Mudgee, Wollar and Rylstone districts all his life. In his younger days he was a noted athlete, boxer, and swimmer and had won the famous Botany foot-running handicap. A well respected citizen, his passing will be mourned by many. A widow & eleven children survive. Funeral took place Salvation Army section Mudgee cem. Among those at the funeral were members of the local police force, who also acted as pall bearers.
Dear Diane, thanks for your email and yes I do have that information. James is buried in the Salvation Army section of the Mudgee cemetery and he has a plaque which was put there by his daughter Valerie . It is available on the Mudgee cemetery website.
Please pass on email address to Jule , I too am a great grand daughter of Jim McDonald. His son James Henry Crawford McDonald is my grandfather Tanya Scrivener
My name is Edwin McKenzie and I am the grandson of Jimmy “Tracker” McDonald and Harriet Cooper. I’m 65 now, living in Cairns and moving to Brisbane at the end of June – I would love to find out as much as I can about my family and descendants before I die. i would appreciate any information or leads you can give me.
James McDonald
Thank you for your great site . Thanks to you I have found more relatives and some I didn’t know I had And I plan to catch up with all of them Congrats on a great site Jule
Profile last modified 2 Nov 2016 | Created 22 Oct 2016
This page has been accessed 1,016 times.
Biography
True story of Jimmy Governor by Moore & Williams Children of James & Harriet McDonald were as follows Edith – James – Gertie – Hubert – Alice – Davi- Sylvia – Eugene and Donald (twins) – Dawn – Malcolm. Also two who may have died young.
Around the Black Stump.
James Gillis McDonald A well known bush tracker, was born at Laheys Creek on 26-1-1872.
His mother being Eliza McNabb, and his father Thomas McDonald, who was employed by James Falconer as a shepherd.
After his wife’s death Thomas McDonald went to Queensland, leaving his young son James with the Falconers. He was reared by the Falconers growing up with their children Mark & Mary.
The Lady Bushranger.
Page 70.
Sergeant Buckley of Rylstone, his reputation began the day he arrived, for he had brought his milking cow with him.
During the trip the cow produced twin calves, one of which he gave to his tracker Jimmy McDonald, who owned a rogue cow.
Jimmys cow was the terror of the town and was nothing short of a blooming menace, always breaking into everyone’s garden. Yet she fulfilled a much needed role by providing milk for Jimmys extensive brood.
Although Jimmy was a full blood Aborigine his wife was not, and their twelve happy children came in varied colours. Jim could see the humour when he chuckled, with my kiddies, it’s never any use killing a fowl, it would have to be a centipede because everyone begs for a leg.
NSW Aboriginal Trackers James McDonald was the tracker at Wollarah when the Governor brother were on the run. He lived in a four room hut in the police paddock. James knew Jimmy and didn’t shoot him when he had the chance.
Interview with Malcolm McDonald 2012.
Jimmy once fired a warning shot at James which struck his saddle, the children later played with saddle when growing up.
Aboriginal Trackers 1893.
Coolah.
Aboriginal Trackers 1894 – 1901.
Mudgee Jimmy Mack and others.
Aboriginal Trackers 1898 – 1899.
Tambar Springs.
Jimmy Mack and others.
Wages for black trackers varied from four to seven pounds a month.
Mudgee Guardian & North Western Representative 11-11-1918
Police tracker James McDonald stationed at Wollar, who has been doing police duty at Gulgong. Whilst sweeping the yard at the police station here a few days since, picked up a nice nugget of gold , weighing ?? wts.
Mudgee Guardian & North Western Representative 1-7-1920.
Police tracker McDonald, for many years stationed at Wollarah, who recently retired from the service, has it will be learnt with satisfaction rejoined it. Tracker McDonald will resume duty on July 10th. He will be stationed at Rylstone, which will henceforth be the tracker station and depot for the Mudgee Police District.
Mudgee Guardian & North Western Representative 19-4-1937
Death of Mr J McDonald (66) of Perry Street Mudgee occurred on Friday night.
The late Mr McDonald who had been a tracker in the police Dept. for 40 years passed away in his sleep.
