Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

N () (): Much-loved Ipswich World War II veteran Arthur Keith Pennell passed away on Sunday 24 July at the age of 96, surrounded by his family. Keith was a pillar of the local veterans community and Ipswich generally. A former citizen of the year, he served in the Australian General Transport Company and in Japan following the atomic bombing. He was a life member of the Ipswich RSL and patron of the Bundamba ANZAC Observance Committee. At the dawn services there, he recited the oath for nearly 40 years. I always attend that service every year and enjoy catching up with him for a chat.

Keith dedicated his life to supporting his fellow living veterans through volunteer work with the Ipswich Incapacitated Servicemen and Women's Association. He was a former president of the association and a pension welfare officer. It was an honour to present Keith with a commemorative medallion and certificate of commemoration at the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2020.

With his passing, we've lost another connection to that great generation who grew up in the Depression and served in World War II and then rebuilt our nation post-war. It's hard to describe with words the deep respect held for Keith in the Ipswich community. I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Keith's daughter Estelle, his family and his many friends, particularly those at Bundamba at this time. I can't be at the funeral service. Vale, Keith Pennell. Thank you for your service. Lest we forget.