But what about that humble, always polite, quietly spoken and courteous gentleman who makes no fuss, stirs no agitation and whose presence in the office goes largely unnoticed? The fellow who plays bowls on the weekend and likes the occasional punt and who is so meek and mild. Such was the early 80s aged Ron who passed away quietly in his sleep last week; as quietly as he lived his life. Or so it seemed to us fellow volunteers with Ron at the hospital.
Arriving at the church for his funeral this morning I was gob smacked at the sight of a full police honour guard, bagpipers and literally dozens of uniformed top brass police officers each be-medalled as though they were Russian Generals.
The church was literally overflowing with mourners. A sizeable portion of the top echelon of the Queensland Police Force was present including that State's Police Commissioner who delivered one of three eulogies. There was an almost commensurate presence of the NSW Police Force top brass with our State's Commissioner unable to attend but present in spirit with a message delivered on his behalf.
From those eulogies I learnt that Ron, who quietly pushed the library trolley around to patients once a week, had been a career police officer in Queensland rising to the highest rank, the 15th Commissioner of his State's force, upon the sacking of his predecessor as a consequence of the Fitzgerald Inquiry into police corruption.
You just don't know.
What an amazing man. So accomplished and yet so humble. And serving others to the very end...
ReplyDeleteAmazing indeed, AdRad
DeleteRon Redmond? Yes, indeed. I lived in Brisbane during the 80s, and around the time of the announcement of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, he was definitely a major figure.
ReplyDeleteI didn't make the connection at all until today's funeral, James.
DeleteIt would appear that his generous spirit extended into his retirement given his volunteering at the hospital. It's good that he received such a send off.
ReplyDeleteHe would have been embarrassed by the praise heaped upon him, Craig.
DeleteA work mate had a heart attack two nights ago. He is from East Timor. He is friendly yet quiet, humble and a likeable fellow. Little do I know, as the person who told me about his heart attack also told me he has built a property empire in East Timor. To understate it, I was little surprised. Who knows about people really. Pre internet days, there was a time when even I thought I was interesting.
ReplyDeleteThat is true Andrew, even you have your private elements.
Delete