Goulburn detective, father, artist, referee and Lion passes
Darryl Fernance
A former Goulburn detective who was well known for his art will long be remembered by the many people who came to know him throughout his life.
Bernard Joseph Walsh, known as Bernie – and also known as ‘The Rev’ (short for ‘The Reverend’), a nickname given to him by his mates – passed away on December 21, 2018.
He was born on February 20, 1933, the first child of Jack and Minnie Ada Walsh. Several years later he was joined by his sister, Denise.
Most of his education was at Marist Brothers, North Sydney, where he excelled at sport, specifically football.
His first job was with David Jones. During this time he was following his passion for art, attending East Sydney Technical College part-time for five years.
In 1956, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the NSW Police Service.
This was start of a distinguished 30-year career.
In 1958 he transferred as a young constable from Sydney to Broken Hill.
He met and married Beverley Bush, a girl from Cammeray, in 1961, and she joined him in Broken Hill where their first daughter, Melissa, was born; two years later, Simone followed.
In 1966 he transferred to Goulburn, joining the scientific section where he would work 15 years. Daughter Jacqueline was born in 1970.
Sadness struck the family in 1975 when wife Bev passed away, leaving Bernie a single father with three girls aged under 13.
Ian Radford ( # 10203 ), a former police colleague who worked in the scientific section in Albury, remembered Bernie as a meticulous investigator and a very good artist.
“He was always thorough in his work, but also known for the quality of the artwork he produced,” Mr Radford said. “Though I worked in Albury, we often caught up with each other.”
Daughter Melissa agreed: “Dad had meticulous attention to detail and documentation of his work.
“A few years ago, a detective from the murder squad investigating unsolved cold crimes contacted Jacqui regarding a case Dad had investigated in the early ‘80s.
“She commented on the thoroughness and detailed notes Dad had carried out in the initial investigation of the disappearance and assumed murder of a nurse.
“This case was recently showcased on a TV program, Manhunt, where Dad was mentioned by name as the detective who retrieved the relevant evidence that, with new DNA technology available today, resulted in a murder conviction 30 years after the crime was committed, despite a body never being recovered.”
While in Goulburn, Bernie became an active member of the Lions Club of Goulburn City.
His art also flourished and he staged at least one solo exhibition. He was often featured in the Goulburn Evening Post under headlines such as ‘Cop his art’ or ‘Just cop this for a brush with the law!’
He won many awards, but was probably most proud of his submission into the Archibald Prize of rugby league football player, Paul Harragon.
Bernie loved sport and for many years was a rugby league referee in Goulburn.
After retiring from refereeing he joined the Hash House Harriers in Goulburn and later the Central Coast Harriers: social runners clubs mixing sport with regular social activities. He even went to a couple of international Hash events in Asia.
Bernie completed 19 City to Surf events. He also competed in at least one marathon, on the Gold Coast in 1980, and in 1982 carried the Queen’s message baton in the relay to the Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
After hanging up his running shoes, he morphed into a lycra-wearing cyclist, competing in several charity cycle events from Sydney to Wollongong and ventured far and wide around the country with his cycling mates.
His three daughters say they will always appreciate the job Bernie did, bringing them up as a single father. He juggled police work with domestic duties and made time for sport and art.
His last seven years were spent in the care of Orana Baptist Health, where illness finally overcame his zest for life.
Melissa said the staff had always treated their father with respect and dignity and she and her sisters appreciated, very much, this support.
Service: From? ? pre Aug 1965?to25 August 1999 = 34 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 April 1981
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992
Born: Thursday 10 February 1944
Died on: Tuesday 25 December 2018 ( Christmas day ) with family by his side
Age: 74yrs 10mths 15 days
Cause: Phil had major surgery on 18 December for bladder cancer. He went home to recover but, unfortunately, a blood clot had developed that went into his lungs.
Phil was also the Editor of the Australian Police Journal ( APJ ) for many years and also did a lot of work with the Metropolitan South – Associates Branch of the Retired Police Association.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione helped unveil a new police memorial at Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland on Thursday. Pictured from left: Andrew Scipione, Tony Grant and Phil Peters. Picture Chris Lane
Remembered: Graham Boyd and Phil Peters at the police memorial will will be opened on Thursday. Picture: Chris Lane.
