Mr Pierre DONALDSON (13 August 2002, aged 80 years)

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Pierre was born in Tahiti and moved to New Zealand and then Australia with his parents Reg and Odette. In 1938 Pierre went to PNG as a Cadet Patrol Officer and was in Port Moresby when the Japanese dropped the first bombs. He joined the RAAF and was sent to the UK where he completed two tours of operations flying over Europe as a gunnery officer in Halifax bombers. Whilst based in the UK Pierre met his wife Thelma whom he married before being repatriated to Australia.

After the war Pierre resumed his career in New Guinea and served in such places as Port Moresby, Samarai, Ehu, Madang and Saidor. Over the years he was promoted to ADO and ADC in places such as Bogia, Wewak, Angoram, Okapa and Goroka. His final appointment was as Senior Project Officer in Port Moresby from where he retired in 1974. Pierre and Thelma then settled into their home at North Narrabeen NSW. During this time Pierre was active in the Lions Club and was an avid bowler. In June 2001 they moved to Brisbane to be closer to their two daughters.

Pierre is survived by his wife Thelma, children Annette, Laraine, Michael and Grant, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pierre's daughter Laraine (Una Voce - March 2003)