Peter Hewitson has passed on the sad news of the passing of Gareth Evans who passed away peacefully last Saturday.
Peter spoke to Gareth’s daughter, Tara, on the morning of Tuesday 10 June 2025.
Gareth’s funeral arrangements are as follows:
19th of June at midday
Traditional Funerals, 636 Morayfield Road, Burpengary QLD
Gareth last served at Brisbane CRS Ningi.
In October 2024 Gareth wrote in response to an email about the upcoming Christmas reunion of OTVA members:
“I am now a full invalid having lost the use of both my legs. I eat and sleep in my recliner chair 24hrs a day. I am 76yo so probably do not have much time left?
My wife is Irish of 51years and a strong worker plus she is half my size. Anyway, not complaining, being a Welshman.
I arrived in Australia in 1962 and I joined the Navy in 1963 being 15 years of age. I did enjoy my time of 10yrs in the Navy as a sparkey. I received a medical discharge when I lost my first wife in a MVA on the way to Harman and spent many months in the hospital at HMAS Penguin.
After that I spent 10yrs at OTC and loved every minute of it.”
Attached is a photo of the VIB staff reunion back in 2017. Gareth is the big fella on the left!
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Peter Hewitson worked with Gareth at VIB Brisbane radio for 6 years but had heard him on the air from different stations for many years prior. Peter and Gareth were also members of the Caboolture Amateur Radio Club until about 3 years ago. Peter also knew his wife Phyllis and dropped by their place many times for a cuppa.
Gareth was very outgoing, lively and helpful but was restricted by his health problems after a car accident which he never fully recovered from – physically as well as mentally.
He will be sadly missed.
May He Rest In Peace
Peter Hewitson