............................... VALE - Peter Maher
..... Secretary, HMAS Brisbane Association
...... Webmaster, The HMAS Brisbane Website
.... Webmaster, The Pussers Greenies Website


...... ..........

I was shocked and saddened to receive a phone call a short time ago, from Kerry Kerr, Webmaster of the 'Navy Stokers' Website,
advising me of the passing of our good friend Peter Maher, Secretary of The HMAS Brisbane Association and Webmaster of both
the ‘HMAS Brisbane’ and the ‘Pussers Greenies’ Websites, prolific e-mailer and source of most of the Navy related posts I’ve re-
posted on RAN Skilled Hands over many years....

Peter had suffered a number of health challenges over recent years, having had another ‘stent’ implanted just weeks ago. I was
advised that Peter was driving to Melbourne to catch up with members of his family, but died unexpectedly at Gundagai, en-route.

His widow Kay notified their son Tony, based in Darwin, who got in touch with Peter McGurk of ‘The Pussers Greenies’ Website,
who in turn, contacted Kerry Kerr, who rang me earlier this afternoon...

Peter was the glue that held ‘The Steel Cat’ community together, maintaining Member lists, organising regular get-togethers and
sourcing everything from ‘the latest buzz’, to name tags, polo shirts, jackets and caps for former Greenies, former Stokers and the
‘Fighting 41’ and 'The Grey Ghost' crews...

Being a former crew Member of HMAS Brisbane, I got to know Peter through our common interests in our respective websites and
it was Peter who asked me to design ‘The Steel Cat’ logo currently in use on the various clothing items he had embroidered for the
‘The Steel Cat’ community...

I would regularly receive a dozen e-mails a day from Peter, (he would also update me on ex-MOBI Greenies passing over the bar,)
and I spoke to him whenever I needed advice on anything from computers to the latest Navy scuttlebut...!

Peter’s passing will leave a huge hole in more than a few communities and he will be sadly missed...

Our sincere condolences to Peter’s widow Kay and their extended family...

Rest on your oars, Peter, old friend, your journey’s 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

Rick Pengilly has said it all. Peter was a wonderful caring man & all he wanted was for the wider Navy community to pull together as one.

I will miss my daily chats with Peter, notwithstanding his prolific email postings, he had many contacts around the globe, & I have heard from England & the States already.

Stand down Peter your work is done.

Regards
Kerry

Peter

RIP

Rest on the oars old Friend

Some one upstairs need a Greenie to keep the lights Burning

_________________
Charlie (Chuckles) Britt JP TPI
Welfare Pensions Officer
R95712
Ex-LME(D) LSMTP2
17th Intake JR's, 23rd MOBI Intake .
Oct 66 - Nov 74
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Cerberus, Stalwart, Cerberus, Waterhen, Penguin, Carpentaria, Dolphin, Penguin, Sydney, Albatross, Leeuwin, Acute, Leeuwin, Cerberus, Stalwart, Waterhen, Attack, Leeuwin, DEE.

What sad news. Another real decent bloke passed on, and one of far too many of late.

May you have sunshine, fair winds and following seas on your journey, Peter.

_________________

Chris O'Keefe
R43136
Ex WO Chippy
19th MOBI Intake
July 65 to July 85
HMAS Nirimba X 4 -Penguin-Sydney-Queenborough - Creswell - Moreton - Stalwart - Platypus - Coonawarra Reconstruction Team 76 - Platypus - Hobart - Cerberus - FHQ - Coonawarra.

Anyone can be ordinary. Shipwrights choose to be extraordinary!

I never had the pleasure of catching up with Peter even though I purchased a couple of Brisbane shirts from him. I was however on his mailing list and received many e-mails from him informing me of numerous Navy comings and goings.

It is very sad to lose someone who is a really important link in the ex Navy communication chain. Peter was one of those wonderful guys that seemed to care so much for all the guys and girls that still want to "stay in the loop"

Rest well old buddy.

_________________

John Kelly (WEBMASTER)
R42620
Ex-WOMTH
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'83
Nirimba x3 - Rushcutter - Sydney x2 (Carrier) - Melbourne (Carrier) - Penguin - Kuttabul - Creswell x3 - Stalwart x2 - Brisbane.

Sincere condolences to Peters wife and family.He was owed by many for his advocacy whilst at VVA Granville and as the backbone of the HMAS Brisbane Association.Will be sadly missed. Trevor George.

It's struck me hard to hear of Peter's passing. I've known Peter a long time and I'm very saddened and shocked my his sudden passing.
Farewell, old Friend.

Tony Gerding
R59781
Ex-LEMP
Qld. Pussersgreenies.

What can one say in such circumstances other than sincere condolences to Steelcats41's immediate and extended family.
We will surely miss you and your widespread support of shipmates.
Fair winds and smooth seas for your final voyage.

Les Sheehan
Webmaster
Voyager All Crews
FESR Navy Association

It has been a big shock for all us "Greenies" as it was so unexpected

RIP Peter and thank you for all you done for us

Very sad to hear of Peter's passing. He was a tireless worker for the ex-Steel Cat and Pussers Greenies communities. He will be sorely missed.

Smooth seas and a full boiler of green steam Peter. Rest in Peace.

_________________
Robin (Bob) King
R105234
Ex-WOETS4
25th MOBI Intake
July 68 - June 88
Nirimba, Waratah (Dam Neck), Brisbane, Waratah (Mare Is & LBNSY), Harman (CDSC), Waratah (Mare Is), Brisbane, Harman (Navy Office & CDSC), Waratah (Dam Neck & Mare Is), Harman (CDSC)

Wisdom comes with age, sometimes age comes alone.