Bill Riley

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Whisky Carter

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Peter Maher
I first met Peter 50 odd years ago, and some of the one’s I spent with him were pretty odd. I arrived at 3AD Amberley in company with Bill Black, Phil Hodge and Kevin Stapleton still wet behind the ears from 3years in Wagga. Peter amongst many others made us feel very welcome and set about educating us. We went many times to Jean and Peters home, for meals. Home was a  a big old house split up into 3 flats occupied by 3 Airforce couples one of whom was Ray Ezzy who I spoke to this morning and he sends his condolences. He said that house could get pretty wild at times, and I have no reason to doubt him as he is well qualified to judge events along those lines.  John Monkhouse John Thomson  and Kev Stapleton also send their condolences.. Peter had a vast network of friends . Some of whom he drove mad with his Christmas Telephone calls usually accompanied by whoever happened to be at his place at the time Kenny Edwards Tubby Holt Tiny Quinn and all as sober as judges, NOT.  We were glad when he left Telecom.
Lost touch with Peter for a while and only saw him when he was crook in hospital , Love to remember him as a really good bloke, a teddy bear of a man with a great love for his family and friends. I think Peter would have liked the sentiments of this little poem called simply The Cricket.

Go in peace mate, loved you Pedro.     

 

Cricket..

Hold it gentle, not too tightly, that’s a Cricket in your hand,
I still feel the marvel of it, and I somehow think it’s, planned,
I pass this feeling on to my kids, and they in turn to theirs,
As the tiny claws start pushing, you can see the little hairs
On their necks rise up in wonder: you begin to understand.
Hold it gentle, not too tightly, that’s a Life there, in your hand.

Your child’s life is, like that Cricket, fleetingly: to have and hold,
Hold it gentle, not too tightly, just firm enough, to mold,
A warm decent human being, one who knows what’s right what’s wrong,
Then you’ll feel their claws, a pushing, their time’s come, to move along.
Turn them loose, give them your blessing, sure they’re young, but so were we,
And we know that they may stumble, but that’s part of being free.

Some day, should we get lucky, sometime, further down the track,
They may have children of their own, may choose to bring them back,
To visit, let us hold them, one more generation, spanned,
Hold it gentle, not too tightly, that’s a Grandchild in your hand.”  
 
I dream, one day, I’ll see their kids, hold their tiny hands in mine,
If that should happen, well and good, but if not, that’s also fine,
For, I’ve had my share of fortune, a great family and true friends,
And I sense, somewhere, not far away, is where my journey ends.
I feel the hourglass of my life, sort of, running short, on sand,
Hold me gentle, not too tightly, I’m that Cricket in your hand.

Long John Best  2007
 

A celebration of Peter’s life was held at Beenleigh on Monday afternoon.

A large gathering of Peter’s family and friends attended, including all his Grandchildren [Lucy, Natalie, Ellen, Kathleen, Shannon, Brendan, Reeanne, Keely and Niall.] 


A family prepared Eulogy was read by Peter’s daughter, Maria.

This was followed by a Tribute sent by Jim “ Bluey “ Neighbour and read by
Peters daughter, Peta.

John Best, also spoke and recited a poem.

Music played was some of Peters favourites.

Four Gunnies attended the service, John Best, Alan Jones, Kev Millard and yours truly.

My association with Peter was in Malaya, we also shared a tent in Ubon Thailand 1962 as part of the 79 Sqn contingent.

Peter, may you Rest in Peace.