Remembered: Graham Boyd and Phil Peters at the police memorial will will be opened on Thursday. Picture: Chris Lane.Remembered: Graham Boyd and Phil Peters at the police memorial will will be opened on Thursday. Picture: Chris Lane.
Edwin Francis KAIN
| 30/12/2018
Edwin Francis KAIN
AKA EDDIE & YOGI
Late of ?
Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 4 August 1969
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 120
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 13809
Rank: Commenced at Redfern Police Academy on 4 August 1969 ( aged 21 years, 2 months, 15 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 15 September 1969 ( aged 21 years, 3 months, 26 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 15 September 1974
Senior Constable – appointed 15 September 1978
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 13 July 1985
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ???
Final Rank = Inspector
Stations: ?, Five Dock ( 1970’s ), Pymble ( 1973 ), worked at Supt. of Licences Officer, Gosford ( Licencing Sgt ) – 30 Division, Ashfield, Eastwood – Retirement
Service: From 4 August 1969 to31 October 2003 = 34 years, 2 months, 27 days Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 10 September 1986 ( Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 8 November 1995 ( Sgt 3/c )
Police Ethical & Good Conduct Medal – granted ? ? ?
20 year Clasp to Police Ethical & Good Conduct Medal – granted ? ? ?
Born: Thursday 20 May 1948
Died on: Thursday 6 December 2018
Age: 70 years, 6 months, 16 days
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Age at Retirement: 55 years, 5 months, 11 days
Years in Retirement: 15 years, 1 month, 5 days
Funeral date: Thursday 13 December 2018 @ 11am
Funeral location: Rose Chapel, Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, 57 Palmdale Rd, Palmdale, NSW
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park,
Apple Gum Garden, Site 25
Memorial located at: ?
EDDIE 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.
Greg Muir ( # 15816 ) It was a quiet service at Palmdale. Valedictory given by Jack Williams and reminiscing by Greg Ashurst ( # 14281 ) and Eddie’s son Gavin.
Condolences to Sandra and the family. RIP Eddie, no longer suffering.
Class 120 at Redfern Police Academy in 1969. Back Row ( L – R ): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Eddie KAIN, ?, ?, ? Middle Row ( L – R ): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ? Front Row ( L – R ): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?
Edwin Francis KAIN Send Off – 2003
This article is obviously not the Edwin Francis KAIN ( above ) but could possibly be a relative.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Saturday 29 July 1944, page 21
FUNERALS
KAIN- The relatives and Friends of Mr and Mrs Frank Kain of 41 Burlington avenue, Earlwood and Mr. and Mrs. J. Selator, of Stanmore are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved Brother and Cousin Edwin Francis Kain to leave our Chapel 7 Missendon Road, Camperdown, This Saturday Afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Field of Mars.
Gary THATCHER, son of Laurie, was with old work mates at the Palm Court Restaurant, Corrimal Hotel, Princes Hwy, Corrimal tonight ( Wednesday 12 December 2018 ).
This ‘get together’ was with old Policing Footy Team mates from the Illawarra – who regularly gathered to celebrate old war stories and great times together.
Tonight, about 6pm, Gary was ready to leave the restaurant with his mates and went to the bathroom. At the time he was wearing a moon boot due to a recent operation. Gary was in good spirits when he went into the toilet but a short time later he was found lying on the floor in the bathroom and it is unsure what has occurred and further enquiries by police are continuing.
His friends and colleges commenced CPR until the arrival of Paramedics who took over but unfortunately Gary passed away.
Gary was in good spirits and health and his passing comes as a total shock to all that knew him and were with with him.
Gonad will forever be resting with his father, Laurie.
Funeral details have yet to be arranged.
May the lads forever Rest In Peace.
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Keith Maree Caldwell 141218
Wednesday was supposed to be a great day for myself & a group of mates..Xmas Lunch with a bunch of good guys beers & punting, war stories, funny times……we do this 6 times during the year. 13 of us were there on Wednesday (few missing) but only 12 got to go home to their loved ones, family & friends!
But this day we will never forget because of the passing of one of us Gary ‘GONAD’ Thatcher ????????. I’m crying as I write this & all of us will deal with this in our own special way.
