Poignant farewell for army stalwart
FAMILY and friends paid their respects to former brigadier Neil Weekes AM MC yesterday at a Townsville service. Brigadier Weekes died from brain cancer on March 6. He served in Vietnam as a P Platoon Commander a and was Brigadier of the 11th Brigade in Townsville. The service, which w was held at the T Townsville RSL yesterday, saw hundreds of people gather to pay t their respects. RSL sub branch s secretary Val Clark s said it was a beautiful s service. “Lieutenant Gene eral John Caligari ( re- tired) spoke about Neil’s service in the army,” she said.
“The National Servicemen’s Association also spoke and ( former Townsville RSL president) Rod Mcleod spoke of his time as a patron of the Townsville RSL. It was emotional but people were sharing their memories.”
Brigadier Weekes was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia and was awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry for his service in Vietnam.
He also worked hard to strengthen the city’s relationship with the defence community while also being instrumental in having the land at Jezzine Barracks gifted to Townsville City Council.