Born at Cobbora, he lived in the Mudgee, Wollarah & Rylstone district all his life.
In his young days he was a noted athlete, Boxer, swimmer and he won the famous Botany foot running handicap.
A well respected citizen, his passing will be mourned by many.
A widow & 11 children survive.
Funeral Salvation Army section of Mudgee cemetery. Many at the funeral were members of the local police force, who acted as pall bearers.
James parents Thomas & Eliza McNabb ?????
Sources
Notes from Mr Roy Cameron. Historian of Coolah
BDM Index
DEATH 11485/1937
Mudgee Guardian & North Western Representative 11-11-1918 Mudgee Guardian & North Western Representative 1-7-1920- Mudgee Guardian Newspaper 19-4-1937. Page 4.
The Lady Bushranger , page 70-71. by Pat Studdy-Clift.
NSW Aboriginal Trackers Pathfinders saw.org.au/… List of Black Trackers Coolah & other areas by Roy Cameron Around the Black Stump, page 330. by Roy Cameron
Information from Jeannette Evans, ( on 12 March 2021 ), granddaughter of Tracker McDonald, says that the family have a letter, written by Jeff Falconer, whose family raised Tracker McDonald, and the letter states that Tracker McDonald was given a lifelong job by the Governor after saving two small girls from a bolting horse.
Allen SHAW
| 26/11/2019
Allen SHAW
Late of Boolaroo, NSW
New South Wales Police Force
NSW Redfern Police Academy – Class 078
Regd. # 9326
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 6 April 1959 ( aged 21 years, 5 months, 1 day )
Probationary Constable – appointed 1 June 1959 ( aged 21 years, 6 months, 27 days )
Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 June 1965
Senior Constable – appointed 1 June 1969
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 September 1974
Senior Sergeant – appointed 26 October 1984
Senior Sergeant – Retirement
Stations: ?, North East District, Belmont, Muswellbrook – Retirement
Service: From 6 April 1959 to 2 May 1993= 34years, 26 days Service
Age at Retirement: 55 years, 5 months, 27 days
Time in Retirement: 24 years, 8 months, 11 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980 ( Det Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 15 May 1986 ( Sgt 1st Class )
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 15 May 1986 ( Sgt 1st Class )
Born: Friday 5 November 1937
Died on: Saturday 13 January 2018
Age: 80 years, 2 months, 8 days
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Thursday 18 January 2018 @ 1pm
Funeral location: The Chapel, Newcastle Memorial Park, 176 Anderson Dve, Beresfield
Buried at: Cremated – Newcastle Memorial Park, Beresfield
ALLEN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
May they forever Rest In Peace
SHAW, ALLEN
Late of Boolaroo
Passed away peacefully 13th January 2018
Aged 80 years
Dearly loved husband of COLEEN.
Much loved father and father-in-law of JOHN and ELLEN, JODIE and SCOTT, and GEOFFREY.
Loving Poppy and Grandpop to their children.
The Family and Friends of ALLEN are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of his Life to be held in The North Chapel of the Newcastle Memorial Park, Beresfield on Thursday 18th January 2018, Service commencing at 1.00pm.
Published in The Newcastle Herald on Jan. 17, 2018
“Served the community as a good Police Officer for many years, and will be remembered for that and as a good golfer and good friend. Our condolences to Colleen and family, our thoughts will be with you on this sad occasion.”
Dearly beloved husband of Shirley. Loved father and father-in-law of Warwick and Alana, Damian and Jenny, Bryson and Donna. Cherished grandfather and great grandfather to their children. Will also be sadly missed by all his extended family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial for the life of Rex will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills on Wednesday 2nd August, 2017 commencing at 11:00am. Following the service the cortege will proceed to Castlebrook Memorial Park Cemetery, 712 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.
In lieu of flowers donations to NSW Police Legacy would be appreciated.
A Mass of Christian Burial for the life of Rex will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills
Wednesday 2nd August, 2017 commencing at 11:00am.
Following the service the cortege will proceed to Castlebrook Memorial Park Cemetery, 712 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.
2137592 CAPT Rex James Anderson
24 May 1938 – 27 July 2017
Aged 79 Years
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of
2137592 CAPT Rex James Anderson
on Thursday 27 July 2017.
