Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

On Tuesday 15 February 2022, Rex 'Harry' Reid passed away in his 102nd year. He was a World War II veteran. I had the privilege of meeting Harry when I presented him with a commemorative medallion, for his service during the war, at the Launceston RSL in 2020. While I was leaning in to hear him, Harry sheepishly whispered: 'Darren Chester has already sent me one of these. Can I keep this one too? Given his service, I told him it was okay by me. I was also chuffed to learn that Harry had his handwritten 100th birthday card from me on his wall. Harry, who hailed from Tasmania's north-east, left school at 14 to work in farming with his dad before getting a job on the railways. Harry joined the Australian Navy in November 1941, conducting convoy work in the Pacific, chiefly in the New Guinea area. He had previously described this work as 'terribly monotonous' and 'not all beer and skittles'. Harry was married to his beloved wife, Bev, for more than 65 years and was father to Peter and Vicky. Vicky called her dad 'one in a million'. Last week, I sat with Bev and Vicki to hear of Harry's last days after he took a fall. There is of course deep grief over losing their husband and father, and I know that those last days before Harry passed were very painful. Harry was so loved by all who knew him, and my heart is with his family. Vale, Harry. I will miss you.