Paul’s daughter, Jennifer, wrote:
Sadly, dad passed away last week, 4th June 2025. He was 90 years old.
Dad worked for OTC for 24 years. As a young man he worked with Cable and Wireless in Malta. When he emigrated to Australia in1954, he was able to get immediate employment with OTC. During his time with OTC, he worked initially in Melbourne, but then took the opportunity to work in Sydney, Perth, Suva Fiji, Fanning Island, and in the 70’s did a 2 year stint in Cairns. He worked mainly on telegraph and telephone submarine cables and computer-controlled switching systems.
Dad was a private person, and although he often spoke about the OTC veterans, I don’t believe he was ever actively involved. I do think however, several years ago, he may have given the OTVA a CD which described life on Fanning Island. If not, and you are interested, I may be able to find something in his archives.
Dad was always very proud of his work in OTC. And it’s good to know that the historical aspects of communications in Australia are not being lost thanks to OTVA.
I found the below photo in Dad’s archives. The photo is of the team on Fanning Island c.1961. Dad is seated in the front row on the lefthand side as you look at the photo.
Following is the link for livestreaming Paul’s service. It will be recorded and will be available to view for up to 3 months.
The service will be held on Monday 16th June, 2025 at 10:30 am (AEST) at Pinegrove Guardian Chapel, Kington Street, Minchinbury NSW.
1 Comment
Sad to hear of Paul’s passing. I remember Paul was sent to AT&T to learn about TASI-A and on his return conducted training classes for the Operations staff at Paddington myself included. We all then participated with Eng Branch installing and commissioning and then bringing into service over the Compac cable to Vancouver.
This allowed an increase in voice channel capacity of at least 2.5:1 over 36 channels plus one control channel.
I think I still have Paul’s notes from his classes.
RIP Paul.
Cheers
David Coutts