Page 50 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

48 The Gazette QARANC Association
Obituaries
exercise to places such as Germany and deployment on Op HERRICK 8b in 2008. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct and the Volunteer Reserves Service medal. A fit man who enjoyed adventure training, Des took part in six Nijmegen marches, a gruelling four day event taking place annually in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. It was here that Des formed tight friendships with his fellow marchers.
Des had been an avid QARANC Association NI Branch member for many years and will be missed by us all. In his quiet, unassuming manner he was always a great man to have around. There was always a twinkle in his eye that told you he was prepared for a bit of mischief. He always had his squadron in the forefront of his mind making sure they were well catered for
in all aspects of military life, and without doubt Des led by example.
His most treasured people and possessions: 1. His wife, Sinead; 2. His extended family including his nephews and nieces; 3. A pipe; 4. A good whiskey; 5. A good party where he could dress up and let his hair down. Many memories of Des remain, and members speak of his kindness such as spending time with them as they went through their own personal loss of family members. He is however remembered as a true professional, who brought a smile and laugh to a dark day and provided a steady arm for many to cling on to.
QARANC Association NI Branch Members and friends
The Last Post
Kathleen BANES 17 December 2019
Valerie CHEW 25 October 2019
Margaret FERNANDO Aged 56 years, November 2019
Sylvia GARRETT 30 January 2020
Colonel (Retd) Jean GRIEVE RRC 2 February 2020
Major (Retd) Jean HOWDEN 1 January 2020
Betty JENKINS 1 November 2019
Major (Retd) Janet L’ESTRANGE December 2019
Sandy Marshal Le PLA (nee Fraser) 20 August 2019
Mrs Barbara MATON (ex-Captain served from 1953-1959) November 2019 Colonel (Retd) Joan Elizabeth PEASE ARRC Aged 90 years, 3 October 2019 WO1 Caroline SCARD 18 October 2019
Elizabeth Joyce SMITH 1 January 2020
Mary STEVENS 27 October 2019
Betty TAYLOR 11 January 1920
Des WILSON Aged 59 years, 24 January 2020
Death in Service
Brigadier Janice Ann COOK 10 January 2020 Major Huw JONES 11 December 2019
Our sympathy and condolences are extended to all families and friends.