This was posted under the more 'general' topic of "A Farewell to those with whom we served...", whereas we
like to dedicate an individual topic to farewell ex-Naval Apprentices as RAN Skilled Hands is their website...




The post had initially escaped my notice, however I then received the following from 1st MOBI Intake's 'TOM SHAW ....MOBI 17' tonight...


Hi Rick

I sent an email to your Skilled Hands website last week to inform you of the passing of Kevin Fanker in Tamworth on the 6th of April after a long illness.

It was probably due to my limited computer skills,however you don't seem to have received it as I am sure you would have posted something by now.

Kev was a member of the second intake into Nirimba. He was a fine sportsman, he was top apprentice of Jan '57 entry on passing out in 1960.

Kev was also a Voyager survivor and served on Hobart as CERA on her second tour to Vietnam.

He was promoted to the SD list and served until 1976.

My wife Sue and I attended Kevs funeral in Tamworth with two of Kev's term mates in Joe Manton andJ Jock Schofield with his wife Mary.

Sincerely

TOM SHAW ....MOBI 17

Phone:02 95239618
Mobile:0407 246859

VALE Kevin, rest on your oars, your voyage is done...

_________________

Rick Pengilly
WEBMASTER
Ex-CPOMTH3
R42630
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'74
HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Melbourne - HMAS Cerberus - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Lonsdale - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Brisbane

Kev was my DO at Nirimba. I got to know him quite well as he had to come along to court with me in Sydney. He was very approachable person and I had a high respect for him as I got to know during our conversation in the car on the way to court.

After Nirimba he was HMAS Stuart's engineering officer. This high respect for Kev was also noted by people from my intake who served with him during that period while he was on Stuart.

Vale Kev, see you the final engine room.
Kev I did turn out ok. As I still recall what you said 'one bad mistake does not mean you will be bad all your life'.

_________________
Ron Preddy (spud),
S114945
Ex POMTP3
July 73, 3rd Muppet, 35th Nirimba
1973 to 1985,
Nirimba, Melbourne, Albatross (MT compound), Kuttabul (FMP), Derwent, Leeuwin (Broken leg/boats W/Shop), Derwent, Torrens and Darwin Naval Base (main machine shop).

That's my Ford FPV Cobra GT