Obituaries

Recently Deceased Old Virgilians and Friends of SVC

BOOTH, Arthur David 27.05.1940 – 18.07.2025

Arthur passed away peacefully at Derwent Views, Lindisfarne, on the 18th July 2025. Loving husband of Pat. Much loved father to Nathan (svc 1986-91), Katherine and Sarah and father-in-law to Julie and Chris. Loved Grandfather to Halina, Zavier, Isaac and Josie. Great friend and chosen family to Bev (dec), Ross and Stuart. Resting Peacefully.

 

BUTTON, Christopher David 13.01.1981 -10.07.2025  (svc 1993-96)

Passed away 10 July 2025. Much loved and loving son and brother of Robert (Dec), Donna (Dec), Melissa and Matthew (svc 1988-93)Private Funeral Service. Rest in Peace Brother

 

COLEMAN, Matthew John (PhD) 12.10.1959 – 5.6.2025 (svc 1973-79)

Passed away suddenly 5th June. Loved and loving son of George (Ronald dec) and Jennifer (dec). Loved brother and brother-in-law of Phillip (dec svc 1952-59), Robert, Janelle and Sean (svc 1979-84).  Respected uncle of Rebecca, Claire and Jamie.Rest in peace.

 

DOHERTY, Patrick James 06.07.1936 – 21.07.2025

Sadly lost his battle with dementia and died peacefully at St. Ann’s Residential Facility. Beloved husband of Kay (svc staff 1986-2005), father of Deb, Doug(svc 1978-82)and Dana, and their families. There was no end to Pat's generosity. His quick wit and stirring ways will be missed by all. 

 

DWYER Rex James  6.10.1965 – 16.06.2025 (svc 1978-83)

Loving husband of Karen. Father of Samuel, Gemma & Aeliaand their partners Emma, Gian & Luke. Grandfather to Thea. Loved son of Rex James (svc 1942-46) and Therese Fay (dec). Loving brother of Michael svc 1969-73), Pauline (dec), Brendan (dec. svc 1970-79), Colman (svc 1971-76), Bernard (svc 1975-80)  and John (svc 1981-87). Much loved brother-in-law of Maria, Rosemary, Jill and Maryann and families. May you rest in peace.

 

Rex was a partner at Lorkin, Delpero & Dwyer – a firm of Chartered Accountants

 

GRAVES, Neil David 06.07.1936 – 21.07.2025 (svc 1950-51)

Loved husband of Janice and loving dad of Lesley, Glenn (svc  1974-82) and Jenny. Loving pop to Rebecca and Matthew. Son of Ted and Emily Graves (dec) Brother of John (dec) Dennis (svc 1956-61), Terry (svc 1959-62) and Betty. 

 

GRAVES, Teresa Agnes  13.10.1939 – 30.07.2025

Dearly loved and loving wife of John (dec). Cherished mum of Catherine and Bob, Danny (svc 1987-93) and Lou,and Michael  (svc 1987-92) and Rach. Much loved nanny to Grace and Henry, Dylan (svc 2017-2020), Abbie and Mackenzie, Alfie and Maisy.Daughter of Joseph and Theresa Benbow (both dec). Cherished beyond words, loved beyond measure. RIP

 

HARRIS, Noeline 3.2.1939 – 18.6.2025. Loved and loving wife of Leon (dec). Devoted mother and mother-in-law of Leanne, Damian (svc 1976-81) and Garry, Andrew (svc 1978-81) and Pene. Proud Grandma and Grandma-in-law to Alicia and Jon, Alexander and Issy, Nicholas and Eilish, Sophie and James, Luke and Sammi, Emilie and Erik.

 

HISCUTT Desmond Miller  5.3.1933 – 19.6.2025 (svc 1948-49)

Died peacefully at Coroneagh Park. Beloved husband of Margaret for 63 years. Loving father and father-in-law of Mary Anne and Philip Moses (dec.), and Susan and Tony Nunn.

Loved grandpa of Ivan, Bob, Ellie, Bill, Tom and Marnie Moses and Joseph, Georgia and Alice Nunn. Great grandpa of Theo and Olive. Son of the late James (svc 1911-14) and Susan and brother of Terence 3.9.1929 – 24.3.2023 (svc 1942-46) and Hugh AM  10.7.1926 – 21.3.2023 (svc 1943-46)

 

JOHNSTON, Dal 19.05.1936 – 17.07.2025 (svc 1949-52)

Son of Tony and Ismay, brother of Carleen. Father of Neil, Mark, Karen and Paul. Private Cremation.

