By SHARON SCOTT

ON June 19 we said farewell to an amazing man.

Phil Dudley who, lived in Jamieson, was the much-loved husband of 69 years to Seve and father to Lorraine Vaartjes, who resides in Brisbane, and Sharon Scott from Kevington.

Phil passed away peacefully in the Mansfield hospital and his wife and two daughters, and grandson Shane, were by his side.

Phil was born in Liverpool in the UK - he spent 22 years in the British Army, serving in Kenya, Aden (Yemen), Cyprus, and Germany.

Ten years of Phils military life was in the Parachute Regiment and 12 in the Intelligence Corps. During his career Phil found himself in many precarious situations, from being reported missing for two weeks and thought dead after wildfires in Cyprus, Phil kept his whole platoon safe and brought them to safety.

He then received a commendation of the middle east commander-in-chief after working 72 hours with hardly a break after being called out when a Coup d'etat occurred in one of the East African territories.

He worked in complete seclusion and secrecy preparing air photographic mosaics which proved to be invaluable in the planning process for 24 Infantry Brigade group.

There are so many fascinating stories that could be told about Phil's career in the British Army, and those who have heard them will surely attest to that.

The military career was not always serious, Phil was a body double for Virginia McKenna in the 1958 film Carve Her Name With Pride, and also appeared in the Alan Ladd movie the Red Beret.

Phil and family immigrated to Australia in 1973, living in Mornington, Berwick, Brisbane, back to Berwick, and then to Jamieson in 2012.

When he turned 60, Phil took up archery choosing to shoot longbow.

He was a natural in the sport and competed a number of times in the world masters where he won numerous gold and silver medals.

Much loved by all who met Phil, described as a gentleman with a great sense of humour, honourable, loyal, ethical and honest.

Phil had Dementia and became quite unwell four weeks ago, but he was determined to make it through to his 69th Wedding Anniversary, to the point he had arranged for his daughter Sharon to purchase an emerald ring for Seve a few weeks prior to being admitted to hospital.

Phil and Seve were married on June 18, 1954, and he passed away at 1.35am Monday, June 19, ensuring he did not pass on his wedding anniversary.

He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, five grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Phil will be missed by all who knew him, but memories will be of a great husband, father, grandfather, and a man you could rely on and trust to the enth degree.

RIP Phil, fly high.

17/07/1932 - 19/06/2023.