Rex was called up for National Service in the late 1950’s and
after his initial training was enlisted into the CMF for two
years obligatory service. Rex served in 2 Div MP Coy and in
1970 he was seconded into the ARA as a specialist investigator
with the then SIB. Rex was sent to Vietnam with the SIB on
3 Dec 1970 till 2 Dec 1971. At the end of his secondment, Rex
returned to the NSW Police Force where he served until his
retirement as a Superintendent. Rex was a staunch member
of the MPAA and a strong supporter.
Rex was a thorough gentleman who was always willing to nurture,
advise and guide young investigators and to lend a helping hand
wherever required. He will be sadly missed.
Dearly beloved husband of Shirley. Loved father and father-in-law of Warwick and Alana, Damian and Jenny, Bryson and Donna. Cherished grandfather and great grandfather to their children. Will also be sadly missed by all his extended family and friends.
Rex and Shirley at their 55th Wedding Anniversary on 29 November 2013.
Retired Police Commissioner Ken Moroney with Nick Pavlov & Rex Anderson on 20 October 2015
Rex on 19 June 2016
Rex on the 13 May 2015 Col Kelson behind him with glasses on
John Leslie WINDSOR
| 26/11/2019
John Leslie WINDSOR
Late of ?
AKA Jack
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 14805
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 9 August 1971 ( aged 19 Years, 2 months, 22 days )
Probationary Constable – attested 20 September 1971 ( 19 years, 4 months, 2 days )
Constable – appointed 20 September 1972
Constable 1st Class – appointed 20 September 1976
Senior Constable – appointed
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 22 April 1987
Final Rank: Sergeant – Death
Stations: ?, Grafton
Service: From 9 August 1971 to 9 January 2009=37years, 5 months, 0 days Service
Time in Retirement: 2 years, 3 months, 20 days
Age at Retirement: 56 years, 7 months, 22 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 November 1988 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 6 June 1997 ( Sgt )
Born: Sunday 18 May 1952
Died on: Friday 29 April 2011
Age: 58 years, 11 months, 11 days
Cause: Cancer – Melanoma
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 4 May 2011 @ 11.30AM
Funeral location: Christ Church Cathedral, Duke St, Grafton, NSW
The funeral of Sergeant John Windsor at the Christ Church Cathedral.
THERE was a potent message from the funeral yesterday of popular former Grafton policeman Sgt John Windsor … get your skin checked regularly for skin cancers.
Sgt Windsor’s two daughters Alison and Jenny told a packed Christ Church Cathedral their father, a devoted and loving family man, had died after a long battle with melanoma.
“We urge you all to see a doctor and get your skin checked,” they told the congregation.
They described their father as a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, someone who didn’t like crowds and never wanted to be the centre of attention.
“He was dedicated to his friends, his family and work,” they said.
“He always had a friendly g’day.”
They said he was a man of limited fashion sense, who wore trademark check shirts for 30 years and an Akubra hat, and loved to travel – with a particular fascination for Queensland.
He also had a deep appreciation of food and a soft spot for animals.
“He was a gentle soul who lived his life with integrity and honour,” they said.
Many of his former colleagues in the NSW Police Force, including many who are now retired, attended yesterday’s service and spoke of his dedication to serving people.
Coffs Clarence Local Area Police Commander Mark Holahan said that when he first arrived at the Grafton Police Station as a young constable in 1987, Sgt Windsor was a calming influence.
“He retired on January 9, 2009, having spent 37 years and 162 days in the service of New South Wales,” he said.
“Rest in peace, old friend, you have served your community to the best of your ability. Vale John Windsor.”
Another of his former colleagues, Senior Sergeant Chris Tuite, gave a list of words to describe Sgt Windsor.
He said he was loving, particularly of his two daughters and wife Margaret, his father Keith and the police.
“He loved coming to work and you could set your clock by him,” he said.
He was kind and never had a harsh word against anyone.
He was respectful and showed this with his dealings with his superiors and women.
And he was generous.
“He was always a gentleman in the true definition of the word,” Sen Sgt Tuite said.
