| In
loving memory of Patrick Joseph Dollisson
My uncle, Pat Dollisson passed away peacefully in the early hours of 4 February 2005. He was just 69 years old. He would like everyone to know he had a good life. He proudly served with the Royal Australian Air Force as an engine fitter, following in the footsteps of both his older brothers. Pat left the RAAF to become a driving instructor before moving back to Brisbane and persuing other trades until his unwilling retirement in 2002. Pat's other interests included motor racing in all forms, collecting car models, football, and being a couch potato. He was a good friend to all John's mates. Pat made a trip in 2003 to visit all the extended members of the family - maybe he had some form of foresight! Pat is survived by his four children; Mark, Natthew, John and Lesley and one grandson (Jack), one brother and sister. He will be missed especially by John who has been his constant companion for more than 10 years and carer during his illness. |
Pat was a very close member of my family and a good friend. He was one of those people who would just appear on our doorstep - no explanations, no telephone calls. He had been like this since his youth. When he lived in Newcastle and I in Sydney this happened more often than in latter years. I found his later unannounced visits amusing because he had to drive from Brisbane to almost Canberra - he had to know where he was heading!
Pat spent a fair amount of time visiting my father and trying to learn more about Dad's war time experiences before Dad died. He was the only member of his family to visit Dad regularly and ask Mum if she needed any assistance with their large property. Mind you, he really only wanted her to say everything was under control and he wasn't needed to do anything!
Many of you met Pat at Avalon air show 2003, his first experience of this huge show, and/or at Caboolture Air Spectacular 2004. He was unwell on one day at Caboolture but he didn't go for a check up. Some months later he was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer. He made up his mind to clear all the 'problems' in his life so he could leave in peace. He worked very hard to achieve this even though he was very weak and sick from the Chemotherapy. Sadly, his cancer was too advanced for the doctors to treat.
We made a big effort for Christmas 2004 because it seemed that time was running out for Pat. Matthew, wife Kirsty and their young son, Jack flew across from WA to spend a week with Pat and John. Matthew hadn't seen his father since 1992 and Pat hadn't met his daughter-in-law or grandson. He was so excited when he knew they were coming and he planned a wonderful Christmas. John and I planned a surprise, I would fly up on Boxing Day and just 'arrive'. Daughter, Lesley would arrive before Christmas and she would stay until the end of January.
Pat had a wonderful Christmas period, he was over the moon having so much of his family around him. He over exerted himself trying to do as much as possible in the short time we were all together. He fell in love with Kirsty immediately (as did the rest of us) and was delighted with young Jack who ignored him for the first couple of days. He couldn't believe John had organised a surprise and was blown away when I walked into the house - "what the bloody hell are you doing here?". A wonderful welcome!
We all thoroughly enjoyed our few days together, no aggravation or angst, just a happy group of people sharing love with someone they knew wouldn't be with them for much longer. My sister Carmel and husband Steve joined us for morning tea one day which made Pat even more excited. Our final dinner included Louise and her sons plus all the family - Pat called it the 'last supper'. In a way he way right.
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| L-R: Matt, John and Pat at Christmas 2004 | Pat and Jack on the front patio |
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| Kirsty needed proof that she'd visited Surfers Paradise with Matt and Jack. | Kirsty (apologies for rough cut) with Jack after I removed clutter. |
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| Lesley with Jack, he really took to her from the moment he saw her. | Wendy with Jack who had the giggles. |
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| Pat with Jack being watched by Matt - time to say goodbye. | Pat with Jack and Lesley 28/12/04. |
