It is with deep regret that I advise of the passing of Danny Yee last Friday 4-1-2013 aged  72 after a long illness which has been reported in the Sick List of this BLOG for several weeks. Many thanks to Paul Mulcahy, Vernon Yen and others for advising of Danny’s passing.

From left to right: Robert Natale (previously Schmet), Danny Yee, Ross Smith, Norman Stagnitta, Bill Millar & Dennis Andrade.

More from Kevin O’Brien extracted from OTC Transit articles in which Danny appeared. The first is circa 1990 and the second 1992:

The above picture includes Danny and work colleagues in the INMC at Paddington

The following attended Danny’s funeral and the celebration of his life held afterwards at the Strathfield golf club. It was good to reminisce and relive the great times that we shared as part of the OTC family: John Eades, Robert Brand, Mani Subramani, Peter Bull, George Woloszuk, Chris Stanley, Kee Lam, Brian Travis, Paul Bewley, Peter Hewins, Bill Breeze, Ray Volpatti, Justin Richards & Norman Stagnitta.

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Dear Friends,

We were very touched by your kind thoughts during Danny’s illness, and your support following his passing.

Thank you for sharing in his farewell, and also for sharing memories from the many years that you worked together at OTC.

Sincerely,

Molly, Geraldine, Roanne and Family

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Provided by Bernie White:

Robert Hall (Hon. Secretary/Treasurer OTVA Melbourne) has passed on the sad news of Jim’s passing. Jim was an esteemed colleague and former Manager Melbourne in his OTC days.

Mr. James Alfred Robinson, aged 86 years, passed away peacefully at the Mt Martha Valley Lodge after a long illness.

Dearly beloved husband of Judith (dec) and Dorothy. Father of Peter & Jenny and Step-Father of Janine and Ashley.

Loving grandfather of all of his grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Held today (Thursday 27 December 2012) at Tobin Bros. Chapel in Mt. Martha Vic.  There were about 110 or so in attendance including OTVA members namely Denis Chambers, Vance Findlay, Yashmin Beaumont, Robert & Judith Hall.

It was an excellent service led by Celebrant Erica Schamberger with opening music “Amazing Grace” by Susan Boyle

Eulogy & Tributes

Jim’s wife Dorothy said they have been married for 14 years and she had cared for Jim since having a stroke whilst on their honeymoon in America.

Jim’s children Peter & Jenny combined together in their eulogy reminiscing their fathers life with family, his service in the RAAF, running prowess with Collingwood Harrier’s and at the Stawell Gift, OTC retiring as State Manager Victoria, held senior positions with the Masonic Lodge, Rotary, RSL, and a long term Member with his beloved COLLINGWOOD football club.

The Masonic Lodge and the RSL both held their tribute services.  The LORD’S PRAYER, Committal and Farewell Music “Collingwood Football Club Song”  “Auld Lang Syne”  “We’ll Meet Again” concluded the service with refreshments at the Chapel.

May He Rest In Peace

From Allan Hennessy:

Des has been living in KINGSCLIFF until recently.

His daughter, Debbie Thompson, advised that Des passed away last Saturday in a nursing home at Woodburn.

No funeral details as yet,  Debbie can be contacted on 02 5602 1904.

We also have Debbie’s postal address if needed.

The picture below is of Des with his son, Peter, and his daughter, Debbie, on the occasion of Des’ 90th birthday.

Col Kelly had lunch with the group in mid November 2012 at the Surf Club overlooking Kirra Beach.

Those guys are certainly enjoying their lifestyle.  Mick Wood was not feeling the best and didn’t make it.  Unfortunately there was too much back light and the photos that I took didn’t turn out.  If anyone is planning a trip to the Gold Coast, they should pop in for a beer or ten.

The guys are there most Wednesdays for lunch but once a month when there is trivia at the club on Wednesday night they have lunch at Kirra Beach on the Thursday.

If you want to catch up a call or email beforehand to Bob Collins (k9paradise@bigpond.com), Bill Newman (02 6672 1701, bilmo747@hotmail.com) or John Bennett (johnwbennett1@hotmail.com) would be a good idea.

The below photo was supplied by John Bennett:

[ from left to right]  Bob Collins, Gary Samuels, John Toland, Bill Newman, Col Kelly  [visiting]  Dave Kidd, John Bennett taking the pic.

From Norm Stagnitta and Colin Kelly (ex-Paddington ITMC/INMC:

Danny Yee is in Concord Hospital and is very sick. Apparently he has leukaemia and the chemotherapy is not going well.

Best wishes to Danny and his family have been received from many people who have known and respected Danny over the years in which he worked at Paddington in ITMC, ISCC, INMC.

From Peter Bull:

50 of our members attended and enjoyed a sumptuous meal and a lot of banter and camaraderie. A good time was had by all.

A total of 18 turned up for this outing. Our volunteer tram driver was Bill Jolly.  After morning tea Bill drove us out to the Royal National Park in the RAAF tram 2001. Then we visited the huge museum containing historical trams. A highlight here was the prison van that Darcy Dugan broke out through the roof from on route to Long Bay Gaol in 1946. Then Bill gave us another tram ride on the Watsons Bay 675 tram. The weather was good with no rain & we enjoyed our lunch at the Sutherland United Services Club.

Present were Neil & Jeanette Yakalis, Ray & Wendy Volpatti, Bob Dentskevich, Ian McDonald, Trevor Thatcher, Bruce Hardiman, Lindsay Harradine, Ray Hookway, Allan Hennessy, Ross Beaumont, Wayne & Noeline Clauson with granddaughter Isabelle, Ray Alford & my neighbours Ken & Pam Edwards. It was great to see the ladies join us & enjoy the days outing.

Regards,

Neil Yakalis

From Geoff Larcombe

In case you haven’t already heard the sad news…

HUTCHINSON, Gregory Desmond Suddenly on Tuesday 30th October, 2012 Late of Baulkham Hills Dearly loved and devoted husband of Lyndahl. Loved father of Ben, Emma and Rebekah. Father-in-law of Brooke, Andy and Ricky. Cherished Pop to Joshua and Manson. Brother to Lorna, Megsie, Lannie, Nola and Cathy.

Greg was an OTC lad in the 70’s, same traineeship as me.

Info from Kim Hargreaves (Joan’s proud daughter):

Joan Sullivan was a €10 pom who joined OTC in Spring St approx 1953/54 and retired 1985.

From Spring St she went to Martin Place, Paddington, Broadway & back to Paddington where she retired. Attached are 2 photos taken today with her grandchildren and another last week on her 87th birthday.

Up until today we were trying to work out if we could get her to the reunion but not possible today at my bother-in-laws fathers funeral was hard enough. My sisters and I thank you for taking the time and effort to include mum in this reunion and wish you and all the vets a wonderful time celebrating.

Thankyou again and all the very best wishes to you all – warm regards – Jackie Salvador, Julie Robinson & Kim Hargreaves.