Some of us had left, but majority were still there, when Gary had a fall around 6pm. NSW Ambo’s / Paramedics attended & a few of the boys assisted them???????? wow..heartbreaking boys but there was nothing else you could do. Maria & myself ended up getting back to the pub with others who arrived to console everyone, it was heart breaking & sad.
This is hard to say but you know what Gary went doing something he really enjoyed…together with old boys having a giggle, telling war stories, food & beer plus a few bets on the side. It is now a special but sad day in our lives.
Gary was loyal to his mates until his last day, loved his family & would do anything for both. A funny bugger who made us laugh. If you had the chance to work with him in the cops (which I did), he was a good old fashion cop.
Police Footy was special, he loved this from his early days as a Campsie ‘Camel’ to the world famous Wollongong ‘Falcons’….he had a ball, and come to think of it majority of us did, great days playing, enjoying life long friendships, away bus trips & end of season trips away. ???? The Townsville trips to see my good mate Muzza ( RIP ) were up there too. This is hard for us but GONAD you wont be forgotten mate…we all loved you❤
Few mates caught up yesterday which was good.
Look over us as we continue in life….a few photos
Our thoughts,prayers & condolences to his family.
RIP GONAD????????xxoo
William Peter CROOKS
| 30/12/2018
William Peter CROOKS
AKA PETE, CROOKSY
Late of Umina
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # ???
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 32060
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Inspector
Stations: ?, Eastwood, Police Prosecutor, CMR Region Office, Office of General Counsel and Brisbane Water Police District – Death
Service: From? ? ?to29 November 2018 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 3 February 1969
Died on: Thursday 29 November 2018
Age: 49
Cause: Brain tumour
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Monday 10 December 2018
Funeral location: Green Point – Central Coast, NSW
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow] WILLIAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location: TBA
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Geoff had been an inpatient at Coonamble Hospital, in the palliative care unit, after suffering a seizure during chemotherapy.
Singo was apparently a “tough old bastard” and it took “a lot to get the better of him” but he succumbed to his cancer – with his wife, Dot, by his side.
He was renowned amongst the policing troops as a “Champion bloke” and “bloody tough”
When he first turned up at Pilliga, one of the locals thought he was a drover and asked him where he had his herd.
Singo was a yarn teller and a bad singer. He was a good poet and could roll a smoke one handed.
He was a good bushman.
Greg Martin A true blue country cop Rest In Peace Singo
Phillip Stephenson He was a legend in Coonamble.
Mal Unicomb RIP Singo. What a great character he was. A very dry wit and so many stories. Always amazed me how that tiny little bit of rolly cigarette stayed on his lip.
Michael McCulkin Thanks for the update John. RIP Singo, a legend in the true sense
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Annette Louise TOLHURST nee HINTON
| 30/12/2018
Annette Louise TOLHURST nee HINTON
Daughter-in-law to Charlie Tolhurst ( NSWPF # 5395 )
AKA NETTY
Late of Lithgow
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 237
New South Wales Police Force
Probationary Constable # 60505
Regd. # 25650
Rank: Commenced training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 20 June 1988 ( aged 24 years, 5 months, 25 days )
Probationary Constable – attested 9 September 1988 ( 24 years, 8 months, 14 days )
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, The Rocks ( 1990 ), North Sydney ( 6 Division ), PoliceLink ( PAL ) – Lithgow
Service: From 20 June 1988 to29 November 2018 = 30 years, 5 months, 9 days years Service
Age at leaving Police: 54 years, 11 months, 3 days
Time in Retirement: 0
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Thursday 26 December 1963
Died on: Thursday 29 November 2018 at Lithgow District Hospital
Age: 54 years, 11 months, 3 days
Cause: Cancer
Event location: Lithgow District Base Hospital, Lithgow, NSW
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 7 December 2018 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Black Gold Cabins, 121 Main St, Wallerawang
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Lithgow City Funerals – 6352 2111
Buried at: Blackheath Cemetery, Great Western Hwy, Blackheath, NSW
Memorial located at: 1/Bush Ashes Walk ( BBAWA ), Row A, Plot 264
2/ Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall | Right Wall, E27
ANNETTE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
ANNETTE IS mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall | Right Wall, E27
Funeral location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
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.
