MCFARLANE, John
| Service Number: | 5715493 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Sapper |
| Last Unit: | 1st Field Squadron, RAE |
| Born: | Canning, Western Australia, 5 May 1948 |
| Home Town: | Forrestdale, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Armadale High School, , Western Australia |
| Occupation: | Truck driver |
| Died: | Brain Cancer / possible Agent orange , in his Home Forrestdale, Armadale - Western Australia, Australia , 11 November 2025, aged 77 years |
| Cemetery: |
Privately Cremated |
| Memorials: |
Vietnam War Service
| Date unknown: | Involvement Sapper, 5715493, 1st Field Squadron, RAE |
|---|
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about John.
Mother and Father.. Violet and Clem RIP Rest in Peace.
The only boy in a family of girls! Mavis, an older sister, then John, Carol and June.
They grew up in Forrestdale which was still bush land with dirt tracks. John and his sisters had many adventures in Forrestdale and Oakford where his grandparents lived.
As a teenager John worked at an egg farm and being generous folk they would insist he take home a chook and eggs each night but after a few months Violet said " no more"! If he left work without them the farmer would chase down the road shouting "hey mate..you forgot these"
He joined the army in 1969 until '69.
Served in Vietnam as SAPPER and had his 21st there with his 'tent mates', a rowdy bunch and still are but better mates you couldn't get.
Then in 1971 he met Sue....How did you meet?
Love blossomed and they married in 1973. Married for 52 years..wow!
They built their first home in Armadale and the boys arrived shortly after.
In later years Eric, Chris, Sue and John went on a road trip in John's beloved FJ Holden, restored and still going today!.
As the years passed the boys and John would often go to Southern Cross.
Mavis and Peter had a farm which the boys loved. John was always fixing things on tractors. He also enjoyed helping Uncle Jack in Oakford repair windmills and fencing after a fire went through. Rifle shooting, of course, was much enjoyed.
he was not a chatty/talkative bloke but if he "mildly ' told you off you knew you were ok.
If he ignored you - that was different.
He was a proud Dad, Grandfather and Great grandfather.
He showed his care by acts of service..he'd 'do' for those he loved.
His musical tastes ran to Country and Western ..Jim Reeves and Slim Witman would keep him company while 'fixing motors' or travelling.
John was a man who accepted life as it came along.."whatever will be.. will be" was a favourite saying.
he was a man's man, protective of country, family and mates.
A soldier who sacrificed time and subsequently his good health.
This tough legacy left him with a long illness, taking away his priced ..independence.
RIP
John
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