It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Ray Volpatti (ex-Paddington ITMC).

Ray’s wife, Wendy, rang Laurie McIllree on the morning of April 16 to inform him of teh sad news. Ray went into Hospital last week for an operation and died of complications. Ray had only advised a few close friends that he was going into hospital.

 I worked with Ray in the Paddington ITMC from the late-1970s to the early-1990s before I resigned from AOTC to join Optus. Ray was always a very laid-back type of operator who had a good relationship with his peers and subordinates. He had a lot of knowledge & expertise that he was always willing to share with us younger blokes coming through the ranks.

We extend our condolences to his wife Wendy, son Matthew and the rest of his family. There is no doubt that he will be sadly missed by friends and family alike.

May He Rest In Peace

Funeral Service:

10.30am

Thursday 24th April

All Hallows Church,

Halley Street, Five Docks NSW.

 In attendance at the funeral were:

Jim Simpson; Peter Bull; Lawrie McIlree; Chris & John Vossen; Evelyn & Greg Martyn; Maria & Ray Alford; Brian Travis; Ross Smith; George Woloszuk; Orm Butler; Robin Tuckfield; Carl Viglianti; Geoff Whale & his twin brother; Jim Stevens; and a colleague, Tony.

Neil Yakalis organised a trip to the ABC Radio & TV Studios on Tuesday 8th April 2014. The ABC is located in Harris Street at Central near the UTS building.

The ABC radio & TV studio outing went well today with a total of 18 going. They were Neil & Jeanette Yakalis, Robert Askew, George Woloszuk, Ray Alford, Ray Hookway, David Charrett, Robin Tuckfield, Ross Beaumont, Jim Simpson, Bruce Hardiman, Wayne & Noeline Clauson. Plus friends of Wayne Clauson Paul & Mavis Williams. Also neighbours of mine John & Gloria Dartnell & an old school friend Ray Dowsett. John Dartnell worked as a tech for 37 years in the ABC studios at Gore Hill & Ray Dowsett is a retired Qantas aircraft mechanic.

After the one & a half hour guided tour seven of us stayed for lunch in the ABC cafeteria.

Here are a few photos we were permitted to take whilst on the tour.

Fropm Robert Hall, President VIC Branch of the OTVA:

It is with much regret to advise you of the passing of Peter Edwin Dennis on 29^th March 2014 aged 78.

 Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul will be offered at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church 

 37 Dolphin Street Aspendale Vic. On FRIDAY APRIL 4^TH AT 11.00AM

 Private Cremation will follow.

 KINGSTON FUNERALS   03 9585 2822

 Peter is survived by his wife Edwina (Teddy) & his children Philip, Marita, Annemarie and Joe and their families

Coutesy of Noel Sutherland:

http://www.submarinecablemap.com/

From Joan Warby Cassin:

Today on my way out to Bents Basin with the kids I stumbled upon a familiar site, the distinctive OTC Gate Monument which made me realise that I was driving past OTC Bringelly.

I was instantly transported back to my early years (maybe I was 10) where I remember going to the Xmas party or fireworks night out there. I lived at OTC Doonside and I loved the Bringelly site as I think they had a pool there. I had a smile on my face from ear to ear while telling my kids (kids aged 11 and 14yrs – I am now 35yrs) all about the memories and what us OTC kids got to experience growing up, the freedoms of open spaces, the “gated” community, cattle grids (had to explain those), bonfire/cracker night, the feeling of being at home even though you were at another site, all of it was magical.

Takes me back, and when I look at the semi-ghostly site now, I see past the long grass and empty land, and I can still see it for what it was in the hey day, same with the Doonside site, forever the same in my heart and the way I look on the properties…….

Hasler Exchange

Message Relay Switching Centre (MRSC)

From Carlo Cofini:

Hello Friends and Colleagues,

It saddens me very much to tell you that today we learn of the passing of John Strmecki.  Over the last several years John was fighting heart issues. He was recently released from hospital again, but passed away at his home last Saturday at age 52. 

John commenced work in OTC days around the 1980’s as a trainee technician.  He worked in Engineering Branch and Network Arrangements.

Over recent years John was with Telstra Global located at the Paddington terminal – one of the very few OTC staff left.

Funeral details to be advised when known

From Alison Archer, Shirley’s daughter:

With great sadness, I wish to let you know, that my mother Shirley Richardson, wife of David Richardson, passed away peacefully on Saturday 15^th February after a short period in hospital.

We had hoped that a series of chemotherapy infusions would minimise the tumour but she was not well enough to undergo this treatment. 

Mum had a very wonderful life and even as recently as late January had been to the movies and an outing with Dad.  She is now with her Lord.

A service of Celebration and thanksgiving for her life is to be held on Thursday 20^th Feb at 1pm in the Thornleigh Hilcrest Uniting Church, 1-3 Paling St, Thornleigh. A PowerPoint of photos will commence about 12:45pm.

Mum has requested no floral tributes.

Yours sincerely

Alison Archer

From Robert Hall, President, Victorian Branch OTVA

Hi To All,

Sadly I regret to inform you of the passing of our dear colleague Mervyn de Courcey Jessop after nine months suffering finally succumbed and died peacefully at 2.30am this morning Tuesday 21st January 2014 aged 73

Our sincere sympathy and condolences to his wife, Glenda, and Family.

The funeral service will be held at:

Tobin Bros.

331 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood

2pm Friday 24th January 2014

Other details in Herald/Sun tomorrow (Wednesday)