 

JOHNSTON Todd Vivien 16.10.1968 - 29.6.2025 (svc 1981-86) Loved and loving son of Norman (dec) and Cynthia. Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Scott, Kim and Maud, Ricky, Tamara, Neryl and Christopher. Loved husband of Tania, and father and father-in-law of Luke and Alex, Brady and Nicole, Vanessa and Jordan, Nathan and Meredith. Loved poppy of allhis grandchildren.

 

The following tribute from his employer appeared also in the local press.

On behalf of ‘Tasmanian Independent Retailers’ board, staff & members, we send our sincere condolences to Tania and the family of Todd Johnston. A remarkable man, who left a lasting impact through his passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Todd was a true friend to so many within the TIR family and we will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Todd.

 

KOHL Hayden Snr.   d.23.07.2025 

Loving husband of Shirley Judith Kohl (dec.)Beloved father of Tonia, Brian, Peta and Haydn  (svc 1981-86) and their partners Pierre Slicer (svc 1951-60) Penny, Chris and Alex.  Cherished grandfather of Tahnee, Brad, Amelia, Declan, Kieran, Hugo and Zara. Proud great-grandfather of Elouise, Patrick and Annabel. Haydn’s wit, wisdom, and warmth touched the hearts of all whoknew him. A storyteller, a steady hand, and a beloved presence - he leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity and love.

 

LYDEN, Edward Henry  13.10.1934 – 29.07.2025  SVC 1945-1951

LYDEN, Edward Henry ‘Ted’Passed away peacefully Tuesday, 29th July 2025. Everybody’s Uncle Ted. Much loved Uncle, Great Uncle and GG Uncle to all his nieces and nephews. One of natures true gentleman.

 

MIDSON, Marita Julie   12.06.1945 – 31.07.2025

Dearly loved and loving wife of Michael. Daughter of Arthur and Jean Shelverton (both dec). A gracious, giving, loving, compassionate, selfless, strong and humble woman.

There for us all in good times and bad. A beautiful, dedicated and respected mother to Gabrielle, Veronica, Joseph ( SVC 1984-89) dec.), Clare, Bernadette, Sarah, Michael (svc 1991-94), Kevin (svc 1996-99) and Patrick (svc 1997-2000) and their partners Brett, Darryl, Aaron, Kriss, Rachel and Rebecca. A passionate and fun-loving grandmother to her 13 grandchildren who love her dearly.

 

MILLS, Mary Frances  18.04.1943 - 12.08.2025

Loving wife of Ian Beven Mills (svc 1954- 60); mother/mother in law of Anne-Maree, & Louise & Simon; and nanny of Tessa, Esther & Dylan. (Private ceremony)

Sister-in-law of the late Don Mills (svc 1945-52) "Remember me with love and laughter". 

SMITH Neville Albert 28.09.1939 – 13.07.2025  SVC 1953-55

Neville passed died peacefully on July 13, 2025, in the Launceston General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen Smith (dec.) and loving father of Malcolm and Heather, Nick, Margaret and Leon, Matthew and Laurilee.

Grandpa of Katie, Ellen, Callum, Declan, Paige and Lachlan

Son of Edward and Florence Smit (both dec.); brother of Ross,  Shirley, Audrey, Lindsay and David.

 

STEENHUIS, Magdalena Elizabeth Maria (nee Stokman) 26.10.1934 - 18.06.2025

Daughter of Gillis and Anna, loving and loved wife of Titus (dec) and beloved mother to Mariann, Gilbert (svc 1971-77), Carol and Tim (svc 1977-86). Friend and mother in law to Dennis, Karen and Malcolm. Precious Oma to Anna, North, Michael, Kool, Gabrielle and Lyric. 

 

STUART, Brian Peter   10.12.1935 – 13.08.2025 (svc 1946-51)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful Dad, aged 89, surrounded by love. Beloved husband of Aileen Mary (dec).Loving father of Scott (svc 1967-75), Grant (svc 1969-76), Hayley & Cameron (svc 1984-89). Treasured grandfather of Adam, Jordan, Amy, Caitlin, Alex & Britt, Millie & Luke.Adored Pop to all his great-grandchildren.A true fighter with a heart of gold. Forever loved.