John Robert Thomas HAMER
| 30/12/2018
John Robert Thomas HAMER
AKA ?
Late of Monterey, NSW
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 100
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11103
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 17 August 1964 ( aged 21 years, 5 months, 29 days )
Constable – appointed 17 August 1965
Senior Constable – appointed 17 August 1973
Senior Sergeant – appointed 31 December 1987
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, ‘D’ District, G.D’s all of his service in Metro & Country areas, Police Academy lecturer at the Secondary Training annexure, Elizabeth St, Redfern ( 1980’s ), Sutherland District Office, Kogarah – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre August 1964?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 March 1981 ( Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 October 1991
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 10 August 2000
Born: Friday 19 February 1943
Died on: Monday 3 December 2018
Age: 75 years, 9 months, 14 days
Cause: Parkinson disease ( sufferer for 10 years ) & recently suffered progressive dementia
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Monday 10 December 2018 @ noon
Funeral location: South chapel, Woronora Cemetery, Linden St, Sutherland
a Sergeants course or First Line Commanders course at Penrith Police Station around mid 1980s. Can’t remember all the names but I will give it a try. Back row: Laurie Eddy ( # 16868? ), Greg Peterson ( # 15106 ), Warren Newton ( # 14491 ), Bob Murrell ( # 15864 ), Hank Vanderwaarden ( # 15760 ), Ron Blake ( # 10029 ). Middle row: John HAMER – instructor ( # 11103 ), Ernie Jones ( # 15468 or # 14515 ) , Gary BUCKLEY ( # 16269 ), Ces Kearney ( # 16804 ), Ray Filewood ( # 15912 ), Dave Clouston ( # 16727 ), Alan Targett ( # 14196 ), Helmut Myers ( # 16359 ). Front row: Kieron Power ( # 17384 ), John Findlater ( # 13571 ), Ron McGOWAN ( # 15631 ), Gordon Middlemisss ( # 17058 ), Gary Winchester ( # 15414 ), Mal Roser ( # 16028 ).
the Metropolitan South Associates Branch of the Police Association have advised of the death of retired Senior Sergeant John Hamer, last station Kogarah.
During his service John performed general duties at country and metropolitan stations, and for a time was a lecturer at the Police Academy. He was an absolute gentleman, a very humble and respected man. For the past ten years John battled Parkinson disease and more recently suffered progressive dementia. Rest in Peace friend.
————–
03/12/2018 – John Robert Thomas HAMER, 75 old, Reg. No. 11103. Ret. Sen. Sgt of Monterey, Sydney NSW.
John’s funeral will be held at 12.00pm on Monday the 10th Instant at the South Chapel, Woronora Cemetery, thence a burial will be conducted within the grounds.
The family are desirous that former colleagues attending John’s funeral may wear relevant medals. If so, appropriate dress clothes would be required. The family have indicated that they would also like a Police Honour Guard to be present. Later, a wake will be held within the grounds to celebrate John’s life.
Les DalrympleSergeant Hamer was an instructor at the Academy when I did secondary training back in the very early 80s. A thorough gentleman — Vale John.
Ron AlexanderI worked with John at the secondary training annexure Elizabeth Street Redfern during the late 80’s. John was admired by all and a true friend. RIP John.
Col ColmanThank you John Hamer for your fine and dedicated Service to our Community. We also thank you for you enthusiastic approach whilst performing instructional duties at the Police Academy, and on behalf of the many hundreds of Probationary Constables you instructed in class, and launching them into a wonderful career, we say thank you, you really did make a difference. As a new Instructor at the Academy, during John’s tour, I found him most helpful and informative, during those first few months. RIP………..
Ken EmmsI was a student of John’s in the Methods of Instruction Course. A very competent teacher & all round good bloke. He will be sadly missed. Sincere sympathies to John’s family.
Glenn Stan Cam StanleyJohn was attached to Sutherland District Office when I was in SOGs and he was always a gentleman who also had a good sense of humour. Will be sadly missed RIP mate
Stewart McNeiceWorked with John at Kogarah. A real gentleman. A dam shame.