John Benseman R I P

John Benseman R I P

  

All,

We regret to advise of the passing of John Benseman. Our thoughts are with Connie and Malinda.

John was born in New Zealand on the 24^th February, 1946. In 1963 he was indentured as an Apprentice Motor Mechanic by Dominion Motors, later known as the New Zealand Motor Corporation. In 1969 he was employed by the Cook Islands Motor Centre on Raratonga. In 1971 he ventured to Panguna with Construction Managers, Bechtel WKE. The following year he switched to the client, initially as a Leading Hand Motor Mechanic and then, subsequent to several promotions, he was promoted into a Superintendent role. Until 1990 he reported to many of our key asset managers at the BCL and CRA operations. These include Jim Adomoli, from Bechtel, Al Medwin, Col Clarke and Pat Ramunno. It was in 1990 that he transferred with CRA to Kaltim Prima Coal where he was reporting to John Arkeveld. In 1994 he returned to PNG where he lived in Kimbe and was employed by New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL). He remained in Kimbe until a few months ago when he contracted an illness associated with leukemia.

A few years ago it was said that John, at that particular time, managed the largest fleet of Volvo on-road trucks in the Southern Hemisphere. It was Volvo Managers, Michael Norman and Peter Marshall, who alerted me to our loss. Thank you so much, Michael and Peter.

  

John was a keen fisherman. On one memorable occasion John, while looking after Carrots` boat, took Bob Gowans and myself for an adventure around the Zuens and beyond. I am sure that others would like to write of JB`s fishing prowess. There were many stories.

  

John`s funeral will take place at the Centenary Memorial Gardens on Thursday 9^th August at 2;00 PM.

A memorial service will also be conducted in PNG.

Davo and Peter B.

https://www.centenarymemorialgardens.com.au/

Colin Browne R I P

Subject: Colin Browne R I P

All,

We regret to advise the passing of our long time friend, Colin Browne. Col departed us on the 22nd June in the Bega Hospital after a fall at his home on the 21st June. Our condolences go to Anne and the family including Liz, Sally, Peter, Vicki, Venetia and James and the grand-children. Several of the family spent extended periods living in Panguna. You could say that they were one of Panguna’s best known families. Anne spent a long spell as the nurse at B60. I for one was most grateful for her attendance. There was many a Monday where I started the week with a visit to Anne’s little donga to have patched up, my weekend football and squash injuries. I remember Sally and Vic’s wedding, at DCV’s house.

Col arrived in Panguna in 1969. His initial employment was with camp management contractor, B F Brown. In due course he joined the client, BCL. My first motor vehicle in Panguna was a Toyota utility, marked “B F Brown No. 17”. Col kindly assisted me with this purchase.

I have great memories around enjoying a few drinks subsequent to a hard day at our Panguna office. When Peter Petty (with his pet rock) managed the Camp 10 camp and boozer it was widely considered that he served up the coldest SP on the island. There was a period where the Cricket Club was closed for some reason so we would congregate at Camp 10. Some of Peter’s better customers were Ron Herrick, Gary Reynolds, John Langman, John Pearson and Jack Green. In those days, way back in 1972 I was the local bookie as well as running the electrical warehouse for Bechtel WKE. Peter Browne worked close to me in this warehouse and workshop at around this time. I can remember being on the receiving end of some stern glances from Col with regard to my bookmaking activities. At that time Col held a management role across several of the Panguna and Loloho camps.

Col will be very much missed by the extended Browne family and by their large circle of friends.

There will be a notice in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Melbourne Age and the Herald Sun this week, Tuesday and Saturday. The celebration of Col’s life will take place at the Long Tome No Sea Restaurant, Cutagee Lake, Bermagui, Sapphire Coast NSW. The service and gathering will commence at 2:00 pm and conclude at 4:30 pm on Tuesday 17th July.

Thanks to Liz and to Vic for your timely assistance.

Regards, Davo and Peter B.